On April 8, 2024, the United States will experience a rare celestial event: a total solar eclipse. For a few brief hours, the moon will travel in front of the sun, blocking it completely. As these two heavenly bodies overlap, the air temperature will plummet, and the world will grow dark for a brief span of time. It’s a moment you won’t want your family to miss.
The unforgettable moment of totality — when the moon’s face completely obscures the sun — lasts just a few minutes. But you can make these magic moments last longer for your family. Creative art projects, eclipse-themed food and family games are all fun ways to build excitement and create lasting memories around this special event.
Whether you live in the path of totality, are planning to travel to view the eclipse, or want to celebrate from afar, you can join in the excitement. This year, the path of totality will stretch across much of the contiguous United States, including upstate New York, Ohio and Texas. Cities such as Buffalo and Cleveland will be treated to total eclipses, while other regions may get to view a partial eclipse only. No matter your location, these crafts and activities are a surefire way to get kids excited for the big moment.
Cosmically creative crafts
To keep your eyes safe during the solar eclipse, it’s critical to use proper eye protection. These crafts, on the other hand, are dazzling — but it’s safe to look at them directly.
Galaxy slime: As the moon covers the sun, the sky will darken, and some planets and stars may be visible. Get kids excited by making sparkly, squishy galaxy slime together. The final result is a glittery twist on regular slime that uses black, purple, blue and pink shades reminiscent of the birth of ancient stars.
Space-themed suncatchers: Another hands-on way to capture the beauty of the cosmos. Pour a mix of blue, purple and golden stained glass paints onto clear plastic plates, then let dry. Once they’re complete, they’ll look beautiful on your window as the light filters through.
Astronaut self-portraits: Does your little one dream of exploring outer space? Use online filters to take a selfie in an astronaut costume. Once you have found your favorite, turn them into self-portraits.
Upcycled space crafts: Continue celebrating all things celestial by making space crafts with everyday household objects. Turn toilet paper tubes into rockets or old socks into planets. Unleash your child’s creativity to build a galaxy of fun without breaking the bank or needing a trip to the store.
Blast off with simple games
Play these simple games while you wait for the solar eclipse to happen. Or have a weekend eclipse party before the big day and really build up the anticipation.
Shadow puppets: Challenge kids to create a mini-performance using their hands or art supplies. It’s a great way to spark curiosity about the celestial mechanics that produce the eclipse.
Space-themed charades: Add a cosmic twist to a favorite game by encouraging kids to act out movies like “E.T.,” “Wall-E” and “Space Jam.”
Eclipse scavenger hunt: Hide celestial-themed objects around your house or yard, then get kids to team up and solve clues to find them.
Space explorer says: Simon Says, but make it space-themed. Invent commands like “Space Explorer says float like you’re in zero gravity” or “Dock your spaceship,” meaning sit down quickly.
Snacks that are out of this world
Whether you’re viewing the eclipse right outside your home or planning a picnic for the big day, don’t miss the chance to make some heavenly treats. Older kids may be interested in choosing the menu or helping you prepare.
Sun cookies: Make sugar cookies, either from scratch or with the help of premade cookie dough. Decorate them with orange icing swirls and sprinkles.
Moon pies: Sandwich marshmallow filling in between two round graham cookies and coat them with chocolate. If you’re making this treat at home, consider dipping them halfway to represent the eclipse.
Half moon cookies: These classic cookies are the perfect eclipse treat since they are frosted with half chocolate icing and half
Galaxy fruit salad: Mix cosmic-colored berries together with star fruit for a healthy and colorful salad.
If you’re lucky enough to be viewing the eclipse in a warmer climate, then pack up all of the above and enjoy an eclipse picnic. Add crescent-shaped sandwiches, easily accomplished using cookie cutters or drinkware, for your main dish. For your drinks, create a lunar lemonade by mixing grape and lemon juice and adding some star fruit slices.
Beyond the food and fun
Create the right kinds of memories by watching and documenting the eclipse safely. This unique celestial event is also a great opportunity to teach kids about outer space.
Avoid risking eye damage during the eclipse
Don’t forget to review NASA’s safety guidelines as you prepare for the eclipse. As NASA’s website explains, looking at the sun without specialized eye protection during the eclipse will result in instant and severe eye injury. Their website recommends using eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer to protect your eyes.
During a recent interview with Time magazine, Dr. B. Ralph Chou, president of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and a former optometry professor, stressed the importance of protecting your eyes during the eclipse. “If people look without the proper protection [at the sun], they run the risk of injuring their eyes,” explained Chou. “And if they get an injury, depending on how often and how long they look at the sun without the protection, they do have a substantial risk of developing a permanent loss of vision.”
Blast off into a world of learning
This upcoming total solar eclipse is the perfect opportunity to get kids curious about science and outer space. Together, you can explore why and how the eclipse happens, which may lead to other questions about the solar system, the moon and astronomy.
Your local science museum or college may also be holding events to celebrate the eclipse. Depending on what’s happening in your area, it could be an exciting opportunity to hear from experts and celebrate this unique occurrence with your community.
Your unforgettable eclipse adventure
Did you know that, after April 8, 2024, there will not be another total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until August 23, 2044? With 20 years until the next total solar eclipse, there’s no time like the present to seize the moment. There’s a way for everyone to celebrate this exciting occurrence, whether it’s through creative crafts, delicious treats or fun games. How will you be participating in this year’s total solar eclipse?
Anne Jolly is the creator of the food blog Upstate Ramblings. She loves to cook, and she loves science.