Have an Astronomy Party!

Creating an astronomy party is a great crowd pleaser.

After all, who isn't fascinated by outer space? The stars, the planets... our solar system, and the universe have exerted a pull on humankind since ancient times.

This article assumes that you are planning to hold your party at home (although if a local planetarium is nearby you may want to consider a visit there followed, by say, cake and ice cream).

Use the ideas below as a springboard for your imagination. They are intended as suggestions only.

Most supplies can be made at home or purchased nearby inexpensively.

Below are links to reputable online suppliers if you'd rather your keyboard 'do the walking'.

If you don't have the time or inclination to do it all yourself, there are wonderful resources online which will provide you with complete party packages.

So feel free to use as few or as many as you want and modify them as you wish.

Invitations
Cut out the shape of a rocket from construction paper. Then write in the invitation detail. Or create locate a drawing of a rocket, scan it into your computer and create your invite online.

Alternatively, use postcards with pictures of outer space. Invite details are added to the reverse side.

Decor
Pictures and posters of astronomy or space scenes, planets, rockets and outer space movies... maps of the constellations, spaceships.

Favors, prizes
Outer space coloring books, toy rockets, books about the stars.

Astronomy Party Activities and Games
Sky viewing
If you have access to a telescope and it is dark (and clear) outside, nothing will thrill budding astronomers than a viewing of the night sky.

Test your astronomy skills Get a map of the stars and ask the party guests to find and name the constellations.

Space Travelers' Treasure Hunt
Treasure hunt with space related prizes.

Watch a Star Wars movie or (for older kids), a Carl Sagan documentary.

Food and Drink
Drinks from a squeeze bottle. Tang or orange punch. Soft foods such as peanut butter, jelly, soft cheese spreads that can be squeezed from a tube to be used on bread and crackers.

You can get easy-to-fill, reusable tubes designed for this purpose (they are generally used for camping) from a sporting goods store.