Leeland's Space Party - amberdover.com

In this post: An out of this world space party! Yummy space themed food, crafts, games, and centers!
Hello, dear ones! How are you? So, I threw this party for Leeland’s second birthday back in April. It was also close to Michael’s 11th birthday, but we didn’t have a big party for him this time. Around the time, Leeland was obsessed with all things “space” and “Little Einsteins”! His favorite word was “rocket”. Everyone had a blast at the party but honestly, I believe Leeland had the best time of all. He enjoyed the space themed play areas well into the next week!

Well, let us start at the beginning…

Invitations- I used free clip art to design the “Out of this World” invitations. You can get them here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Space-clipart-astronaut-clip-art-UFOs-aliens-spaceship-rocket-planets-958571

The Set- I bought the star balloons at Dollar Tree. I ordered the inflatable astronaut here, along with a space shuttle. I ordered these cups, plates, and napkins. I made the birthday cake holder out of a box and tinfoil. Michael helped me turn it into a space port.

Star Tunnel & Space Center- I used tarps, silver plastic table cloths, cardboard, Christmas lights, and star stickers to make the star tunnel that led into the space center.

The party was during the day but Leeland enjoyed the tunnel that night.

It was super simple but felt very magical.

The tunnel led into the space center which I set up in the school house. I hung up black table cloths which I flicked with glow in the dark paint. I hung it on a PVC pipe frame Chris made awhile back. I hung paper planets, astronauts, and rockets with string. I used a black light to keep everything glowing.

Cardboard, glow sticks, tinfoil, and various odds and ends made a perfect command center. Here’s Leeland playing with the Lite Brite.

Michael and I made a space video using footage from his Little Big Planet world, and space music. We had a countdown and the sack person went to the moon and Mars. The video was on a loop. I introduced it by saying “Welcome Space Cadets to Leeland’s 2nd Birthday Party!” or something like that. Leeland was thrilled!

Here’s everything glowing in the dark.

Ignore the creepy paper statue in the corner. It was a leftover from our study of Rome.

Space Gadgets- I found this Fisher Price toy at Goodwill. I glued space art over the pictures. Voila, rocket control!

Astronaut Costume- I used a Sharpie to make Leeland’s white onesie into a space suit…

Chris and I made the helmet out of insulation and a cheeseball dish. I was inspired by this lovely blog.

My costume- I like to be crazy when it comes to my kids. So I became an astronaut too. I used a Sharpie to draw on a cheap painters suit from Walmart. The box helmet belonged to a toy of Michael’s. White and blue garden gloves added the finishing touch.

Inflatable Planets- I bought these from Lifeway. Thankfully the newest VBS was space themed. I also used some of their music. I added Leeland’s face to a paper astronaut and I hung it with the planets under the gazebo above the Moon Rock Collection Center.

Moon Rock Collection Center- I hung up space posters in Leeland’s play house. I added fun props like a telescope with pictures of the planets in it. Also on the side http://www.giftofcuriosity.com/diy-astronaut-glove-box/ .

I put space themed activity sheets and constellation threading cards.

Glow in the Dark “Rocket” Little Tikes Car (makeover)

Leeland loved his new “rocket”. Here’s how I did it…

The painting of the Rocket- I found this Little Tykes car at Goodwill for an awesome price.

I covered it in blue spray paint.

Then I decorated it with glow in the dark paint (requires a black light).

Activities

Paperbag Helmets- inspired by https://www.pinterest.com/pin/82824080628738424/

In the works- Michael helped me cut and paint the helmets. You can also see the space port and the photo booth.

Here are some friends decorating their helmets with star stickers and glitter.

Cookie Cutter Star Paintings- Inspired by http://www.mrsplemonskindergarten.com/2017/02/tot-school-space.html

Astronaut Photo Booth- Cardboard and paint…

Rocket Rides- The big kids took the littles on Rocket rides using the wagon and the swing.

The tinfoil covered box made a nice looking rocket on top of the wagon…alas, it wasn’t to last.

Moon Jump- Our cardboard Roman columns became rockets for the trampoline.

Space Play- I threw in homemade astronaut peg dolls with other space toys.

Activities- These are the coloring pages from the Moon Rock Collection Center.

Not pictured: A Moon Rock Hunt using Easter eggs covered in tin foil.

Homemade Rocket Pinata- Directions found at http://sodapopave.com/soda-pop-ave/2013/8/8/rocketship-pinata-diy

This pinata did not want to die! So the kids took their frustrations out on it! Ha!

Storytime with Chakotay (the alien)- Aside from the Moon Jump, I think the kids enjoyed meeting our Bearded Dragon the most. He was a great alien. I read a Dr. Seuss Space book.