Get kids’ imaginations running wild with this simple space shuttle paper craft.
Way back in 2012, when we still lived in Massachusetts and my oldest child was five years old, Mike made this cute paper shuttle with the kids over New Years’.
How to Make This Space Shuttle Papercraft
They rolled a sheet of paper for the body, traced a saucer to make the cone (you only need a quarter circle to make a cone, but they used the full circle and doubled over), and cut small triangles for the base. Emma drew the entire family as astronauts!
Anna’s Space Shuttle Craft
Then, in 2020, my then-8-year-old daughter Anna was looking through my blog for activity ideas. That’s one great win of having a blog like this! When the kids say, “What can I do?” I send them here for ideas.
Anna found this post, and made her own version of this same craft. As before, she rolled a sheet of paper for the body. I think she just shaped and cut the top rather than tracing a saucer. And she made flames coming out of the bottom (blue flames, because blue flame is hot!) by cutting the paper and rolling it around the base. Always the artist, she also added some extra decor.
I love her colorful version, and that she made it her own while holding true to the original idea.
More Space Activities for Kids
DIY Cardboard Space Shuttle + More Fun Space Activities for Kids
This cardboard space shuttle DIY toy includes a light up feature!
Felt Spaceship Toy Sewing Tutorial
Sew a simple spaceship for kids to continue to explore and play. The astronaut can even leave the ship to explore!
Favorite Space Theme Books and Activities for Kids
Keep playing and learning about space with these books and activities.
Moon Activity for Kids - Storybook Science
Get creative with this moon themed art activitiy.
Do your kids love the idea of space travel? Please share photos if you make this craft!
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MaryAnne lives is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
I love the original and the update is also adorable.
I love when my kids revisit old blog activities!
Oh I just love this and your other educational resources! I would love for you to share your stuff on my site via my weekly homeschooling on the cheap linky: http://3boysandadog.com/deals/2012/homeschooling-on-the-cheap-january-12-2012/
What a fabulous rocket! And memorable time spent together :) My little boy is absolutely fascinated by space. We should make one too!
I saw this on pinterest recently and had to add it to my World Space Week board I hadn’t realised at the time that it was by you – Brilliant and I love the drawings will have to try something next year in world space week thank you for some more inspiration.
Thank you, Cerys =)
Love Emma’s finishing touch – perfect.
That is super duper adorable!
Cute – I might make one with my 4 year old son tomorrow, I think he would love that!
Of course the kiddos love space travel. I think most children enjoy space travel adventures.
The pictures of the family in the windows make my heart smile. So sweet!
Great craft! Yes, Anna loves the idea of space travel and plays space ships quite often, especially when her boy friend comes over to play. Emma is so creative with her drawings!
I love the astronauts! In preschool my girls made similar space ships but one of my daughters was absent that day. We had fun helping her make one at home.(we used a toilet paper roll for the “body”)
A toilet roll would make a great body for a spaceship!
What a cute, cute idea!
He makes so many great things for the kids.
Cutest space shuttle ever!!! The first family in space. :)
What a great space shuttle!
I LOVE the family peeking through the windows!! (Was a meal served on the flight? LOL!)
So cute!