Fostering a child’s hobbies and extracurricular interests focuses their attention on productive and educational activities. If your child has expressed an interest in the stars, planets, and space, visiting a planetarium will encourage their engagement with astronomy. Here are some other tips to spark their curiosity.

How to Get Kids Interested in Astronomy

1. Astronomy Books & Apps

Help your child understand what they're looking at when they view the stars in the sky by buying them a collection of age-appropriate astronomy books, atlases, and apps. Books with easy-to-understand descriptions and colorful pictures grab and hold the attention of younger children and teens. Texts, games, and apps are designed to supplement viewing the stars outdoors and prepare kids for visiting science museums and planetariums.

2. Telescope

Any budding stargazer will love spending evenings trying to identify their favorite constellations and planets with their very own telescope. This classic astronomy tool helps kids explore the science of the sky. When you bring space into your home with a kid-friendly telescope, your child will learn while having fun. Choose a model that’s appropriate for your child’s age, and help them set it up in your backyard.

3. Stargazing Adventure

Add an extra level of fun to your child’s stargazing by turning their interest into an exciting adventure. Plan a weekend to go camping and bring your telescope along. Viewing the stars in seclusion away from the light pollution near your home will be a revelation. You can also plan trips to coincide with upcoming cosmic events to add more excitement.

To nurture a child’s interest in astronomy, plan an excursion to a nearby planetarium. The Pink Palace Family of Museums in Memphis, TN, is home to a wide array of scientific, educational, and technological attractions and exhibits. Your little stargazer will love the AutoZone® Dome at the Sharpe Planetarium and leave this learning center eager to explore the universe. To find out more about the dome, call (901) 636-2362, or visit the planetarium’s website.