Planning the perfect children's birthday party can feel like navigating an asteroid field. You want an event that is fun, memorable, and perhaps even a little bit educational. A space themed birthday party is a fantastic choice, firing up young imaginations and offering a universe of creative possibilities that will captivate children and parents alike. This guide is your mission control, providing a comprehensive countdown of stellar ideas to help you launch a celebration that is both entertaining and packed with subtle STEM learning opportunities.
From astronaut training games that sneak in a bit of physics to galaxy-inspired treats that look too good to eat, we have gathered ten out-of-this-world concepts. We will explore activities that encourage teamwork and problem-solving, much like the exciting missions found in the Space Ranger Fred and the Shoelace Adventure books, where science and quick thinking always save the day.
This listicle is designed to be your go-to resource, detailing everything from immersive decorations and engaging activities to creative food and unique party favours. We provide actionable steps and practical examples for each idea, ensuring you can confidently organise a truly special event. Let's count down to an unforgettable party that will have your little space explorers over the moon.
1. Astronaut Training Academy
Transform your celebration into an official training ground for budding space explorers with an Astronaut Training Academy. This interactive party concept goes beyond simple decorations, creating a series of engaging challenges that guests must complete to earn their astronaut certification. It’s an immersive experience that makes for an unforgettable space themed birthday party.
The core idea is to set up several "training stations," each with a unique activity. These stations can simulate aspects of real astronaut training, adapted for fun and safety. Upon completing all the tasks, each participant is awarded a personalised certificate, making them an official astronaut for the day.
Setting Up Your Training Stations
To bring the academy to life, consider organising a few key activities:
- Obstacle Course: Design a "Spacewalk" or "Meteor Field" challenge using pillows for asteroids, tunnels to crawl through, and a balance beam for a docking arm. This tests agility and coordination.
- Zero-Gravity Simulation: A trampoline or bouncy castle can serve as a "Zero-Gravity Chamber," allowing cadets to experience a feeling of weightlessness. This is a brilliant, hands-on way to chat about physics and how astronauts float in space.
- Mission Control Puzzles: Create a station with space-themed puzzles or a simple coding game on a tablet to test problem-solving skills, mimicking the challenges faced at mission control.
A great way to enhance the theme is to give each child a team t-shirt or a mission patch upon arrival. This fosters a sense of camaraderie and makes them feel like genuine trainees.
Tips for a Successful Mission
Ensure your training programme is a success by keeping activities age-appropriate and providing clear, visual instructions at each station. For fun, STEM-focused ideas that blend learning with adventure, much like in the book Space Ranger Fred and the Shoelace Adventure, you can explore space science for kids online. It's an excellent approach for children aged 6 to 12, as it combines physical activity with mental stimulation, ensuring all guests remain engaged throughout the party.
2. Planetary Scavenger Hunt
Launch your guests on an interstellar journey with a Planetary Scavenger Hunt. This concept turns your party venue into a miniature solar system, where young explorers travel from planet to planet to solve clues, gather galactic treasures, or complete cosmic challenges. It’s an interactive adventure that makes for a truly memorable space themed birthday party.
The idea is to designate different areas of your home, garden, or hired venue as various planets or space stations. Each location holds a unique clue or activity related to that celestial body. The mission is for the party-goers to navigate the course, completing each step to reach their final, prize-filled destination.
Setting Up Your Solar System
To create your interplanetary quest, you can set up several themed stations:
- Mars Mission: Create a "Red Planet" station in a sandpit or a designated area with reddish-brown sand, where children must dig for "Martian rocks" (painted stones) that hold their next clue. You can even chat about why Mars is red (it's rusty!).
- Jupiter’s Great Red Spot: Set up a craft station where guests have to recreate Jupiter’s iconic storm using swirling red, orange, and white paint on a paper plate before receiving their next instruction.
- Saturn's Ring Toss: Use inflatable rings or hoops and a cone or post to create a "Ring Toss" game around Saturn. Successful throws unlock the path to the next planet.
A fantastic way to guide the adventurers is to provide each team with a "Star Chart" or galaxy map at the beginning. This not only adds to the theme but also helps keep everyone on track and organised.
Tips for a Successful Mission
Ensure your cosmic adventure runs smoothly by creating clear, age-appropriate clues and having an adult "Mission Commander" at each station to assist. For creative inspiration on how to theme each planet and incorporate fun facts, similar to the educational journey in Space Ranger Fred and the Tick Tock Tale, you can find excellent solar system project ideas online. This approach is brilliant for children aged 6 to 12, as it encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and active exploration, keeping everyone engaged from launch to landing.
3. Build Your Own Rocket Ship Photo Op
Combine a hands-on craft activity with a memorable keepsake by setting up a station where guests build their own rocket ships. This creative endeavour doubles as an incredible photo opportunity, allowing little astronauts to pose with their personalised spacecraft. It’s an engaging and artistic addition to any space themed birthday party.
The concept involves providing guests with pre-cut cardboard rocket ship frames or kits that they can assemble and decorate. Once their creations are complete, they can step into a themed photo booth area to capture images of their intergalactic adventures, providing a tangible memory to take home.
Setting Up Your Launch Pad
To get this creative mission off the ground, organise your craft and photo area with these elements:
- Rocket Construction Zone: Provide large cardboard boxes or pre-cut rocket shapes along with plenty of tape, glue, and safety scissors. Offer a variety of decorative materials like foil, coloured paper, markers, and stickers.
- Photo Booth Backdrop: Create a simple yet effective backdrop using a black sheet or fabric dotted with glow-in-the-dark stars. You could also hang planet cut-outs or fairy lights to simulate a starry galaxy.
- Astronaut Props: Include fun props like helmets, silver boots, and space-themed signs to enhance the photos and encourage imaginative play.
To streamline the process, pre-assemble the basic rocket structures before the party begins. This allows children to focus on the fun part: decorating their unique spacecraft without getting bogged down in complicated construction.
Tips for a Picture-Perfect Activity
Ensure your rocket-building station is a blast by keeping the creative process smooth and organised. Using washable paints and markers will help avoid any clothing-related mishaps. For younger guests or those who might appreciate a little guidance, providing simple design templates can spark their creativity. You can find detailed instructions and inspiration for constructing a craft rocket, similar to the one Fred might build in Space Ranger Fred and the Umbrella Rescue, by following a step-by-step guide to make your own rocket. This activity is perfect for children aged 6 to 12, as it blends artistic expression with imaginative play, ensuring every guest leaves with a brilliant party favour.
4. Planetarium Show Experience
For a truly awe-inspiring celebration, transport your guests to the cosmos by hiring a mobile planetarium or visiting a local one. This unique choice transforms a simple party into a breathtaking journey through the stars, offering an immersive educational experience that is both entertaining and memorable. It is a fantastic option for a space themed birthday party that requires minimal setup from you.
The centrepiece of this idea is a professionally produced, 360-degree show projected onto a massive dome, surrounding the audience with stunning visuals of galaxies, planets, and nebulae. Many planetariums offer private bookings or birthday packages that combine a spectacular show with a dedicated party space for cake and presents, providing an all-in-one solution.
Booking Your Cosmic Adventure
To ensure a seamless experience, planning ahead is key. Many venues offer specialised programmes for birthday groups:
- Mobile Planetariums: Companies bring an inflatable dome to your home or hired hall, offering a completely private and convenient show.
- Science Centre Packages: Local science museums often have birthday packages that include a private show, a party room, and sometimes even themed activities.
- Community Venues: Don’t overlook smaller planetariums at community colleges or local science centres, as they frequently offer more flexible and affordable private show options.
A brilliant way to personalise the event is to ask the planetarium staff if the birthday child can have a special mention or if the show can focus on their favourite celestial object, such as Jupiter or the Orion Nebula.
Tips for a Stellar Show
Make sure your planetarium visit is a galactic success by checking a few details in advance. Book well ahead of time, especially for weekend dates, and confirm the group size limits and age recommendations for the show. Ask if you can choose from a selection of shows to best match the interests of your guests. This approach is perfect for children aged 6 to 12, as it combines visual wonder with fascinating scientific facts, much like the celestial journey in Space Ranger Fred and the Tick Tock Tale.
5. Glow-in-the-Dark Space Party
Transform your venue into a breathtaking nebula with a Glow-in-the-Dark Space Party. This concept uses UV lighting and luminous decorations to create a mesmerising cosmic atmosphere, perfect for an evening celebration. It’s an immersive experience that turns the lights down and the excitement up, making for an unforgettable space themed birthday party.
The key is to create a dark environment where neon and glow-in-the-dark elements can truly shine. By using black lights, you can make white and fluorescent colours pop, mimicking the vibrant glow of distant galaxies and stars. Guests can become part of the spectacle with glow stick accessories and neon face paint.
Creating Your Luminous Cosmos
To bring this radiant universe to life, focus on a few core glowing elements:
- UV Black Lights: Rent or buy UV black lights to illuminate the party area. These are essential for making neon decorations, clothing, and paints fluoresce brightly.
- Glowing Planets and Stars: Stick glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling and walls. You can also hang homemade planets painted with neon paint from the ceiling for a 3D effect.
- Neon Tableware: Use neon plates, cups, and cutlery. You can even find tonic water, which glows under black light, to create otherworldly beverages for the children (under supervision, of course!).
A simple yet effective touch is to give each guest glow stick bracelets and necklaces upon arrival. This not only adds to the visual appeal but also helps you keep track of the children in the low-light setting.
Tips for a Dazzling Display
Ensure your glow party is a radiant success by planning for the low-light conditions. Test your lighting setup beforehand to eliminate any overly dark spots. It’s a great idea to incorporate bioluminescence, a fascinating natural phenomenon that ties into the science theme. You can find simple experiments online or discuss how creatures in the darkest parts of the universe might create their own light, similar to the creative problem-solving found in Space Ranger Fred and the Shoelace Adventure. This approach is brilliant for children aged 6 to 12, as it combines visual wonder with a touch of mysterious, deep-space science.
6. Alien Encounter Mystery Party
Launch your guests into an interstellar whodunnit with an Alien Encounter Mystery Party. This immersive concept turns your celebration into a live-action story where participants become key characters tasked with solving a cosmic puzzle, like uncovering a friendly alien’s identity or foiling a playful invasion. It’s an imaginative and highly interactive space themed birthday party that encourages teamwork and creative thinking.
The idea is to create a narrative that unfolds throughout the party. Each guest receives a character profile with a unique role, clues, and objectives. As the story progresses, they interact, gather information, and work together to solve the central mystery, making every child a hero in their own alien adventure.
Setting Up Your Alien Mystery
To bring this cosmic conundrum to life, focus on a clear and engaging storyline:
- Character Creation: Design simple character cards for each guest. Roles could include a brave Starship Captain, a clever Scientist, a quirky Alien Diplomat, or even a disguised extraterrestrial.
- Clue Stations: Hide puzzle pieces, coded messages, or "alien artefacts" around the party area. Each clue should reveal a piece of the mystery, guiding the children toward the final resolution.
- Guided Narrative: Have an adult act as the ‘Mission Commander’ or ‘Story Guide’ to introduce plot twists, provide hints, and keep the adventure moving smoothly.
A fantastic way to boost immersion is by providing simple costume pieces. Think shimmering alien antennae, shiny silver capes, or official-looking mission badges. This helps guests get into character without needing full costumes.
Tips for a Successful Mission
Ensure your mystery is a hit by tailoring the complexity to the age group and providing clear, achievable objectives for everyone. Much like the problem-solving scenarios in the Space Ranger Fred and the Tick Tock Tale, a well-structured mystery encourages critical thinking in a fun, low-pressure environment. This format is perfect for children aged 8 to 12, as it combines role-playing with collaborative puzzle-solving, ensuring every guest is a vital part of the story.
7. Space-Themed Cake and Dessert Display
Elevate your party's centrepiece with a showstopping space-themed cake or a full dessert display. This goes beyond a simple bake, turning your sweet treats into a decorative focal point that captures the imagination. An elaborate cake shaped like a rocket or a dessert table designed to look like the solar system can become the culinary highlight of your space themed birthday party.
The idea is to create an edible work of art that guests will admire long before it's time to sing "Happy Birthday." From gravity-defying designs to interactive elements like edible glitter nebulas or planet cake pops, this display makes the theme tangible and delicious, adding a professional touch to your celebration.
Designing Your Cosmic Confections
To bring your stellar dessert vision to life, consider these popular approaches:
- Solar System Table: Arrange cupcakes or cake pops as planets orbiting a larger sun cake. Use different colours and flavours for each celestial body to make it a tasty tour of our solar system.
- Rocket Ship Cake: A multi-tiered rocket cake can serve as a dramatic centrepiece. Use edible silver dust for a metallic finish and sparklers (with caution) for a "blast off" effect.
- Astronaut & Alien Treats: Create smaller, character-focused treats like astronaut-shaped biscuits or green alien macarons. These are great for younger children and add a playful element to the display.
For a truly memorable moment, plan the cake-cutting ceremony. Dim the lights and use space-themed music to build excitement as the birthday astronaut prepares to make their wish amongst the stars.
Tips for a Flawless Display
Ensuring your dessert display is a galactic success requires some planning. Provide your baker with detailed photos or sketches of your desired design well in advance, and always have a backup plan with simple cupcakes in case of a cake catastrophe. This approach is fantastic for creating a 'wow' factor and provides amazing photo opportunities, much like the vibrant illustrations found in books like Space Ranger Fred and the Tick Tock Tale. It’s perfect for any age group, as everyone appreciates a stunning and delicious dessert.
8. DIY Space Planetarium with Projection Mapping
Transform a room into a breathtaking cosmos with a DIY Space Planetarium. This immersive idea uses simple projection technology to cast stars, galaxies, and planets onto your ceiling or walls, creating a stunning visual centrepiece for an unforgettable space themed birthday party. It’s a captivating way to bring the wonders of the universe indoors, amazing guests of all ages.
The concept involves using a projector, often paired with a smartphone or laptop, to display space-themed visuals in a darkened room. Apps like Star Walk or SkyView, or even high-quality YouTube videos of cosmic phenomena, can turn a simple ceiling into a dynamic celestial display. The result is a magical, calming atmosphere where children can lie back and gaze at the universe above them.
Setting Up Your Celestial Show
To create your own planetarium, you'll need a few key components:
- Darkened Room: Complete darkness is crucial for the best effect. Use blackout blinds or heavy curtains to block out all external light.
- Projection Surface: A smooth, light-coloured ceiling or wall works best. Alternatively, you can create a dome effect using a large white sheet or a pop-up tent.
- Projector and Content: A mini-projector connected to a smartphone or laptop is ideal. Use apps or pre-downloaded videos of constellations, nebulae, or planetary fly-bys to ensure a seamless show.
For a truly immersive experience, add a quiet, narrated tour of the constellations or play some ambient space-themed music. This turns the visual spectacle into an educational and awe-inspiring journey.
Tips for a Successful Mission
Ensure your cosmic display runs smoothly by testing all equipment beforehand. A stable mount for your smartphone or projector will prevent shaky visuals. Providing comfy seating like beanbags or cushions encourages guests to relax and enjoy the show. This activity pairs well with storytelling, perhaps sharing a tale of cosmic discovery like the one in Space Ranger Fred and the Umbrella Rescue. It’s a fantastic option for a quieter moment during the party, captivating children aged 6 to 12 with a blend of technology and astronomical wonder.
9. Space-Themed Costume Contest and Photo Gallery
Launch your celebration into a new dimension by hosting a costume contest and photo gallery. This idea encourages guests to dive deep into their creativity, arriving as astronauts, aliens, planets, or even their favourite starship. It’s an interactive highlight that turns the entire guest list into a living part of the decorations for your space themed birthday party.
The concept is simple: announce the costume theme on the invitations and set up a special area for a photo shoot or a runway display. Guests can show off their cosmic creations, and you can organise a fun judging session with awards for different categories. This ensures everyone gets to participate and be celebrated for their imaginative efforts.
Setting Up Your Cosmic Catwalk
To organise a stellar costume showcase, consider these essential elements:
- Designated Photo Area: Create a backdrop with starry fabric, foil balloons, or a printed galaxy scene. This becomes the official "Space Photo Booth" for capturing every incredible costume.
- Costume Parade: Organise a mini-parade or runway walk where each guest can show off their outfit. Play some space-themed music to set the mood and make it feel like a real event.
- Creative Categories: Instead of just one winner, offer awards for categories like "Most Creative Alien," "Best Homemade Spacesuit," or "Funniest Cosmic Character" to ensure more children feel included and rewarded.
To help everyone participate, set up a small "Costume Repair & Creation Station" with craft supplies like foil, cardboard, and tape for last-minute additions or emergency repairs to their outfits.
Tips for a Successful Showcase
Ensure your costume contest is a hit by announcing the theme well in advance on the invitations. This gives families plenty of time to prepare. For judging, keep the criteria light-hearted and focused on fun, especially for younger children. The goal is participation, not fierce competition. This approach is fantastic for children aged 6 to 12, as it encourages self-expression and creative thinking, much like the imaginative problem-solving seen in Space Ranger Fred and the Umbrella Rescue. Capturing photos of each participant and sharing a digital album afterwards also makes for a wonderful, personalised party favour.
10. Interactive Space Mission Control Station
Bring the drama and excitement of a rocket launch into your home with an Interactive Space Mission Control Station. This immersive activity turns guests into flight directors and capsule communicators, putting them in charge of a simulated space mission. It’s a brilliant way to incorporate technology, teamwork, and role-playing into a space themed birthday party.
The idea is to create a central command hub where children can operate replica consoles, monitor "live" mission data on screens, and communicate with astronauts. Each guest is assigned a specific role, working together to solve problems and guide their spacecraft safely through its journey. This hands-on experience blends education with high-stakes fun.
Building Your Mission Control
Setting up an effective command centre doesn’t have to be complex. The key is to create an atmosphere of authenticity:
- Assign Roles: Give each child a job title like Flight Director, CAPCOM (Capsule Communicator), or Navigation Officer. Provide simple laminated cards explaining their duties.
- Create Consoles: Use cardboard boxes painted grey, with old keyboards, calculators, and printouts of dials and buttons to create individual control panels for the children.
- Mission Scenarios: Develop a simple mission script with pre-planned "anomalies" for the team to solve, such as a meteor shower or a system malfunction, encouraging collaborative problem-solving.
To make the experience feel truly official, provide headsets for each mission controller. This simple prop significantly boosts the sense of immersion and makes them feel like they are part of a real NASA operation.
Tips for a Successful Mission
A well-organised mission control can be the highlight of the party. Ensure success by keeping the tasks simple and the goals clear. Use a projector or a TV screen to display mission animations or a countdown clock. This setup is perfect for children aged 7 to 12, as it challenges their critical thinking skills while promoting teamwork. For more ideas on structuring a narrative with exciting challenges, the problem-solving journey in Space Ranger Fred and the Umbrella Rescue offers great inspiration for creating an engaging mission.
Top 10 Space-Themed Party Activities Comparison
| Party Option | Implementation Complexity 🔄 | Resources & Cost ⚡ | Expected Outcome / Impact 📊 | Ideal Use Cases 💡 | Key Advantages ⭐ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astronaut Training Academy | High 🔄 Multi‑station logistics, safety planning | High ⚡ Large space, materials, multiple facilitators | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📊 Highly engaging, educational, memorable keepsakes | Large active groups; museums, party venues | Active + educational; scalable; certificates/medals |
| Planetary Scavenger Hunt | Medium‑High 🔄 Multiple stations and clue design | Medium ⚡ Props, helpers, laminated clues; weather contingency | ⭐⭐⭐ 📊 Long engagement, teamwork, exploration | Outdoor/backyard or hired halls; mixed ages | Customisable length/difficulty; promotes problem‑solving |
| Build Your Own Rocket Ship Photo Op | Low‑Medium 🔄 Craft setup + photo backdrop | Low ⚡ Cardboard, craft supplies, basic photo gear | ⭐⭐⭐ 📊 Takeaway keepsakes; high social shareability | Mixed‑age gatherings; downtime activity stations | Affordable, shareable, hands‑on creativity |
| Planetarium Show Experience | Low 🔄 Host effort low but requires booking | High ⚡ Venue fees; per‑person cost; limited availability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📊 Professional immersive education, wow factor | Small‑medium groups seeking high production | High production value; expert narration; all‑weather |
| Glow‑in‑the‑Dark Space Party | Medium 🔄 Lighting design and safety controls | Medium ⚡ UV/LED rentals, decor, neon face paint | ⭐⭐⭐ 📊 Memorable atmosphere; strong visual impact | Evening parties; teens; dance or sensory events | Dramatic visuals; sensory engagement; Instagrammable |
| Alien Encounter Mystery Party | High 🔄 Scripted narrative, role assignment, facilitation | High ⚡ Props, costumes, trained game masters | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📊 Immersive storytelling; teamwork and creativity | Imaginative older kids; theatre/escape‑room fans | Deep engagement; customisable storylines; team focus |
| Space‑Themed Cake & Dessert Display | Medium 🔄 Coordination with baker; display setup | Medium‑High ⚡ Professional decorator fees; delivery care | ⭐⭐⭐ 📊 Dramatic photo centrepiece; culinary highlight | Photo‑centric celebrations; milestone birthdays | Visual centrepiece; highly customisable; conversation starter |
| DIY Space Planetarium (Projection) | Medium‑High 🔄 Technical setup and testing | Low‑Medium ⚡ Projector/apps (£40–£250), audio, dark room | ⭐⭐⭐ 📊 Customisable intimate immersion; reusable setup | Small home parties; repeat use; budget alternatives | Cost‑effective vs planetarium; flexible content control |
| Costume Contest & Photo Gallery | Low‑Medium 🔄 Organise categories, judging, photo ops | Low ⚡ Backdrop, lighting, small prizes | ⭐⭐⭐ 📊 Encourages creativity; strong photo content | Community events, conventions, school parties | Low cost; inclusive if multiple categories; great photos |
| Interactive Mission Control Station | High 🔄 Technical consoles, simulation design | High ⚡ Equipment or venue rental (£400–£1500); trained staff | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📊 Hands‑on STEM learning; authentic operational feel | STEM‑focused parties; museums; large rotations | Authentic NASA‑style experience; educational + memorable |
Bringing Your Cosmic Celebration Back to Earth
And there you have it, your mission briefing is complete. From the immersive challenges of an Astronaut Training Academy to the glowing wonders of a dark-space party, we’ve journeyed through a galaxy of ideas to make your child's space themed birthday party an unforgettable adventure. The true magic lies not in a single element, but in weaving these concepts together to create a cohesive and captivating universe for your young explorers.
Remember, the goal is to spark curiosity and fuel the imagination. You don't need a Hollywood budget to create an out-of-this-world experience. A simple Planetary Scavenger Hunt can become an epic quest for knowledge, and a DIY rocket ship photo booth transforms into a treasured keepsake of their cosmic journey. The key is engagement. By focusing on interactive activities and hands-on fun, you turn passive party guests into active crew members on a vital mission.
Key Takeaways for a Stellar Event
To ensure your party achieves a successful launch, keep these core principles at the forefront of your planning:
- Immersion is Paramount: Transform your space. Use lighting, decorations, and sound to make guests feel like they’ve truly left Earth behind. A simple projector creating a starfield on the ceiling or a playlist of ambient space music can make all the difference.
- Balance Structure with Creativity: Activities like the Astronaut Training Academy provide structure, while creative stations like building a rocket ship allow for individual expression. A successful party has a good rhythm, mixing high-energy games with calmer, focused activities.
- Storytelling Ignites Wonder: Frame your activities within a narrative. Are the children cadets training for a mission? Are they explorers discovering a new planet? Integrating a story, perhaps even a short reading from an exciting adventure book like Space Ranger Fred and the Shoelace Adventure, gives purpose and excitement to every game and craft.
Your Next Steps to the Stars
As you embark on your party planning mission, start by selecting two or three core ideas from our list that best suit your child’s age and interests, as well as your space and budget. Don’t try to do everything. It’s far better to execute a few concepts brilliantly than to stretch yourself too thin. Create a checklist, delegate tasks to your co-pilots (friends or family), and, most importantly, have fun with the process.
Ultimately, a fantastic space themed birthday party does more than just celebrate another trip around the sun. It nurtures a fascination with science, technology, and the vast, beautiful universe we inhabit. By creating an environment of discovery and play, you’re not just throwing a party; you’re inspiring the next generation of astronauts, scientists, and dreamers. Your celebration becomes a launchpad for a lifetime of curiosity.
Ready to continue the adventure long after the party ends? The Space Ranger Fred book series offers thrilling stories that perfectly capture the spirit of exploration and problem-solving. Fuel your young astronaut's imagination with tales of cosmic fun by visiting Space Ranger Fred today.