FREE Eclipse Activities for Kids

On August 21, our nation will have the opportunity to see an incredible solar eclipse. Those who live in the path of totality will experience darkness in the middle of the day.

Map courtesy of NASA

Nashville, where I live, is on the path of totality and we are so excited for the experience. We already bought our glasses. (Get your eclipse glasses here.)

Below is a list of free and simple eclipse activities and resources for your kids, including a Mom Creative exclusive download.

Free Eclipse Resources & Activities for Kids

Free Eclipse Experience worksheet: This simple, 8.5×11 sheet will allow your child to document their eclipse experience. Don’t forget to add a photo or have them draw themselves in the portrait box.

Slip it in a scrapbook or keepsake album for an easy memory keeping piece for this special event. I’m so excited about this download and hope y’all love it as much as I do. DOWNLOAD YOUR PDF HERE.

Watch an Eclipse explainer video: The Dr. Binocs Show has a fun, short YouTube episode explaining what an eclipse is to kids. Watch it with your kids and talk about what they will experience on August 21 in your part of the country.

 

Make a Pinhole camera: This simple tutorial shows how easy is it to make a pinhole camera to view the eclipse. It can be made with a shoebox and piece of tinfoil, and is perfect for at home or in the classroom. It used the projected image of the sun to calculate its diameter, and then enables kids to create a scale model of the sun and earth.

Free Eclipse Educational packet: This packet from Apologia, a homeschooling company, has lots of worksheets geared toward teaching kids about the eclipse, as well as DIY activities for at home or in the classroom.

Whip up some Moon Pies: A sweet treat that is native to the south, these moon pies are the perfect dessert to enjoy on Eclipse Day.

Make an Eclipse out of coffee filters: To explain the eclipse to young kids, make this fun eclipse craft using construction paper and coffee filters.

Free Eclipse Activity packet: My Southern Health has a free activity packet including a crossword puzzle, coloring sheet and more. Perfect for families or teachers wanting more eclipse activities.

Pack an eclipse themed lunch: If your kids will be at school on eclipse day, pack an eclipse themed lunch, including a “I love you to the moon and back” lunch note, sandwiches on crescent rolls, sun and moon melon balls and total eclipse treat mix.  The treat mix is also perfect to serve at an eclipse party!

Eclipse Activity Guide Book for Kids: Okay, so this one is $4.95, but I bought it on Amazon and it is SO awesome. Seriously. My kids immediately started working on it together. Go buy a copy before they sell out.

If you are looking for more free resources, check out this downloads page from NASA. It offers an incredible selection of maps, projects and resources. Teach Mama also has a great round-up of ideas and activities. 

Also, check out the segment I did on eclipse activities for kids on News Channel 5 in Nashville.