Free Outer Space Lacing Cards: Sun, Moon, and Planets
These free printable outer space lacing cards turn a space lesson into a hands-on activity. Children can thread yarn around the Sun, Moon, and all eight planets while practicing the fine motor skills used in many everyday tasks.
The download includes five pages with ten colorful pictures, two per page. Each picture has small circles around its edge to show where an adult should punch the lacing holes. Print a few favorites for a quick activity, or prepare the full set for a preschool space unit, homeschool lesson, or classroom center.
Space Worksheets for Preschool and Planets Lacing Cards are perfect for those planning a space study unit.
What is included in the printable?
The cards feature the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Each space picture has a friendly face and marked lacing holes.
The pictures make it easy for children to choose. A child might start with Earth because they recognize it, choose Saturn for its rings, or pick the bright Sun. You can also use the full set to introduce the planets’ names without turning the activity into a formal lesson.
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Supplies Needed:
- The free outer space lacing cards PDF (Download at the bottom of this post)
- Cardstock
- Scissors
- A single hole punch
- Yarn or shoelaces
- Tape, if using yarn
- A laminator, optional
Cardstock helps the cards hold up as children pull the lace through the holes. For a classroom set you plan to use repeatedly, laminate the pages before cutting out the pictures and punching the holes.
How to make the space lacing cards
- Download and print the five-page PDF. Print on cardstock for sturdier cards.
- Cut out the pictures. Follow the outline while leaving the marked hole circles intact.
- Laminate if you want reusable cards. Cut them out after laminating.
- Punch each marked circle. An adult can do this preparation before giving the cards to a child.
- Prepare the yarn. Wrap tape firmly around one end to create a stiff tip, or use a shoelace that already has one.
- Demonstrate the first two holes. Show your child how to push the lace through, turn the card over, and find the next hole.
For a beginner, you do not need to punch every marked circle right away. Prepare just a few holes on one card so your child can practice the motion, then add more as they become comfortable.
How to use the cards with preschoolers
Let your child choose a picture and lace around it at their own pace. They can thread through every hole in order, or simply practice going in and out of a few holes. No need to finish a whole card in one sitting.
Try one of these simple prompts while they work:
- “Can you find Earth?”
- “Which picture has rings?”
- “What color yarn would you choose for the Sun?”
- “Can you count the holes as you lace?”
An older child might enjoy putting the planet cards in order after lacing them. For younger children, choosing, naming, and describing the pictures is plenty.
Why use lacing cards?
Lacing gives children practice guiding an object toward a small target while the other hand holds the card steady. It also helps them pull the lace through and find the next hole. These fine motor lacing activities fit easily into a space theme and require little equipment once the cards are prepared.
If your child finds yarn difficult to control, try a shoelace with a firm plastic tip. If the lace catches, check that the holes are punched all the way through. Keep the hole punch for adult use and supervise young children with the laces.
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More space activities for kids
After lacing the planets, continue your space theme with our Outer Space Finger Puppets or Earth and Rocket Spinning Rotation Craft. You can also explore more kids’ printables for hands-on learning at home or in the classroom.
Planning a full space theme? Pair these cards with our space worksheets for preschool. After children lace the planets, they can build a solar system diorama or try our Earth and rocket spinning craft. For pretend play, print the outer space finger puppets too.
This Day 4 of Creation Craft is perfect if you are studying the days of creation, sun, moon, and stars. Thanksgiving Lacing Cards are perfect to celebrate fall holidays.
Download the Free Outer Space Lacing Cards
Ready to prepare your space activity? Download the five-page Outer Space Lacing Cards PDF below. Print all ten pictures, or choose a few to start.
What age are these space lacing cards for?
They are best suited for preschool and kindergarten children who are ready to thread a lace through holes. Younger children can participate with close supervision and adult help.
What comes in the free printable?
The five-page PDF contains ten pictures: the Sun, Moon, and eight planets. Each picture has marks showing where to punch the lacing holes.
Should I print lacing cards on cardstock?
Yes. Cardstock makes the cards sturdier when children pull the lace through the holes. You can also laminate them before cutting and punching if you plan to reuse them.
What can I use instead of yarn?
A child-sized shoelace works well because its firm tip pushes through the holes easily. You can also wrap tape around the end of a piece of yarn to make it easier to thread.
Do I need to punch every hole?
No. For beginners, punch just a few holes in one card. You can add the remaining holes when your child is ready for a longer activity.
