Free Planet Matching Game Printable for Kids
When we started learning about the solar system, I wanted an activity that was both fun and hands-on.
This planet matching game printable quickly became one of our favorites. It’s simple to set up, but it keeps kids engaged while they practice memory skills and start recognizing the different planets.
Whether you’re using it at home like we did, or in a classroom science center, it’s a quick way to add a little competition and a lot of learning to your space lessons.
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Space Matching Game
This solar system memory game printable is one we’ve used often in our house, and it always turns into a mix of learning and laughter. It’s quick to set up, and once you’ve prepared the cards, kids can start playing right away.
How to set it up
- Print the planet memory game (two copies so you have matching pairs).
- There are 12 unique planet images, and cardstock works best so the pictures don’t show through.
- Let the kids decorate the backs, my son loved adding swirls and stars. It makes the cards personal and stops sneaky peeking.
- Cut the cards with scissors or a paper trimmer. You’ll end up with 24 cards (12 pairs).
How to play
- Shuffle the cards and place them face down.
- For younger kids, I usually lay them out neatly in rows (6×4 grid). Older kids can handle a more scattered setup for a challenge.
- Players take turns flipping over two cards. If they match, they keep the pair. If not, they go back face down and the next player tries.
- The game continues until all pairs are matched, and the winner is the one with the most sets.
This simple activity builds memory skills while reinforcing planet recognition.
We sometimes celebrate the winner with a little space-themed prize, planet stickers or a glow-in-the-dark star sheet keep the fun going.
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More Fun Space Printables
If your kids enjoy the planet matching game, you might like adding a few more space-themed activities to your lessons. These pair really well together and keep the excitement for astronomy going:
- Solar system coloring sheets give children a chance to get creative while learning about each planet and other celestial bodies.
- A moon phases worksheet helps kids visualize the lunar cycle in a hands-on way that’s easy to understand.
- The phases of the moon word search turns vocabulary practice into a fun puzzle.
- An If I were an astronaut writing prompt encourages kids to imagine themselves exploring space and record their adventures.
- Astronaut coloring pages let young artists bring space explorers to life with their own creative touches.
- The planet word search is another favorite in our house, it reinforces planet names while keeping kids engaged with a puzzle challenge.
Want to keep the space learning going?
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Last Updated on 23 October 2025 by Clare Brown
