Mini space explorers have been reaching the final frontier with help from a cardboard box (the ultimate in kid-friendly building supplies), for what seems like a million light years. We bet you remember blasting off on your own adventure—set to the Star Wars theme music, of course. Let your littles get in on the fun by helping them create their very own rocket ship headed straight for the next galaxy. From an easy how-to-make-your-own tutorial to a space-themed photo booth and even a wearable rocket, scroll down to check out inspiring homemade spaceships. Blast off!
1. Indoor/Outdoor Spaceship
When photog mom Marie set out to do a session with her little space cowboy, she knew there was no better prop than a homemade rocket ship. This simple design takes all of 10 minutes to make and by using just one single star and a few painted planets as guides, parents can delight in the perfect place to launch a thousand imaginary missions. For more about the rocket ship sessions visit Marie Holmes Photography.
Photo: Marie Holmes via Marie Holmes Photography
2. Wow-worthy Spaceship
This spaceship will leave you star-struck. The bright colors pop; the gadgets and gears on the side are genius. Dumpster-diving to find the right size box for the ship might be in the cards for this project, but after seeing the look on your mini-astronaut’s face as she blasts off into space, it’ll be worth the time you spend haunting U-Haul for discards. For more on this inspiring rocket, head over to Kate’s Creative Space.
Photo: Kate B via Kate’s Creative Space
3. Sparkly Space Adventure Ship
This sparkly ship is as cool as it is easy to make and it’s amazing what a little color will do for space exploration! Chelsea Foy of Lovely Indeed provides the step-by-step for an afternoon adventure perfect for a brand-new space explorer (the suggested box is tot-sized). Want to know how to get the steering wheel just right? Head over to Momtastic for the details.
Photo: Chelsea Foy via Momtastic
4. Simple and Sweet Spaceship
This super-easy tutorial is from friends over at Built by Kids . Have your kiddo setting a course for the stars in just four steps. Packing tape, crayons, scissors and an enthusiastic building partner are all you’ll need to get started! Check out the step-by-step instructions by clicking here.
Photo: Timothy and Laura Dahl via Built by Kids
5. Birthday Blast-Off Box
What better way to throw a space-themed birthday than with a homemade spaceship? Jessica of Living the Swell Life crafted a super space creation for her little guy’s fourth birthday. We think it’s a brilliant idea because not only is it an easy way to save on birthday decor but it’s something you can keep around for more playtime after the cake has been eaten—just like those shiny mylar balloons. Find out why her finishing touches are out of this world by popping over to Living the Swell Life.
Photo: Jessica Kesterson via Living the Swell Life
6. Oversized Spaceship
This cardboard rocket from Yolanda over at Mom Filter will fit more at least two to three adventurers, so make your own and host a playdate with your mom pals. With a rocketship of this size ready for take-off, you know you’ll have a good chance at actually being able to chat instead of constantly being called upon to fix-this-toy, dress-this-doll or get a snack for the wee ones. Why? Because they’ll be too busy heading for the farthest galaxy looking for aliens to bother with Mom. For more details, head over to Mom Filter.
Photo: Andrea Chu
7. Snap-worthy Spaceship
Who knew space explorers loved to mug for the camera, too? The cut out section of this DIY rocketship photo booth is such an adorable way to grab a share-worthy shot of your kiddos as they take flight to Mars. If you decide to add in the twinkly lights for stars, it’s totally possible you might not see your littles again until the next lunar phase. Find out how Beth did it by flying over to Unskinny Boppy.
Photo: Beth Bryan via Unskinny Boppy
8. Classic Spaceship
Sue of One Time Through is no stranger to cardboard creations and her simple imagination-fueled spaceship is worthy of numerous expeditions to explore the farthest galaxies. She got her box at Home Depot, and the space-like look of duct tape was all she used for her kiddo’s newest addition to playtime. We think the handle inside the door is space-tacular, too. Get more hints and tips for easy how-to from Sue over at One Time Through.
Photo: Sue Lively via One Time Through
9. Built-to-Size Spaceship
A DIY spaceship can come in all shapes and forms. Dude Mom Amanda proved that fact when she whipped up a wearable rocket for her youngest “dude”. The bright colors, decor and take-it-with-you-everywhere play factor makes this a super special spacecraft. Get tips and tricks by transporting yourself over to Dude Mom.
Photo: Amanda Rodriquez via Dude Mom
Have you ever made a cardboard spaceship with your kids? Share with us in a Comment.
—Gabby Cullen
