Summer science activities are fun for kids of all ages because they tap into kids’ innate curiosity about the world around them… oh, and they’re fun! Here are 5 of our favorite summer science experiments for kids that will engage the whole family… and possibly the whole neighborhood! Use these summer science ideas for kids at home or in the classroom.
summer science experiments for kids
Let us relive your summer memories with some simple and fun summer science activities for kids. It seems like my family falls into the same trap every summer — we spend too much time behind screens and not enough quality time as a family.
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Doing these science experiments with the kids is just fun. The kids were so excited to get messy and see what was going to happen next. The best part about these activities is that anyone can do them — you probably already have most of the supplies at home!
1. Bubble Snakes Make Simple Science Fun
Bubble snakes are one of those fun ideas that makes me nostalgic for summer days spent riding bikes and playing in the sprinklers with the neighborhood kids. The supplies are also super simple!
Ingredients needed to make bubble snake
- empty water bottle
- sock
- rubber band
- Scissor
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup dish soap
- large bowl
- food color
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Steps to make a bubble snake
- Cut off the bottom of an empty water bottle.
- Cover the water bottle with the sock, making sure the foot of the sock is over the opening in the bottom of the bottle.
- Cut off the excess at the top of the bottle and use a rubber band to hold it in place.
- Combine water and dish soap in a large bowl.
- Add a few drops of food coloring to the end of the bottle on the sock.
- Dip the tip of the bottle into the soapy mixture and ask your child to blow out the top of the water bottle.
The soapy water makes really fun and long bubbles as it runs through the sock filter.
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The kids had so much fun with this activity – they kept refilling their bubble snake and blowing more and more bubbles!
2. Fun Science Activity: Make Exploding Paint Bombs
This simple science activity is always a crowd pleaser. It’s colorful and loud, and messy. Kids love it.
Supplies needed to make an explosive paint bomb
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Steps to Make an Explosive Paint Bomb
step 1
Pour some paint into a film canister and add half of an Alka Seltzer tablet. Place the lid on the canister and shake it well.
step 2
Set it on watercolor paper (and run away) and watch as the pressure builds up and the paint bomb goes off.
Safety note about paint bombing
Young children require close supervision and eye protection is recommended for all.
3. Sizzling Science Idea: Make Fizzing Ice Cubes
This science activity couldn’t be easier than this. It is perfect for a hot summer day when your kids just need to cool off.
Ingredients needed to make fizzing ice cubes
- 3 cups water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- ice tray
- food color
- distilled vinegar
- spray bottle
Steps to Make Fizzing Science Ice Cubes
step 1
Add a drop of food coloring to each cavity of an ice cube tray. Mix the baking soda in the water until it is completely dissolved. Fill ice cube trays with the baking soda mixture.
step 2
Freeze for 3-4 hours or overnight.
step 3
Place ice cubes on the sidewalk and spray with vinegar.
what happens?
As the baking soda reacts with the vinegar, it will begin to foam.
Kids love to watch the bubbles pop and watch the ice pop.
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4. Let’s Make Soda Rockets for Science Summer Fun
Soda rockets were definitely the kids’ favorite activity at our play date. They’re super simple too!
Supplies needed to make a soda rocket
- 2 liters diet soda
- Mentos Peppermint
Steps to Make a Soda Rocket
step 1
We gave each child three peppermints and told them to put the mints in a soda bottle and get out of the way!
what happens?
The chemical reaction causes a rocket of soda to shoot out of the bottle!
The kids had the best reaction.
it was so fun!
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5. Vinegar and Baking Soda Science: Exploding Baggies
Here’s another simple activity that only requires a few supplies and is one of our favorite vinegar and baking soda science activities for kids. This summer science experiment is fun and messy!
Supplies Needed to Make Exploding Baggies
- zipper bag
- 2 tbsp baking soda
- 1/3 cup vinegar
- food color
Steps to Make an Exploding Baggy Science Activity
- Pour vinegar into the bottom of a jug and mix in a few drops of food coloring.
- Swirl the bag in half to seal off the vinegar and pour the baking soda into the top half of the bag.
- Seal it and carefully put it on the ground.
- When you’re ready for fun, have the kids open the bags and shake them.
- Make sure they put them back on the ground and watch the gas in the bag expand until pop and away they go!
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Which science activity are you going to try with your kids first?
