Stargazing Tips for Kids and Grownups

Now that summer is out and the autumn chills are taking over, it’s the perfect time to stargaze! Not only are September nights better for watching the stars, (they’re longer and cooler), but the month is also packed with astronomical events that you and your family can’t miss. So, to pump you and your family up for your astronomical escapades, we’ve gathered four excellent stargazing tips that’ll get you and your loved ones looking up into the wonders of the cosmos.

The coolest thing about stargazing is that you can see more than just constellations. Meteor showers, comets, and even super moons are part of the stargazing experience, so if your loved ones want show stopping visuals, they’ll be in for an astronomical surprise.

For example, from September 17-18 you can watch the comet P1 Nishimura pass by the western sky, and the 29th has the last super moon of 2023. If you’re looking for all the astronomical events happening in September, you can check this YouTube video by The Secrets of The Universe channel. And while you’re waiting for night to fall, you can enjoy some LED races with our Disco Whirler! For Galactic duels under the stars, you can also check our Galaxy Light Swords: Light Force set.

When stargazing, the darker the sky, the better. That’s why you should never stargaze near cities or homes: their lights will pollute the sky and blur the stars above. When looking for stargazing spots, look for places in rural and mountainous areas near you. If you’re looking for stargazing spots in your area, you can search online for options. For example, darkskymap.com lets you do a full map search, and provide other useful data like parking availability and even weather conditions.

To take stargazing to the next level, you can teach your kids how to use a star wheel. This nifty device shows you the locations of constellations in the sky and points out the date and time you can see them. With it, your kids can keep track of their favorite constellations, and can even help you out when planning out your next stargazing trip. You can download and print your own star wheel from Autodesk Instructables, but if you’re looking for an immersive alternative, you can opt for our 3-in-1 LED Constellation Globe. This night lamp showcases all the constellations and comes with its own star guide for a seamless stargazing experience.

You don’t need a telescope to enjoy stargazing, but it does make a difference. With one, you can zoom in into stars, moons, and even comets, to see their majesty up close and personal. However, know that not all telescopes are alike, as models and prices vary greatly. If your loved ones are interested in a telescope, start small first and invest in a more expensive option later if you need to.


Stargazing can be one of the coolest activities you can plan with your family, so get ready to look to the skies! Did you know any of these tips, did we miss any? Let us know in the comments below and share this blog with other families that want to get into stargazing this September. And don’t forget to share your stargazing day pics and tag us using @USAToyz or #USAToyz.