The Perseid Kickoff: Sky Logs, Shooting Stars & Backyard Forts

The Perseids are a meteor shower caused by Earth passing through the dusty trail left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle. As those tiny comet crumbs hit our atmosphere, they burn up and streak across the sky in glowing trails. The shower gets its name from the constellation Perseus, where the meteors seem to radiate from.

Why We're Watching the Sky in July 

You might be wondering, “Don’t the Perseids peak in August?” Yes—but early activity starts around July 17th, and the weeks leading up to the main event are just as important for building excitement and wonder.

Peak viewing usually happens around August 11–13.

From July 17–31, you can spot the first few meteors and begin your family's countdown to the peak. This early window is perfect for:

• Hosting “meteor tally” challenges
• Building backyard stargazing forts
• Starting a Perseids countdown calendar
• Recording first sightings in a “sky log” journal

These screen-free activities are simple, memory-making ways to stretch summer learning and they pair perfectly with our Night Quest Voyager Kit, which includes a red-light flashlight, constellation wheel, and tools for nighttime exploration and discovery.

How to Turn a Meteor Shower into a Magical Night of Learning and Wonder

There’s something downright magical about spotting your first shooting star; especially when you're surrounded by excited kids, cozy blankets, and the quiet hum of a summer night. Each August, the Perseids Meteor Shower lights up the night sky with dozens (sometimes hundreds) of meteors streaking across the sky. And guess what? It’s already starting!

This celestial event is more than just eye candy, it’s a perfect chance to spark curiosity about space, science, and the natural rhythms of our universe.

How to Plan Your Perseids Watch Party

Whether you’re in a city backyard, a quiet campground, or a school field, here’s how to prep for a truly stellar experience:

Find Your Stargazing Spot

• Choose a dark, open area with minimal light pollution.
• Parks, schoolyards, or even a quiet patch of grass away from streetlights work great.
• Bring sleeping bags, blankets, or reclining lawn chairs for comfy viewing.
  
  

Get the Gear (Simple is Fine!)

• Flashlights with red cellophane to preserve night vision
• Binoculars or a telescope (optional)
• Star map or constellation wheel like the one in our Night Quest Voyager Kit
• Notebook or sky log for recording observations
  
  

Know What to Look For

• Meteors often come in quick bursts, so be patient.
• Spot bright planets like Jupiter or Saturn just after dusk.
• Identify constellations like Perseus, Cassiopeia, and the Big Dipper to orient your skywatch.
  
  

Family-Friendly Activity Ideas

Want to keep kids engaged between shooting stars? Try these:

Sky Log Challenge
Each child keeps track of:

• How many meteors they spot
• What constellations they identify
• Descriptions of their favorite star or sky moment
  
  

Draw the Sky

Have them sketch what they see or what they imagine living in the sky (star creatures, alien cats, etc.).

Make a Wish Jar

For each meteor spotted, write down a wish and tuck it in a jar. Open them in a few months and see what dreams have come true.

Homeschool Connection: Perseids in Your Lesson Plan

If you're a homeschooler, the Perseids offer great cross-curricular potential:

• Science: Talk about comets, meteors, and Earth’s atmosphere.
• Geography: Track the path of Comet Swift-Tuttle.
• Language Arts: Write meteor-themed poems or wish stories.
• Math: Estimate meteor counts per hour or calculate distances between stars.
  
  

Pro Tip: Be Patient and Stay Up Late

The best time to view the Perseids is between midnight and dawn, when the sky is darkest and the radiant point (in Perseus) is highest in the sky. Plan for snacks, hot chocolate, and even a quick nap if little ones start to fade.

One Last Thing… Don’t Forget to LOOK UP!

There’s something powerful about slowing down to watch the sky. It connects us to ancient traditions, the wider universe, and to each other. Whether you're chasing science standards or summer memories, the Perseids are a perfect excuse to get outside and be amazed.

Adventure-ready tip: Our Night Quest Voyager Kit includes a constellation guide, red-light flashlight, and all-weather materials—perfect for young astronomers and late-night explorers. Get it before August to be prepared for the full show!

Now grab your blankets, find your stars, and get ready to make a wish. The Perseids are waiting.