2026 Family Halloween Costume
Every year we go all out for Halloween costumes! Our family chooses a theme together in July, then we get to DIY, order, create, and scout the perfect location for a family photoshoot that fits the theme.
(Missed last year? Here’s our Star Wars Villains Costume)
This year we leaned big time into one of our biggest passions! We’ve meant to do some variation of this ever since our kids first showed a huge interest in the subject. But 2026 was the year the world regained interest in this subject, and we knew the time was now!
So please enjoy this year’s Halloween costume reveal. It’s one we hope our kids wear now as a costume, and one day wear again as they work to follow their professional dreams!
The 2026 Whiting Family Halloween costume theme is…
Astronaut Family Costume: Featuring the Crew of the Artemis II Space Mission
If you didn’t know, we’re a space-loving family. Jacob (the dad!) used to be a rocket scientist before a career pivot. Both our children hope to work for NASA. What used to be a cute toddler answer to “What do you want to be when you grow up?” has stayed put even into the tween years. We’ve watched that dream evolve, and now our kids are researching and making real plans. One even changed schools this year in hopes it will better prepare him for a career in space innovation.
We’ve spent time and money traveling to other states to see solar eclipses. We travel for meteor showers and other solar and lunar events. And of course, there’s a large telescope in our home that we pull out often. We love space! We love astronauts!
Matching astronaut costumes for Halloween have always been in the cards! But this year, space and astronauts became even nearer and dearer to our hearts as we watched every moment possible of the Artemis II mission and astronauts head back to the moon. We loved the mission, we loved the tech, and maybe even more, we fell in love with the best of humanity represented in the crew. We could not think of four better humans to be for a family Halloween costume this year!
How to Dress Like the Artemis II Crew
If you want an astronaut costume that’s current, recognizable, and a total conversation-starter, recreate the real Artemis II crew. Artemis II launched from Kennedy Space Center on April 1, 2026, and splashed down in the Pacific about ten days later after flying around the moon. It was NASA’s first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years.
The crew had four astronauts, which makes it perfect for a family or friend group:
- Reid Wiseman, mander: a U.S. Navy captain with 27 years of service, he flew the F-14 Tomcat and F/A-18F Super Hornet on two combat deployments and served as a Navy test pilot. In 2014, he spent 165 days aboard the International Space Station and led two spacewalks. He went on to serve as Chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office before commanding Artemis II, the first crewed mission to the moon in more than 50 years.
- Victor Glover, Pilot: a U.S. Navy captain, fighter pilot, and test pilot who flew 24 combat missions. On Artemis II, he became the first Black astronaut to travel around the moon. It was his second spaceflight: in 2020 he piloted SpaceX’s Crew-1 mission to the International Space Station, where he spent 168 days and completed four spacewalks.
- Christina Koch, Mission Specialist: an electrical engineer who became the first woman to travel around the moon on Artemis II. She already held the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman (328 days), took part in the first all-female spacewalk, and has completed six spacewalks.
- Jeremy Hansen, Mission Specialist: a Canadian Armed Forces colonel and former CF-18 fighter pilot. On Artemis II, he became the first Canadian and first non-American to fly around the moon.
*Special thanks to the Arizona Science Center for hosting us for a photo shoot and setting up the perfect Artemis and space imagery in their Dorrance Dome to create these pictures.
*All images taken by Chrissy Blake, and are copyright co-owned by Chrissy and Friday We’re in Love, LLC.
The Artemis II Crew Halloween Costume
We watched every moment we could, from preparation to launch, to their time in space, to all the media interviews after.
One day I heard my youngest son playing in our playroom: “This is Astronaut Pilot Victor Glover. All systems go, ready for takeoff!” He was pretending to be his new hero. A lightbulb went off. Maybe we should let him BE Victor Glover for Halloween.
We equally love Commander Reid Wiseman and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen, and don’t even get me started on what a role model and human Christina Koch is. Watching a female astronaut represent humanity so well felt special for so many women, me included. What an honor to dress up as these amazing humans! We read and learned everything we could about them, loved them like our own personal friends, prayed for their safe return, and continue to follow their journeys.
Our Artemis II Family Costume Reveal
To recreate the look, we used blue NASA flight suits like the ones the crew wore on their press tour, plus NASA patches, flag patches, and custom name tags for each astronaut. Here’s how each of us came together.
To get the look: Choose blue flight suits for the press tour look or orange suits for launch day. Add NASA and Artemis II patches, a name tag for each astronaut (“WISEMAN,” “GLOVER,” “KOCH,” “HANSEN”), and an American flag patch, or a Canadian flag patch for whoever plays Hansen. For photos, make a sign that says “Integrity,” the name the crew gave their Orion capsule.
Astronaut Reid Wiseman Halloween Costume
Our oldest child felt like a shoo-in to play mission commander Reid Wiseman. Reid’s smart, compassionate, humble, kind, and notices and cares about everyone around him. This kid would make a fantastic comander some day embodying so many of those characteristics!
Plus, Reid seems like the best girl dad flashing hearts at his daughters from launch and through space. We knew we had to recreate his iconic moments saying hi to his girls.
Plus, the haircut already fit the bill, and he’s also already attached to our RISE plush and wouldn’t put it down!
Get the look: kids blue flight suit, custom name patch, American flag patch
Astronaut Victor Glover Halloween Costume
For our kid who now wants to be a fighter pilot, just like Ike Glover, we could not wipe the smile off his face in this kids astronaut costume!
He was willing to shave his head for this, but we reassured him Victor would probably still feel honored and know he was being emulated even with hair in place!
Here’s his pose in his Victor Glover Halloween costume that he thought embodied how he felt when he successfully piloted the crew home.
I also love that this will be such a fun play outfit for all the imaginary missions this kid goes on. And one day, I hope he gets his dream to wear one to work and after he returns home from his goal to do science experiements on Mars!
Get the look: kids blue flight suit, custom name patch, NASA patches
Astronaut Christina Koch Halloween Costume
Okay, I could talk about Christina Koch all day! On Artemis II, she became the first woman to ever travel around the moon. Let that sink in! But she was already a legend before this mission. She’s an electrical engineer, she holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman (328 days in space!), and she was part of the very first all-female spacewalk.
And through all of it, she’s so humble, joyful, and kind, always giving credit to her crew. Watching her represent humanity on this mission gave me chills. She’s exactly the kind of role model I want my kids to look up to, and the kind girls everywhere need to see!
If you’re looking for a women’s astronaut costume that actually means something, dressing up as Christina Koch is it! And if you have a space-loving daughter, this costume is the sweetest way to show her there’s a seat on the rocket for her too!
Get the look: women’s blue flight suit, NASA patch set, custom name patch
Astronaut Jeremy Hansen Halloween Costume
Jacob didn’t even have to think about this one. He was Jeremy Hansen from day one! Jeremy is the Canadian Space Agency astronaut on the crew, and on Artemis II he became the first non-American to ever travel to the moon. And this was his very first trip to space! Before becoming an astronaut, he was a colonel and a CF-18 fighter pilot, which is seriously impressive.
But what won us over was his personality. Every time we watched an interview, he was the warm, funny, genuinely kind one, always lifting up his crewmates and grinning ear to ear.
He’s the resident nice guy of the crew, and also the tallest crew member, which is exactly why he’s the perfect match for Jacob, the resident nice guy of our family. (And yes, the former rocket scientist may have loved this costume as much as the kids.) If you’re looking for a men’s astronaut costume with a fun twist, add a Canadian flag patch and go as Jeremy Hansen!
Get the look: adult blue flight suit, Canadian flag patch, custom name patch
There’s our crew! But if you want to make a general astronaut costume, we have a ton of tips and ideas to make this easy costume out of this world!
Astronaut Costume Ideas at a Glance
There are four main ways to do an astronaut costume. Here’s how they compare:
| Costume Style | Best For | Comfort | Effort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue NASA flight suit | Families, trick-or-treating, recreating real astronauts | Very comfortable | Easy |
| Orange launch suit | Artemis II fans, standing out in photos | Comfortable | Easy |
| Classic white spacesuit | Little kids, the “moon landing” look | Bulkier | Easiest (buy it in a bag) |
| DIY astronaut costume | Crafty families, saving money | Depends on build | Moderate |
The Blue Flight Suit Astronaut Costume
This is the costume we chose, and it’s my top pick for families. Real NASA astronauts wear blue flight suits for press events and public appearances, including the Artemis II crew on their press tours. It’s a zip-up coverall, so it’s comfortable for a full night of trick-or-treating, easy to find in every size, and simple to turn into a specific astronaut with patches and a name tag.
- Adult blue flight suits
- Women’s blue flight suits
- Kids blue astronaut flight suits
- Toddler astronaut flight suits
The Orange Artemis Launch Suit Costume
The bright orange suits the Artemis II astronauts wore for launch and reentry are called Orion Crew Survival System suits. They’re orange so rescuers can spot the crew in the ocean after splashdown. That bold color makes an orange astronaut costume instantly recognizable as “Artemis” and great in photos.
The Classic White Spacesuit Costume
This is the puffy white spacesuit most people picture: the moon-landing look. It’s the easiest option for little kids because it usually comes as a complete set, often with a helmet. The trade-off is that it’s bulkier and warmer, so it’s better for photos and parties than a long trick-or-treat route.
How to Make an Astronaut Costume: Step by Step
Whichever style you choose, a convincing astronaut costume comes down to five pieces.
Step 1: Choose Your Base Suit
Pick a blue flight suit, orange coverall, or white spacesuit from the options above. For kids, size up one so they can layer underneath on cold nights. For adults, a plain work coverall is often cheaper than a “costume” version and looks more realistic.
Step 2: Add NASA Patches
Patches are what turn a jumpsuit into an astronaut costume. Add a NASA logo on the chest, a mission patch, and a flag patch on the shoulder. Iron-on patches are easiest; hook-and-loop backed patches let you swap them and reuse the suit for dress-up.
Step 3: Add a Name Tag
A name tag takes your costume from “an astronaut” to a specific astronaut. Order custom embroidered name patches, or print your own on iron-on transfer paper. Order early: custom patches can take a week or two.
You can also print on a address label sticker like we did for a quick “patch” look!
Step 4: Add a Helmet (Optional)
A helmet is great for photos and little kids who want the full spacesuit feel. For trick-or-treating, it can be hot and limit visibility, so many families carry it for pictures and take it off to walk.
Step 5: Finish With Shoes and Props
Black or white sneakers or boots work perfectly. Then add fun extras:
- A space-themed candy bucket: moon and space buckets
- Astronaut gloves (white or gray winter gloves work)
- Aviator sunglasses for a pilot
- A mission sign for photos
How to Dress Like the Artemis II Crew
If you want an astronaut costume that’s current, recognizable, and a total conversation-starter, recreate the real Artemis II crew. Artemis II launched from Kennedy Space Center on April 1, 2026, and splashed down in the Pacific about ten days later after flying around the moon. It was NASA’s first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years.
The crew had four astronauts, which makes it perfect for a family or friend group:
- Reid Wiseman, Commander: a former Navy fighter pilot and test pilot
- Victor Glover, Pilot
- Christina Koch, Mission Specialist: she already held the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman
- Jeremy Hansen, Mission Specialist: a Canadian Space Agency astronaut and the first non-American to travel to the moon
To get the look: Choose blue flight suits for the press tour look or orange suits for launch day. Add NASA and Artemis II patches, a name tag for each astronaut (“WISEMAN,” “GLOVER,” “KOCH,” “HANSEN”), and an American flag patch, or a Canadian flag patch for whoever plays Hansen. For photos, make a sign that says “Integrity,” the name the crew gave their Orion capsule.
Astronaut Costume Ideas for Kids, Adults, Couples, and Families
Kids Astronaut Costume
For kids, comfort wins. A blue or orange flight suit sized up one is easy to move in and layer under. Save the full helmet for photos. If your child loves a specific astronaut, add their name tag. Kids love being a “real” person.
Toddler and Baby Astronaut Costume
For the littlest astronauts, a one-piece white spacesuit or a soft flight-suit romper is easiest. Skip helmets entirely and add a NASA beanie for warmth.
Women’s Astronaut Costume
A fitted blue flight suit with a belt looks polished and is comfortable all night. Recreating Christina Koch is a great choice: she’s one of the most accomplished astronauts flying today.
Men’s Astronaut Costume
A royal blue or orange work coverall with patches looks more authentic than most packaged costumes. Add aviators for the pilot look.
Couples Astronaut Costume
Go as Commander Wiseman and Pilot Glover, or pair one astronaut with a “Mission Control” partner (a headset, a NASA polo, and a clipboard). Another fun option: one astronaut and one alien. [Optional: add a line about you and Jacob.]
Family Astronaut Costume
A family of four is a ready-made Artemis II crew. Bigger family? Add Mission Control, a moon (a gray shirt with craters), or let the youngest be the rocket. You can also mix and match: half the family in blue “press tour” suits and half in orange “launch day” suits.
Group Astronaut Costume
Doing this with friends or coworkers? Assign each person a real astronaut with a name tag, or create your own mission patch with your group’s name on it.
Dog Astronaut Costume
Don’t leave the family dog on Earth! Dog astronaut costumes complete the crew photo.
DIY Astronaut Costume Ideas
Want to save money or get crafty? Here’s how to make a DIY astronaut costume with things you may already have:
- Base suit: Blue, white, or gray sweatshirt and sweatpants work in a pinch for kids.
- Patches: Print NASA logos and name tags on iron-on transfer paper.
- Cardboard helmet: Use a round box or large paper lantern, cut a face opening, spray paint it white or silver, and add a NASA sticker. Line the bottom edge with foam for comfort.
- Life support pack: Glue two soda bottles painted silver onto a cardboard back panel with ribbon or elastic straps.
- Control panel: Hot-glue bottle caps and buttons onto a small piece of painted cardboard and attach it to the chest.
More Space Halloween Costume Ideas
- Astronaut and alien
- The solar system (each family member is a planet)
- Mission Control team
- Astronaut and rocket ship
- Astronaut and the moon
For even more ideas, check out our 100+ Family Halloween Costumes and 185+ Couples Halloween Costume Ideas.
May these space and astronaut costume ideas help you create your next out of this world Halloween or costume party look. And to my future astronauts, may they remind you to never stop following your dreams and reaching for the stars!
Astronaut Costume FAQs
A flight suit or spacesuit, NASA patches, a name tag, comfortable shoes, and an optional helmet. That’s all it takes to look like a real astronaut.
A blue or orange flight suit. It’s a zip-up coverall you can walk, sit, and layer in, unlike the puffy white spacesuit costumes, which are bulkier and warmer.
Start with coveralls or matching sweats, add printed NASA patches and a name tag, and finish with a cardboard helmet or a soda-bottle backpack.
Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA, plus Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency. They flew around the moon in April 2026.
For launch and reentry, they wore bright orange Orion Crew Survival System suits, which are orange so rescuers can spot them in the ocean. For press events and public appearances, they wore blue flight suits.
A T-shirt and leggings or joggers. On colder nights, add a long-sleeve layer and size the suit up for kids.
Use a round cardboard box or paper lantern, cut a face opening, paint it white or silver, add a NASA sticker, and line the bottom edge with foam.
It’s one of the best! Everyone can match, it works for every age, and the Artemis II crew had exactly four astronauts, perfect for a family of four.
Like this post? Be sure to check out our other 11 years of family Halloween costumes!
2025: Star Wars Villians Costumes
2024: Ghostbusters Family Costume
2023: Super Mario Family Costume
2022: Jedi Costume: Star Wars Family Costume
2021: Peter Pan Costume
2020: Guardian of the Galaxy Costume
2019: Up Costume
2018: Jurassic Park Family Costume
2017: Pop Star Icons Family Costume
