Space Baby Storytime
Zoom, zoom, zoom, we’re going to the moon! Choose one of the following moon-, star-, or space-themed baby storytime books, then pair it with a few of these songs and playtime ideas for more engagement and fun in your next Baby Storytime. I recommend repeating many of your rhymes and movement songs each week (repetition is key for cognitive development), but sprinkling in new thematic songs and activities, such as those below, helps keep things fresh and exciting. Visit The Youth Desk’s Baby Storytime page for more detailed guidance and outlines.
Space Baby Storytime Books
Space Baby Storytime Songs & Rhymes
Here are my favorite space-themed movement songs and rhymes for babies:
Up, Up, Up
Up, up, up in the sky like this (lift baby high)
Down, down, down to the ground like this (set baby down)
Up like this, down like this (lift baby up and down)
Because you’re my special baby! (hug baby)
Four Little Rockets Flannel Board
Place 4 rockets on a flannel board and remove one when appropriate OR hold up 4 fingers.
Four little rockets winking at me
One shot off – Zoooom (fly rocket off the board & lift baby)
Then there were three!
Three little rockets with nothing to do
One shot off – Zoooom (fly rocket off the board & lift baby)
Then there were two!
Two little rockets afraid of the sun
One shot off – Zoooom (fly rocket off the board & lift baby)
Then there was one!
One little rocket alone is no fun
It shot off – Zoooom (fly rocket off the board & lift baby)
Then there was none!
Mr. Sun
Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun (hold arms above head in a circle)
Please shine down on me. (lower arms and hug baby)
Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun (hold arms above head in a circle)
Hiding behind a tree. (put hands in front of baby’s face)
These little children are asking you, (Tickle baby’s tummy)
To please come out so they can play with you (dance baby’s arms above head)
Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun (hold arms above head in a circle)
Please shine down on me! (lower arms and hug baby)
(Credit: Raffi)
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom
Zoom, zoom, zoom (bounce baby or rub hands to the beat)
We’re going to the moon
Zoom, zoom, zoom
We’re going to the moon
If you want to take a trip
Climb aboard my rocket ship (tickle fingers up baby’s back)
Zoom, zoom, zoom
We’re going to the moon
In 3, 2, 1…blastoff! (lift baby high)
Far, far, far
We’re going to the stars…
Fun, fun, fun
We’re going to the sun…
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Twinkle twinkle little star (open & close hands)
How I wonder what you are (open & close hands)
Up above the world so high (lift baby’s hands high)
Like a diamond in the sky (form a diamond with hands)
Twinkle Twinkle little star (open & close hands)
How I wonder what you are (open & close hands)
Space Baby Playtime Activities
Ending storytime with free play is an excellent way for babies and caregivers to socialize and observe others. You don’t need anything fancy. Simply setting out blocks, musical instruments, or bean bags would suffice, but here are some star and space-themed ideas to further enhance your program.
Galaxy Sensory Bags
Fill a gallon Ziploc bag with water and sequins, then duct tape the top shut. That’s it! Set bags out for babies to squish and explore. You can also get fancy by adding glitter, foam stars, cotton balls, blue food dye, or colorful shampoo.
Star Light Boxes
Poke holes in a box with scissors and push string lightbulbs through for a magical starry sky your little ones will love!
Space Spinners
These space-themed suction cup spinners are perfect for little ones. Suction them to the floor, a table, a tray, or let caregivers hold them while babies spin, grab, and tap them.
Star Nesting Cups
These star-shaped stacking cups are fantastic because you can use them in so many ways and for a variety of programs! Simply set them out during baby playtime or put them in sensory bins for kiddos to scoop and pour water, beans, rice, etc.
