These incredibly cool science experiments for kids are a great way to keep budding scientists learning and having fun at the same time. Add in some chores, reading time, and creative play — in between all the trips to the pool and the park — and you’ll be all set.
Not only will these science experiments ignite your kid’s curiosity, they will also help create valuable family time as you explore new ideas and concepts together. And yes, you get extra credit the messier the experiment is.
Try one of these science experiments for kids at home this summer and watch your littles have fun learning. Yes, fun learning!
Mind-Blowing Science Experiments For Kids
Grow a Rainbow Crystal
While creating this rainbow crystal, your kids will learn how the crystal solution, made out of boiling water and borax, is a suspension. Once it is complete, use it as a pretty piece of art for your child’s room.
Source: Hello, Wonderful
Rainbow Milk Science Experiment
This is a fun and colorful project for little kids. Add food coloring and then a few drops of dish soap to a bowl of whole milk. Watch as the colorful liquid begins to swirl. Learn how the soap weakens the chemical bond holding the milk’s fat and protein together.
Source: Momtastic
Shaving Cream Rain Clouds
Here’s a perfect science experiment for a rainy day. Through this colorful project, kids will see how clouds create rain when saturated with water.
Source: One Little Project
DIY Floam
Make your own non-Newtonian fluid, which is neither a liquid nor a solid, by creating your own floam using Styrofoam cups, Borax, hot water, and glue.
Source: One Little Project
Penny Chemistry Experiment
Moms love this experiment because it’s not messy and the supplies are simple. Kids love the chemistry element of it. First, kids make a dull or dirty penny shiny again. Then they turn the copper penny green. All the while, they form hypotheses, take scientific notes, and record their results.
Source: Brendid
Jellyfish in a Bottle
Here is a great science experiment that doubles as a cute craft. The science behind it is that since air weighs less than water, the balloon will always rise to the top of the bottle no matter which way you turn it.
Source: Momtastic
Elephant Toothpaste
This experiment, which uses yeast, hydrogen peroxide, food coloring, and dish soap, is both explosive and colorful. The combination of the ingredients creates a reaction that causes the foam to bubble up. Be prepared: it’s messy, but it’s also fun.
Source: Frogs, Snails and Puppy Dog Tails
Battery Dancers
This cool activity shows you how to build cute tiny dancers with a "homopolar motor." A wire can be made to spin about a magnet by using the interactions of magnetism and electric current.
Source: Babble Dabble Do
Waterproof Sand
Can sand become waterproof? Let your kids see for themselves. Create a hydrophobic (water repelling) layer around sand particles by spritzing fabric protector spray on colored sand. After the mixture dries, drizzle the sand in a jar of water.
Source: Teaching Mama
Water Balloon Density Experiment
By filling balloons with different types of liquids like dish soap, milk, honey, corn syrup, salted water, and rubbing alcohol, your kids can get learn which household liquids have a higher or lower density than water.
Source: 123 Home School 4 Me
Sprout House
Don’t have a backyard big enough for a garden? Your family can still explore growing seeds, but without the mess of soil. In this experiment, your kids will learn that all seeds need is moisture and a specific temperature. It’s your very own DIY Chia pet.
Source: The Stem Laboratory