Top tips for stargazing with children

Follow Dame Maggie’s simple tips to start stargazing together with your family. Little ones can watch Robert the Robot getting ready to explore the night sky and join in with Maggie’s mini missions.

Use our top tips and get little ones excited about looking into the night sky in search of stars and planets. Watch fun clips of Robert the Robot getting ready, with his moon dance and plenty of preparation.

If you want to view the UK Solar Eclipse in 2026, head to Blue Peter's guide on how to watch safely. You'll also find how to make a simple DIY pinhole projector and more fun hints and tips.

A clear and cloudless night is every Stargazer’s dream but that can also mean it gets pretty chilly. Make sure you get cosy with warm blankets, hats, scarves and gloves, just like Robert the Robot. Torches are a great addition to help you get to your stargazing location safely.

TOP TIP: Red filtered torches provide light whilst not spoiling the view. If you haven’t got a fancy one, using a rear red bike light or placing a red sock over a normal torch should do the job.

A crisp, clear evening is the best time to go stargazing, so make sure you keep an eye on the weather reports.

TOP TIP: Waiting until 30-45 minutes after sunset before heading outside will increase your chances of seeing the stars.

Once you’re settled outside, just look up. You can simply enjoy the view or use my mini missions to get your little one talking about the night sky. Doing Robert’s ‘moon’ dance is completely optional!

TOP TIP: Search the skies for bright objects like the Moon or see if you can spot the three stars of Orion’s belt. As your eyes get used to the dark the view should get better and better.

If you’re itching to know more, Jodrell Bank have a guide on their website listing all the planets, constellations and moon phases visible where you are.

Find out how to spot constellations and discover more about space, stargazing and comets with Blue Peter.

The most important thing about stargazing is to enjoy it. Whether you’re tracking down Ursa Major the Great Bear or just getting warm and snuggly under the stars, let the night sky inspire you.

TOP TIP: Use your stargazing time to tell stories or sing songs with your little one. If it’s not a clear night, draw pictures of what might be behind the clouds or even try blowing the clouds away!

From the warm comfort of a sleeping bag in Gran Gran’s back garden, JoJo and Gran Gran are stargazing.

With photo clues from Great Gran Gran in St Lucia, help JoJo find all of the different constellations in the night sky in the JoJo and Gran Gran Stargazing game.

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Do you fancy dining under the stars? If you are planning a BBQ in the back garden, or a picnic in the park filled with homemade delights. CBeebies has a host of recipes to make ahead, or cook while out adventuring.

NB: Always light campfires and BBQs in designated, safe areas. Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure it is fully extinguished before you leave.

Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock is an inspiring space scientist, TV presenter, and author who loves helping people discover the wonders of science and space. Over her career, Maggie has helped create amazing scientific technology, including equipment used in space missions and co-hosting the BBC astronomy programme The Sky at Night. Maggie's outstanding work has earned her many awards and honours, including an MBE for services to science and science education.