Your crew will have so much fun with these free outer space playdough mats. These print-and-go pages make hands-on learning feel easy and exciting.
These mats are awesome for morning baskets, quiet time, or a space-themed activity. Kids can build rockets, create meteors, shape Earth, add craters to the moon, and more using playdough.
I’ve got some share creative ways to use them and simple extensions to boost learning. Learn more and how to get your free pack today!
Why Space Playdough Mats Work So Well for Little Learners
Outer space has always been one of my favorite themes to use with younger kids. There’s something so cool about rockets, stars, planets, and astronauts. And when you pair that kind of excitement with hands-on playdough fun? Oh my stars… it’s learning gold.
This theme is an easy way to keep kids engaged while sneaking in early learning skills, like fine motor work, creativity, and early literacy.
What I really love about these playdough mats is how flexible they are. You can use them:
- As a simple extension after reading a space-themed book
- During a space unit in your homeschool or classroom
- As a quick print-and-go activity for quiet time or morning work
- At a space-themed birthday party or playdate
And the best part? These mats are like little creativity boosts. Kids build off the basic shape. Playdough, dry erase markers, extra doodles… it all works. There’s blank space for them to add planets, shooting stars, or whatever their imagination dreams up.
I also love how easy these are to prep. You can print them and use as-is, laminate them for long-term use, or slide them into dry erase sleeves. Then, grab your favorite playdough (homemade or store-bought) and you’re set.
Related: Free printable space color by number pages
What’s Inside This Outer Space Playdough Mat Pack
This printable pack includes 10 fun and easy-to-use outer space–themed mats that kids can build on, decorate, and explore. Inside the set, you’ll find:
Each mat includes a simple dotted tracing word for handwriting practice and reinforce vocabulary and early literacy. Print just the ones you want or use the whole set as part of a larger space unit or morning basket theme.
Related: Free printable space coloring bookmarks
Recommended Materials for Playdough Mat Fun
You only need a few basics to enjoy these mats. Here’s what I suggest for easy, low-prep learning fun:
- Playdough (store-bought or homemade)
- Dry erase sleeve pockets (super helpful if you don’t want to laminate)
- Laminator + laminating sheets (optional but great for long-term use)
- Dry erase markers for tracing, outlining, or adding details
- Small manipulatives like buttons, gems, beads, or pom-poms (perfect for decorating stars, craters, or planets)
- Plastic craft knives or playdough tools (for safe shaping and cutting)
- A tray or mat to contain the playdough fun and make cleanup easier
These materials help you reuse the mats as many times as you want and make it simple to switch things up depending on your child’s mood, interest, or the theme you’re exploring.
Related: Free printable solar system cootie catcher + fact cards
Cool Ways to Extend the Activity
Keep that screen-free fun going! Books and stickers are sensational ways to continue the fun.
8 Little Planets: A Solar System Book for Kids with Unique Planet CutoutsKnowledge Encyclopedia Space!: The Universe as You’ve Never Seen it BeforeNational Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of SpaceNational Geographic Kids Super Space Sticker Activity Book: Over 1,000 Stickers!24 Sheets Space Themed Sticker Set – 8 Planets, Astronauts, Spaceships, and Rockets Explore Space Stickers for Kids Outer Space Themed Party Favors1000 Realistic Solar System Stickers for Kids – Outer Space Planet Stickers for Party Decoration, Teacher Reward, Educational Purposes
Related: Free printable moon phases foldable activity
FAQs About Using These Playdough Mats
Nope! Laminating is optional. You can print and use them as-is or slip them into dry erase pockets for reusable fun.
They’re perfect for preschool and Kindergarten plus older toddlers who are past the mouthing stage. Early elementary kids may enjoy them too, especially if they love space themes.
Absolutely! Kids can draw on the mats with dry erase markers, use small manipulatives, or even decorate with stickers.
Get Your Free Printable Space Playdough Mats
Outer space themes are always a hit with young learners and these playdough mats make it so easy to bring that excitement to your homeschool, classroom, or library time.
This set includes 10 PDF printable pages (plus terms of use page). Please print as many as you need for your personal use, family, class, homeschool co-op, or community event.
Ready to add them to your hands-on learning fun collection? Simply subscribe to Rock Your Homeschool. You’ll get an email with a PDF file, along with a password to open the VIP Resource Library to all RYHS freebies. Plus, you’ll receive emails with ideas, resources, and encouragement to make life and learning fun.
Get your free space playdough mats set now!
I hope that your children (and you) have amazing experiences with these playdough mats with space themes. Do you have other ideas for using? Please share in the comments area at the bottom of this post!
