17 Fun Science Experiments for Kids to do at Home
Children have a natural curiosity and a need to make sense of the world around them. What better way to encourage your kid’s curiosity than by introducing them to the wonders of science through fun hands-on activities that can be easily done at home?
Below we’ve listed some of our favorite experiments for young and not-so-young kids to engage in simple and fun learning. These tried and tested experiments will give you enough ideas to get you started, and you can always come back to this article if you are looking for inspiration! We will keep adding to this list each time we find something we think kids will love.
To ensure that you can readily conduct these experiments they need to be doable and that’s why supplies must be easy to source and cost effective. Most of what you will need you will already have on hand at home in the kitchen cupboard or can be found on the shelves of your local grocery store. Plus, many of these activities can be done even if you are short on time and they are great to have up your sleeve for when they are bored or for a rainy day!
Why introducing science to kids is important
Kids have a natural desire to learn, explore and experiment, and when nurtured they can rapidly acquire more complex skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving.
It supports the development of other important skills, including learning how to work with others, basic gross and fine motor control, language, and early mathematical understanding.
Exposure to science early on in childhood development builds the basis for future science understanding.
It makes science a part of daily life and helps to establish it as a subject to enjoy not fear, particularly important if kids are to develop the confidence to take part in STEM or STEAM subjects in high school.
Science experiments are exciting and fun! They are a great way to enjoy time with your kid and build memories.
Your Role
Encourage your kid’s hands-on participation as the more they do the more invested they will be. Don’t worry if things get a bit messy, that may just be part of the fun!
Make sure they stay safe. If needed, give them goggles, coats or aprons and make sure they are supervised.
Ask them what they think might happen (hypothesis), and encourage observations and questions. Talk about the results and draw a conclusion. Each of the experiments provides instructions and also explanations for why something happens. If they are old enough, they may enjoy using a journal to write it all down. For younger kids, use drawing as a way to record what they did and saw. Don’t force this though, keeping things fun is the best way to keep them interested in science.
Things that go bang!
Build the tension and get the kids excited as they wait for the explosion. Be warned, messes will be made!
Make a volcano
A staple of any science fair. This requires the kitchen supplies of baking soda and vinegar. From Coffee Cups and Crayons.
The infamous mentos and coke geyser
This is an all-time favorite and probably something that you will do more than once! From Little Bins for Little Hands.
Exploding baggies
A contemporary take on the baking soda and vinegar reaction. Simple to set up and easy to repeat. From Kids Activities Blog.
We all love candy!
Get the M off the M&Ms
Not only do you get to see the M float to the top of the water but you get to taste a few M&M’s too! From Mombrite.
Skittles rainbow experiment
Kids will love to see all the colors and patterns. From Fun Learning for Kids.
Sink a marshmallow
Can your young learner work out how to sink a marshmallow? From Playdough to Plato.
Crystal stars
This experiment requires a little patience but it’s worth the wait. Watch as crystals grow on the string. From One Little Project.
Science in the kitchen
Flying tea bag
This one requires matches so adult supervision is a must! From Steam Powered Family.
Magic milk
Though very simple this has a very pretty result. From Cool Science Experiments HQ.
Make an egg float
This is all about density. Give them a challenge and see if they can problem-solve. From Coffee Cups and Crayons.
Rainbow walking water
This one will keep the whole family mesmorized. From Fun Learning for Kids.
Mind the weather!
Rain cloud jar
Although this looks impressive, this experiment has a very simple set-up. From The Stem Laboratory.
Hot and cold balloon
What happens when the temperature changes? From Go Science Girls.
Tornado in a bottle
One of the best science experiments to demonstrate how weather works. From We Have Kids.
Physical Science
Floating pictures
Create floating pictures to learn all about density with the magic of dry erasers. From Go Science Girls.
Egg in a bottle
A bit of magic and a lot of air pressure. From Raising Dragons.
Popsicle stick catapult
Learn about transferring energy with this fun catapult activity from Science Buddies.
The Final Word
Science holds the clues to the mysteries that children seek to solve, the answers to their questions of why. While science is based on curiosity it is fostered by fun. We hope the experiments above give you plenty of opportunities to pique your young learner’s interest and to create great memories in the process.