Have you ever looked up at the moon and wondered what it would be like to walk on it? Moon Day is the perfect excuse to spark your kids' curiosity about space. Whether you read a moon-themed story, make a fun craft, learn about the Apollo 11 mission, or simply head outside after sunset to admire the moon together, there are lots of fun ways to celebrate.
🌙 What Is Moon Day?
Moon Day is celebrated each year on July 20 and commemorates one of the greatest achievements in space exploration - the first crewed moon landing. On July 20, 1969, NASA's Apollo 11 mission made history when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon.
🌝 Moon Fun Facts
The moon has fascinated people for thousands of years. Here are a few fun facts to share with your kids.
🧀 Nope, the moon isn't made of cheese! It's a fun old saying that's been around for centuries.
🌝 The moon is also called "Luna." That's where words like lunar come from
🪨 Scientists believe the moon formed about 4.5 billion years ago after a Mars-sized object collided with Earth.
🌕 A supermoon happens when a full moon is closer to Earth than usual, making it appear larger and brighter in the sky.
🌎 The moon is much smaller than the Earth, but it's still the fifth-largest moon in our solar system.
🌌 Apollo 11 Fun Facts
🚀 Start your Moon Day adventure by learning about the Apollo 11 mission!
Apollo 11 made history on July 20, 1969, when the first humans walked on the moon. Here are a few fun facts to share with your kids.
🚀 Apollo 11 launched on July 16, 1969 and landed on the moon just four days later. The astronauts returned safely to Earth on July 24, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
👨🚀 Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first two people to walk on the moon. Michael Collins remained in orbit aboard the command module while his crewmates explored the lunar surface. In all, 12 astronauts have walked on the moon during six Apollo missions.
🌙 The astronauts spent about 2½ hours exploring the moon's surface during their first moonwalk. They collected moon rocks and soil, took photographs, and conducted scientific experiments.
⭐ When Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon, he famously said:
"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."
🇺🇸 The astronauts planted an American flag and left behind scientific equipment, memorial items, and other gear they no longer needed before beginning their journey home.
📺 Millions of people around the world watched the moon landing on television, making it one of the most memorable broadcasts in history.
🌎 After returning to Earth, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins spent 21 days in quarantine as a precaution before embarking on a worldwide celebration tour.
📖 Read a Moon Story
Celebrate Moon Day with a moon-themed story!
🚀 Enjoy this special storytime from the International Space Station, where astronaut Serena Auñón-Chancellor reads A Moon of My Own, written by Jennifer Rustgi and illustrated by Ashley White.
📚 Want to continue exploring? Head to your local library and discover books about the moon, space exploration, and the Apollo missions. You'll find everything from picture books for younger kids to fascinating nonfiction books for older kids and adults. Ask your librarian for recommendations.
🚀 Moon Day Activities for Kids
Learning about the moon is even more fun with a hands-on activity! Here are a few ways to keep the Moon Day fun going.
🌙 DIY Moon Dough Kids Will Love!
🖍️ Space Coloring Pages
🚀 Space and Rocket Art
🌙 Look for the Moon
One of the easiest ways to celebrate Moon Day is simply by looking up! Head outside after sunset and spend a few minutes observing the moon together. Can your kids spot any craters? Is the moon full, or just a crescent? If you look throughout the month, you'll notice the moon changes shape as it moves through its phases.
🔭 Explore More
🌙 However you choose to celebrate Moon Day, we hope it inspires your family to look up, learn something new, and enjoy a little out-of-this-world fun together!
🚀 Keep exploring! Find more kid-friendly activities, local events, and family fun ideas in Conejo Valley, Malibu, and Calabasas.
💌 Want more ideas for family fun? Subscribe to the free Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas weekly newsletter for local events, activities, and things to do with kids.
