You don’t even have to go outside. Nor must you wait until nighttime.

You can show your child the constellations anytime—by casting their image on a wall or ceiling in a darkened room. Just get some large paper cups.

On the bottom of each cup, use a marker to draw configurations such as the Big or Little Dipper. Put a large dot where each star is supposed to be. (To be exact, look the figures up in an astronomy book at your local library or bookstore.)

Next, use a pushpin to make a small hole in the center of each star. Turn off the lights and have your child hold the cup so the bottom is pointing toward a wall, then shine a flashlight into the open end of the cup. (Angle the cup a little to diffuse the rays.) Then enjoy the starry view!

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