Looking for fun science experiments to do at home with your kids? We’ve compiled the ultimate list of cool science experiments for kids – most of which can be done with materials you already have on hand!
Children are naturally curious about the world around them, but explaining scientific concepts without a physical demonstration can be confusing, and well, just not fun! We’ve found the best way to teach science is with simple science experiments that provide hands-on learning opportunities – making concepts more accessible, and most importantly, extremely fun and memorable for kids.
We’ve scoured the web to pull together an epic list of the best easy science experiments you can do at home with your kids. Whether you have preschoolers starting at square one, or tweens or teens looking for the ultimate Science Fair project idea, this list has it all – ranging from weather, water and physics experiments, to chemical reactions and explosions (always a kid favorite!).
And you won’t have to make a special trip to the craft or hardware store – almost all of these fun science experiments use common household ingredients that you probably already have at home. Score!
So what are you waiting for – dive right in and have some science fun!
PIN for when you’re ready to perform a fun science experiment:
Science Experiments using Chemistry (Hello, Explosions!)
Your kids will have a blast watching how different materials react and change with these simple chemistry experiments – there’s tons of bubbly explosions, fizzy reactions and rainbow creations to choose from!
(1) These Oozing Pumpkins are sure to bring lots of laughs from your young scientists as you create overflowing reactions from baking soda and white vinegar. (via Little Bins for Little Hands)
(2) Or swap the pumpkin for a lemon to create a miniature volcano right in your kitchen with this Lemon Volcano. (via The Best Ideas for Kids)
(3) Go big or go home with this incredible Watermelon Volcano experiment where you just need a few simple materials including baking soda, dish soap, vinegar and a little bit of food coloring. (via Preschool Play & Learn)
(4) We love this colorful twist on the classic Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction. It just never gets old! (via Crafts by Amanda)
(5) Grab a baking sheet and try this Fizzing Colors activity to make a bubbly piece of art! (via Mom Wife Busy Life)
(6) A fun Rainbow variation on the classic Baking Soda and Vinegar experiment that is sure to make kids smile. (via The Best Ideas for Kids)
(7) Make these amazing Magical Color Changing Unicorn Noodles with cabbage and then squeeze on some lemon to watch the noodles change color! (via Left Brain Craft Brain)
(8) Learn about reactions on a large scale and turn milk into a work of art with this interactive Giant Magic Milk experiment. (via Hello Wonderful)
(9) Up the ante and make this Vinegar & Baking Soda Rocket – the chemical reaction can make it fly 30-50 feet into the air! (via 123 Homeschool for 4)
(10) Or try this super cool Chemical Reaction Car – it gets a boost from a fizzy reaction from a base (sodium bicarbonate, aka baking soda) and an acid (vinegar) which mix together and release carbon dioxide. (via Left Brain Craft Brain)
(11) Kids love this simple experiment about Apple Oxidation where they can predict which liquid will keep the apple slices from browning, then test their hypothesis. (via Jennifer Findley)
(12) Ever wonder why the Statue of Liberty is green? Get the answer to that question and learn a little bit about a famous US landmark with this cool Penny Science Experiment. (via The Keele Deal)
(13) Wow your kids by making raisins dance! This Dancing Raisins chemical experiment requires minimal ingredients (water + baking soda) but gets maximum results. (via 123 Homeschool 4 ME)
(14) What happens if you drop an egg? It cracks, right? But what if you drop a bouncy egg?! Learn how to make Bouncing Eggs with this fun kitchen experiment. (via 123 Homeschool 4 ME)
(15) It’s an old classic, but it’s still fun to do – try to fit a hardboiled egg into a glass jar with this Egg in a Bottle experiment. (via Left Brain Craft Brain)
(16) Practice fire safety while learning about the relationship between oxygen and fire with this incredibly simple Fire Safety Experiment. (via Mama Smiles)
(17) Impress your kids with this cool Smoking Fingers Trick that makes it look like your fingers are on fire as smoke rises from them! And yes, it’s best to leave this one to the grown-ups for demonstration. (via Left Brain Craft Brain)
(18) Kids will enjoy watching these balloons inflate “on their own” in this fun Balloon experiment. (via All for the Boys)
(19) With a few ingredients from your pantry, you can head outside and try this Exploding Sidewalk Chalk, because who doesn’t love messy explosions?! (via Hess Un-Academy)
(20) How do elephants keep their teeth clean? With Elephant Toothpaste of course! This is one of the best science experiments for kids of all ages – from preschoolers to teens. All it takes is hydrogen peroxide, dry yeast, dish soap and food coloring to make this super cool foamy reaction. (via Teach Beside Me)
(21) Kids (and parents) will enjoy seeing the “lava” flowing in this fun experiment where you can Take a Look Inside of a Volcano! (via 123 Homeschool 4 Me)
(22) How pretty are these Crystal Flowers? They’re a craft and science experiment all in one! (via Preschool Play & Learn)
(23) Make your own sweet treat, with this Fizzy Sherbet and learn the science behind why it tickles your tongue. (via Go Science Kids)
(24) Grab all your dull pennies and task your little scientists to try different solutions to determine How to Clean Pennies, then learn why some solutions work better than others. (via Gally Kids)
Weather Science Experiments for Kids
Why is it rainy one day and sunny the next? What causes thunder and lightning? How do clouds form?
The weather is always changing and easily observable by kids. That makes weather experiments not only super fun, but incredibly relevant for children of all ages. Explore weather-related science with these easy experiments:
(1) Have fun creating your very own rain clouds using shaving cream and food coloring with this Rain Cloud in a Jar activity. (via The Best Ideas for Kids)
(2) If you’ve got a marker and a plastic zipper bag, your kids will love getting to watch the water cycle in action by creating their very own Water Cycle in a Bag. (via Playdough to Plato)
(3) Or simply use a glass bowl and some ice cubes for a Water Cycle Experiment on the kitchen counter! (via Taming Little Monsters)
(4) Alternatively, reuse plastic bottles for a hands-on Water Cycle Experiment. (via 123 Homeschool 4 ME)
(5) Now that you know all about the water cycle, why not Build Your Own Rain Gauge? (via Nurture Store)
(6) Learn what happens when warm air rises and cool air sinks with this colorful simple experiment. (via Mom Brite)
(7) Kids will love watching a cloud form and escape when you Create a Cloud in a Water Bottle. (via Playing with Rain)
(8) If you don’t have an empty water bottle lying around, you can check out this post to create another billowing cloud using a mason jar. It is so exciting to watch the clouds roll out of the jars! (via Little Bins for Little Hands)
(9) This Tornado in a Jar is one of the most classic science experiments and is always a hit with kids. (via Natural Beach Living)
(10) Light a fire and learn about how heat moves from the Earth in this Observing Conduction experiment. (via Learn, Play, Imagine)
(11) If it’s too cold to go out and play, make the most of your time inside with this Snowstorm in a Jar. (via Taming Little Monsters)
(12) You can create your own lightning spark at home with static electricity by using just a balloon and a metal spoon! (via Learn, Play, Imagine)
(13) Have you ever wondered how hail forms? Well, you’re in luck! Grab your hair dryer for this Understanding Hail activity. (via Playing with Rain)
(14) Watch wind create energy by Making a Pinwheel. (via Science Sparks)
(15) Your kids will love learning about ice caps and polar regions with this fun sensory Melting Polar Ice Caps science activity. (via Science Sparks)
(16) And if that’s not enough snow, you can kick it up a notch with this Avalanche Experiment. (via A Dab of Glue Will Do)
(17) Grab some sidewalk chalk on a sunny day for a Human Sundial Experiment. (via Rhythms of Play)
(18) Make your own Rainbow and learn about refraction and dispersion of light. (via Rookie Parenting)
Easy Science Experiments with Candy
Adding candy makes anything more exciting for kids (or at least more sweet!), and these cool candy science experiments are no exception.
These experiments are easy, fun, and a great way to use up any extra candy that might be hanging around after the holidays!
(1) Create a rainbow on your plate with this stunning Easy Skittles Experiment. (via The Best Ideas for Kids)
(2) Now this is an experiment that kids will get excited about! Make your own Homemade Rock Candy while learning about the crystallization process. (via Better Life Blog)
(3) Explore chromatography, a technique for separating difference substances (in this case, candy and dye), with this cool Candy Chromatography kid-friendly experiment. (via Mama Miss)
(4) Learn about osmosis and watch gummy candy magically grow with this simple Gummy Bear Science Experiment. (via Playdough to Plato)
(5) Does your child like to collect rocks? Why not let them dig deeper by making these Edible Sedimentary Rocks. (via Rainy Day Mum)
(6) Watch your kids get excited as you make Pop Rocks blow up a balloon in this epic Pop Rock Science Experiment. (via 123 Homeschool 4 ME)
(7) While many people either love or do not love bright marshmallow Peeps, everyone will love learning what makes them dissolve in this Dissolving Peeps experiment. (via A Dab of Glue Will Do)
(8) If your candy has transparent colored wrappers, you can save them to learn about color mixing in with this fun color science project. (via Kids’ Craft Room)
(9) There are many ways to learn about the human body, but we’re pretty sure that the sweetest way is with candy. Kids of all ages will love making this Candy DNA Model. (via Science Sparks)
(10) Your kids won’t be the only wiggle worms in the house with these fun Dancing Frankenworms. (via Playdough to Plato)
(11) Learn how powerful the sun can be with these DIY Solar Oven S’mores. We bet you can’t eat just one! (via Desert Chica)
(12) Your little scientists will LOVE this Mentos Geyser which will teach them what happens when carbon dioxide in Soda meets a Mentos candy, while putting on quite the display! (via I Can Teach My Child)
(13) Usually we’d advise that kids stay far away from broken glass – unless, this is, it’s this yummy Edible Glass! (via Go Science Kids)
(14) This is a simple science experiment and a magic trick! Find out what happens to sugar when emerged in warm water with this cool Disappearing Candy Cane Stripes experiment. (via Playdough to Plato)
Science Experiments Using Water
If there is anything that is almost universally fun for kids, it’s playing with water. Try one of these fun water science experiments that are perfect for a rainy day indoors, or for keeping cool on a sunny day!
(1) If your little one enjoys all things colorful, they will love this incredible Walking Water Science Experiment – and all you need are paper towels, water and food coloring to get started. (via The Best Ideas for Kids)
(2) Your kids won’t believe their eyes when they see cabbage changing colors in this fun Rainbow Cabbage experiment. (via Growing a Jeweled Rose)
(3) Discover how different liquids react together with this easy experiment that creates a colorful Layered Density Column. (via Steve Spangler Science)
(4) Or learn how water travels upward through vines and stems all while creating a beautiful bouquet with these Color Changing Flowers. (via The Best Ideas for Kids)
(5) Observe how different liquids do or do not mix by creating Fireworks in a Jar. (via Hands on Teaching Ideas)
(6) Find out how temperature affects the density of water with this colorful Hot and Cold Water Density experiment. (via STEAMsational)
(7) “Grow” your own Rainbow with this colorful science experiment that highlights chromatography. (via The Best Ideas for Kids)
(8) Keep exploring the concept of absorption, diffusion and solubility while bringing out your creative side with this Coffee Filter Process Art. (via Babble Dabble Do)
(9) See how quickly you can move water from one container to the next using sponges in this fun Water Transfer Activity. (via Live Well Play Together)
(10) Play with water and Bubbles while learning about surface tension and evaporation. (via Hello Wonderful)
(11) Who else had a lava lamp growing up? This DIY Frozen Lava Lamp experiment is not only simple and fun, but brings back the lava lamp nostalgia! (via Hello Wonderful)
(12) Explore the relationship between gas, pressure, and volume in this easy Rising Water Experiment. (via Team Cartwright)
(13) Explore the power of water pressure with this low-prep, big fun Water Suspension Science activity. (via A Mothership Down)
(14) If you are looking for an activity that you can do almost anywhere, take a couple of minutes for this Water Light Refraction Experiment. (via Go Science Kids)
(15) Learn about absorption and expansion by Measuring Water Beads. (via Blue Bear Wood)
(16) Kids will love watching their drawings come to life with these Floating Dry Erase Figures. So cool! (via Go Science Girls)
(17) What will happen if you poke a hole in a bag full of water? Will it leak? Not with this Leak Proof Bag experiment. (via Montessori from the Heart)
Life Science Experiments for Kids
One of our favorite things to learn about is how living things (ourselves included) work. These life science experiments and activities will spark your child’s curiosity about the world around them!
Life Science Experiments about the Human Body:
(1) Learn how our heart pumps blood to our bodies with this Heart Pump Model. (via Science Sparks)
(2) Your child can learn how our lungs work by making a Model Lung with simple materials you probably have around the house: a plastic bottle, straw, elastic band, balloons and play dough! (via Science Sparks)
(3) These printable life-sized organs allow kids to study their body anatomy in a hands-on way. (via Adventure in a Box)
(4) Learn all about scabs – what causes them (and why they’re so important not to pick!) by making a Fake Jelly Scab that can then be eaten! (via Science Sparks)
(5) If you’re willing to brave glitter, this Glitter Germs Hand Washing Activity teaches children the importance of thorough hand washing while talking about how germs spread. (via The Soccer Mom Blog)
(6) Or, try this Growing Germs easy science experiment which uses an apple and your own child’s germs to not only teach kids to wash their hands, but all about controls and variables too! (via Playdough to Plato)
(7) Demonstrate how tooth decay happens and how to prevent it by soaking eggshells in various liquids in this Tooth Decay experiment. Is sugar a culprit? A great lesson for kids. (via Sciencing)
(8) This super easy Heart Rate Investigation will teach your kids about their heart, blood circulation and pulse, but also get them moving! (via Science Sparks)
(9) Your budding artists will love this Magic Heart Painting activity. Watch the cardiovascular system appear before their eyes! (via Taming Little Monsters)
Life Science Experiments with Plants:
(10) How do different liquids affect plant growth? Find out with this Plant Growth experiment – it’s one of our favorite science experiments and makes a great Science Fair Project! (via Lemon Lime Adventures)
(11) Discuss how plants grow and what they need to thrive by growing a Bean in a Jar. (via Growling a Jeweled Rose)
(12) Or use a plastic bag instead! All you need is a Ziploc baggie, a few beans and a damp paper towel to Grow Beans in a Bag. (via Community Playthings)
(13) Combine engineering and science while learning all about germination with this DIY Sprout House. (via The STEM Laboratory)
(14) Observe plant growth both above and beneath the “ground” by planting bulbs in a clear cup. (via Buggy and Buddy)
(15) Watch how plants respond to sunlight in this super easy Plant and Sunlight Experiment. (via Mama Smiles)
(16) Kids will love learning How Leaves Breathe with this simple plant experiment. (via Edventures with Kids)
(17) Did you know that you can grow vegetables with scraps? Watch your scrap veggies grow new life with a Scrap Garden. (via Hess UnAcademy)
Easy Physics Science Experiments for Kids
Learn how things move with these simple physics experiments for kids. Physics is the branch of science that studies matter, how it moves, and how it interacts – it encompasses the study of motion, light, electricity, magnetism, aerodynamics, and sound.
We’ve found that the best way to explain physics to kids is to skip the explanation and do a hands-on demonstration instead. Use these fun experiments to jump feet first into the world of Physics:
(1) First off, a classic Craft Stick Catapult! This simple activity is a great way to teach about energy cause and effect, as well as simple machines…and you thought you were just going to be launching marshmallows across the room! (via Team Cartwright)
(2) Explore physics and play at the same time with these awesome Pom Pom Shooters. (via Left Brain Craft Brain)
(3) This classic science fair project will teach your kids how to use chemistry to generate an electric current by making a Lemon/Lime Battery! (via Babble Dabble Do)
(4) Explore the science of sound with this pretty Rainbow Water Xylophone. (via Mama Papa Bubba)
(5) Make a simple Newton’s Cradle out of popsicle sticks, string and marbles to demonstration the conservation of momentum – kids loooove this one! (via Babble Dabble Do)
(6) Send a balloon blasting off and introduce simple physics with these neat Balloon Straw Rockets. (via Preschool Play & Learn)
(7) Grab some plastic bottles and string to make this fun Inertia Zoom Ball – a project kids can learn and play with! (via What Do We Do All Day)
(8) Popsicle sticks, rubber bands and some blocks are all you need to make a Stixplosion – demonstrating chain reactions which you can use to teach about kinetic and potential energy. (via Babble Dabble Do)
(9) Make a Salty Circuit to introduce your kids to electricity and how it moves from a battery through a circuit to power an LED. (via Babble Dabble Do)
(10) Demonstrate work and energy with this super cool Paper Airplane Launcher. (via Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls)
(11) Visually show the concept of gravity with this easy Gravity Activity with Paperclips. (via Buggy and Buddy)
(12) If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, you can create your own Light Bulb Experiment to see how electricity travels through a circuit. (via 123 Homeschool for Me)
(13) Discover what things are magnetic and vice versa with this fun Magnet Fishing Game. Great for preschoolers! (via Rhythms of Play)
(14) Baseball fans will enjoy this Frozen Baseball Experiment to observe how temperature affects how a baseball travels. (via Our Family Code)
(15) Learn more about inertia with these easy Inertia Science Experiments with Pennies. (via Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls)
(16) This awesome Rollback Can is a simple physics project that will amaze your kids and demonstrate potential and kinetic energy. (via Babble Dabble Do)
(17) These 4 Magical Magnet Projects will teach your kids about magnetism, and they’ll be mesmerized by its power! (via Babble Dabble Do)
States of Matter Science Experiments for Kids
All matter is either a solid, liquid, or gas, right? Or is it? And what happens to make some matter change states more easily than others? Kids will love these easy States of Matter science activities where they will get to learn the answers to those questions and more!
(1) This Simple Balloon experiment will teach young kids all about the 3 states of matter with a Hands-on Density test. (via 123 Homeschool 4 ME)
(2) Watch as liquid cream becomes a solid by making your own Homemade Butter. Make sure you taste test it too! (via Playdough to Plato)
(3) And because it’s always a good time for ice cream, see how simple ingredients come together and change state when you make this Ice Cream in a Bag. It’s also a great activity to discuss an exothermic reaction, a chemical reaction that releases light or heat. In this instance, heat is released from the shaking, yet it freezes the cream – science sure is amazing! (via House of Nash Eats)
(4) Fill up balloons with different types of liquid in this fun Water Balloon Science Experiment and then try and predict if they will float or sink in water. (via 123 Homeschool 4 ME)
(5) A messy project that is universally loved by kids – Oobleck! This Non-Newtonian fluid can act like a solid and a liquid. And you can make it at home as long as you’ve got cornstarch in your pantry. (via The Best Ideas for Kids)
(6) Task your kids to create an insulated box for an ice cube using materials from around the house in this Don’t Melt the Ice experiment. (via Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls)
We hope this list of easy science experiments for kids proves that science doesn’t have to be complicated…or boring! With materials you already have at home, you can create a memorable learning experience, and you definitely don’t need a lab coat to watch science come alive!
RELATED: Looking for more fun indoor activities to keep your kids busy? Check out 87 Energy-Busting Indoor Games & Activities for Kids (because cabin fever is no joke!)
What’s your favorite science experiment? Let us know your favorites in the comments below!
Mary Leigh is a stay-at-home mom to 3 fun and active boys. She started her blog, Live Well Play Together, as a creative way to encourage moms to celebrate the simple, everyday moments in motherhood. You can most often find her writing about kids’ activities, thoughts on motherhood, and simple ideas for family fun. Follow her on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for fun ideas to bring a little fun to your everyday!
