Dress Up as Someone From a Different Galaxy

I don't have face paint, sequins, or feathers — what materials can I substitute so the costume still looks alien?

Use washable markers or colored tissue paper for face paint, aluminum foil or shiny tape instead of sequins, and crumpled colored paper or pom-poms in place of feathers when you decorate the costume pieces.

My cardboard antennae keep drooping and falling off—how can I make them stay attached and upright?

Reinforce cardboard antennae by folding a double layer of cardboard, anchoring them with elastic string or extra tape to the base outfit or a headband, and use a glue stick plus tape on the attachment point for extra hold.

How can I change this activity for younger or older kids so it's safe but still fun?

For preschoolers use pre-cut shapes, glue stick, stickers, and safe face crayons with adult supervision; for elementary kids let them cut fabric or cardboard and attach with tape or elastic string; for tweens and teens add sewing, hot glue (with supervision), LED lights, or more detailed planet writing.

What are some ways to make the alien costume more unique or interactive after finishing the basic steps?

Add moving parts like elastic 'extra arms,' sew or tape small bells or LED lights into the base outfit for sound or light effects, expand the planet description into a short story or video, and practice and record the alien movements to share on DIY.org.