Watching the night sky can be a wonderful shared experience for a family, sparking your children’s curiosity about the universe. Stargazing encourages kids to develop their imaginations, open their minds to new interests, and even helps build a solid foundation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills.
We’ve listed some of the top stargazing apps for families looking for a way to combine a sense of adventure and learning. Each app is designed to make learning about the planets and stars fun, accessible, and educational.
1. SkyView: Explore the Night Sky with Augmented Reality
SkyView uses augmented reality (AR) to overlay information about stars, planets, constellations, and even satellites when you point your device at the night sky. It’s ideal for families because it’s simple enough for young children to use, yet packed with information that can keep everyone engaged. Kids can learn about the names, stories, and science behind each celestial object they see.
SkyView also offers a “Sky Paths” feature, which helps users track the movement of planets and constellations over time, allowing kids to spot and predict patterns in an otherwise overwhelming night sky. The app is free with in-app purchases, making it an affordable way to explore the night sky with features that encourage scientific curiosity. It has a free version as well as an upgraded paid version for added functionality.
Available on iOS and Android
2. Star Walk 2: Real-Time Constellation Guide
Another one of the top stargazing apps for families, Star Walk 2 combines beautiful graphics with educational content, guiding users through the universe in real time. When a family points their smartphone or iPad at the sky, the app displays the constellations, planets, and even artificial satellites in view. This is a fun way for kids to learn how the stars move across the sky each night, understanding both the mythological and scientific stories behind constellations like Orion or Ursa Major.
One unique feature of Star Walk 2 is its “Time Machine,” which lets users move backward or forward in time to see how the sky looked on a specific date or will look in the future. This adds an extra layer of fascination, especially when discussing historical events or planning future stargazing outings. The app’s immersive approach and sleek design make it particularly engaging for families and is highly rated for its ease of use.
Available on iOS and Android
3. NASA App: Discover the Universe Through NASA’s Lens
NASA’s official app might not be a stargazing app in the traditional sense, but it’s an incredible educational tool for families interested in space. Featuring up-to-date news, stunning images, and videos of space missions, this app can inspire young stargazers by showing them what’s beyond the night sky they see. Kids can explore images from the Hubble Space Telescope and stay updated on the latest discoveries in space science.
Families won’t miss out on important celestial events either. NASA’s app also offers notifications for upcoming skywatching events, including meteor showers and solar eclipses. Best of all, the app is free, making it a cost-effective resource for stargazing families interested in astronomy and space exploration.
Available on iOS and Android
4. Stellarium Mobile: A Planetarium in Your Pocket
Stellarium Mobile is known for its realistic sky maps, showcasing stars, planets, and constellations as they appear in real time. One of the reasons why it's one of the top stargazing apps for families is the app’s “Night Mode.” This mode helps families view the screen without disturbing their night vision, which is especially useful when stargazing in remote areas with minimal light pollution.
Families can identify stars and planets just by pointing their device at the sky, while Stellarium provides detailed descriptions and historical context. Additionally, the app offers information on deep-sky objects like nebulae and galaxies, providing insights for budding astronomers who want to learn beyond our solar system. The only downside is it’s a paid app. On the plus side, however, you get access to an extensive catalog of stars and celestial objects, making it worth the investment for serious stargazers.
Available on iOS and Android
5. SkySafari: Ideal for Advanced Stargazers
SkySafari is a fantastic app for families with older kids or those who already have a solid interest in astronomy. While it includes standard stargazing features like constellations and planet tracking, it also provides detailed information on each object, including coordinates, brightness, and orbital paths. SkySafari’s interactive features let users explore the universe in 3D, from asteroid belts to galaxy clusters.
SkySafari also includes information on celestial events, so families can plan stargazing nights around meteor showers, eclipses, or planetary alignments. With several versions available (including a free version), families can choose the one that best fits their needs.
Available on iOS and Android
6. Night Sky: Great for Apple Users
Night Sky is a popular stargazing app for iOS users and offers a polished, easy-to-use interface that families love. It provides a detailed sky map, AR experiences, and even Apple Watch support. One unique feature is “Sky Tags,” which lets users pin celestial objects they’re interested in, making it easy for kids to track specific stars or planets.
Unlike the other apps on the list, Night Sky comes with an ambient soundtrack that adds to the experience, creating a calming atmosphere that’s perfect for family stargazing sessions. The app offers both free and premium versions, with the premium option including a wider range of information and additional AR features.
Available on iOS only
The Wonders of the Night Sky Await!
Introducing children to stargazing through apps can be a fun way to ignite their imaginations while providing a strong foundation in science and technology. From identifying constellations to learning about faraway galaxies, these apps make it easier than ever for families to explore the universe together.
Not only can stargazing boost children’s curiosity and interest in STEM fields, but it can also create special memories as a family. By exploring the stars, we foster a sense of wonder and lifelong curiosity in our children—traits that will serve them well in any path they choose.
So grab a blanket, download one of these top stargazing apps for families. You'll enjoy a night under the stars and make memories that will last a lifetime. Just don’t forget to bring along a Sky View XL stargazing tent so you can watch the stars all night long from the comfort of your sleeping bags!
Written by Dave Manzer, CMO.
