TOP 11 Awesome Experiments Younger Kids Will Love Today

Exciting Science Experiments for Kids That You’ll Love

Kids and science? A match made in chaos!

I write for our blog, Modern Dads, because let’s face it—keeping kids entertained shouldn’t require a PhD.

Last weekend, I decided to unleash some science experiments that would rival any blockbuster movie. We whipped up a lava lamp with oil and water—it was like a mini disco in our kitchen. My son, Liam, thought he was a wizard when the baking soda and vinegar erupted like Mount St. Helens. Emily, my 9-year-old, mixed Skittles with hot water and squealed as the colors danced.

Now, instead of hearing “I’m bored,” I’m treated to giggles and the occasional “look, Dad, I’m a scientist!”

A few days ago, after our lava lamp success, we tried the bouncy egg experiment.

I handed Liam a raw egg and told him we were turning it into a bouncy ball. He looked skeptical, but after a day in vinegar, he couldn’t believe his eyes.

When I tossed it gently, it bounced right back. Sarah, my wife, walked in and nearly had a heart attack, thinking I was going to break something.

But seeing the joy on Liam’s face was worth it. Experiments like these have transformed our home into a mini-laboratory, filled with laughter and learning.

Let’s face it: a little mess is a small price to pay for memorable moments and science lessons.

Quick Strategies

• Lava Lamp Science: Create a colorful lava lamp using oil, water, and Alka-Seltzer for a visually engaging experiment that captivates young minds.
• Volcano Experiment: Combine baking soda and vinegar to create a fun eruption; adding food coloring enhances the dramatic effect, making it exciting for kids.
• Rainbow in a Glass: Use Skittles and hot water to demonstrate density gradients and color mixing, resulting in a vibrant and visually striking display.
• Orange Fizz Experiment: Kids can experience a fizzing reaction by coating orange slices with baking soda, highlighting fun science and the nutritional benefits of oranges.
• Elephant Toothpaste: This jaw-dropping experiment produces a colorful foam explosion using hydrogen peroxide and yeast, perfect for showcasing exciting chemical reactions.

Lava Lamp

Have you ever wanted to bring a little magic into your home?

Let’s explore some lava lamp science!

You’ll need a clear container, vegetable oil, water, food coloring, and Alka-Seltzer tablets. The density of liquids plays a crucial role in this experiment.

Start by filling your container 1/4 with water, then pour in the oil. Oil floats on top of water due to its lower density, creating a fascinating separation.

Add a few drops of food coloring—this is where the colorful creations begin!

Drop in half an Alka-Seltzer tablet and watch the magic unfold.

The bubbles rise, carrying the colored water, then pop, creating that mesmerizing lava effect.

It’s like a mini science show right on your kitchen table!

Who knew science could be so fun?

Making A Volcano

Ready to release some explosive fun?

Let’s plunge into making a volcano!

You’ll need baking soda, vinegar, and a clever volcano design. Start with a container—maybe a plastic bottle. Then, use play dough or clay to shape your volcano around it. Don’t forget food coloring for that dramatic lava effect! When you mix vinegar and baking soda, watch the eruption dynamics come alive! To make the experience even more educational, you can learn how volcanoes form and erupt while you create your masterpiece!

• Adjust the ingredient ratios for different eruption styles.
• Add soap for bubbly fun!

It’s a messy, thrilling experiment that sparks creativity and learning. Trust me, your kids will love it—just be prepared for the cleanup!

Rainbow in a Glass (Rainbow Jar)

Creating a rainbow in a glass is nothing short of magical! This vibrant experiment showcases a stunning density gradient, and it’s easy to whip up with just a few materials. In this experiment, the hot water dissolves sugar from the Skittles, allowing the colors to mix beautifully.

Here’s what you need:

• Skittles or food coloring
• Five cups or glasses
• Hot water
• A dropper or pipette
• A clear glass

Homemade Play Dough

When you think about the joy of play, nothing beats the squishy, colorful fun of homemade play dough.

Seriously, have you ever tried it?

Mix up some flour, salt, cream of tartar, water, and vegetable oil for a fantastic sensory play experience. Homemade play dough is a classic sensory activity that promotes exploration and creativity in children.

Not only does it boost fine motor skills, but it also sparks creativity!

Plus, you can customize it!

• Add gel food coloring for vibrant shades.
• Toss in glitter for extra sparkle.
• A few drops of essential oils can make it smell divine.

Homemade play dough is super soft and squishy, making it perfect for little hands to mold and shape.

Orange Fizz

Have you ever wondered how something as simple as an orange can turn into a fizzy, fun science experiment?

This delightful Orange Fizz uses baking soda to create an exciting acid-base reaction. The experiment demonstrates a classic acid-base reaction as the citric acid in the orange interacts with the baking soda. Additionally, engaging kids in hands-on learning can enhance their understanding of scientific concepts.

Here’s what you need:

• Fresh oranges
• Baking soda
• A knife (adult supervision required!)
• A plate
• Your taste buds

Simply slice the oranges, coat them with baking soda, and take a bite.

The fizzing sensation isn’t just fun—it also highlights the orange benefits, like vitamin C!

Give it a try, and watch the kids giggle with joy.

Science can be delicious!

Dry Erase Animation

Envision turning your living room into a mini science lab with just a few simple materials—sounds fun, right?

Grab some dry erase markers, a glass plate, and water. With drawing techniques, create shapes or characters on the plate. When you add water, watch the magic of pigment behavior unfold! Those drawings float and dance like they’re in a party. The alcohol in the markers helps the pigments dissolve and allows for smooth movement on the glass surface. This experiment is a fantastic way to illustrate the concept of surface tension, which can lead to further engaging discussions about the properties of liquids.

Try different colors, thicknesses, and even water temperatures. Your kids will be hooked on science while having a blast!

Who knew learning about surface tension could be so entertaining?

Trust me, this experiment’s a total winner for curious minds!

Storm In A Glass

Creating a storm in a glass might sound like the plot of a quirky movie, but trust me, it’s a fantastic experiment you can easily pull off at home!

Just grab these simple materials:

• Water
• Shaving cream
• Food coloring
• Clear glass or cup
• Spoon

Fill your glass halfway with water, then top it with shaving cream to create clouds. This demonstration helps kids understand the relationship between water vapor and precipitation concepts.

Pour colored water slowly on top, simulating precipitation concepts.

Watch as it rains down! This experiment not only dazzles but also introduces stormwater management.

Your kids will love exploring weather patterns while you sip your coffee.

Who knew science could be this fun?

Milk Art

If you thought storms in a glass were cool, wait until you see what happens when you mix milk and soap!

You’ll need whole milk, dish soap, and food coloring.

Pour a thin layer of milk into a shallow container, then drop in the colors.

Now, here’s the magic—dip a cotton swab in the soap and touch it to the colors.

Watch the color reactions explode as soap breaks down milk properties, creating swirling patterns! This happens because surface tension keeps the milk molecules together until the soap reduces their attraction.

It’s like a dance party in a bowl.

Try different milks or sprinkle pepper for extra fun.

Get ready for some messy, colorful art!

Skittles Rainbow

Who doesn’t love a rainbow?

This Skittles Rainbow experiment is a sweet way to explore candy chemistry and color mixing! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Skittles (or other colorful candies)
• Warm and cold water
• A white plate or bowl
• A pinch of sugar (optional)
• Different liquids for fun variations

Arrange your Skittles in a rainbow pattern, then pour water in the center.

Watch as the colors dissolve, creating a spectacular display! You’ll be amazed at how the colors spread out from the Skittles and separate.

Elephant Toothpaste

Elephant Toothpaste

Elephant Toothpaste is one of those jaw-dropping science experiments that can make you feel like a wizard in your own kitchen. It’s all about enzyme activity and chemical reactions, and trust me, kids love the foam explosion! The foam produced is a result of the reaction between hydrogen peroxide and yeast, creating a spectacular display.

Here’s what you need:

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Dry yeast
• Dish soap
• Warm water
• Food coloring
• A large bottle

Mix the yeast with warm water, then combine it with the hydrogen peroxide and dish soap. Watch as it fizzes and foams! Seriously, who doesn’t want to create a mini volcano of colorful toothpaste that’ll impress everyone? Give it a whirl!

Bouncy Egg

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to hold a bouncy egg in your hands?

This experiment combines bouncy egg science with rubbery egg fun, and it’s a blast!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Raw egg
• Vinegar
• A glass or jar
• Patience (yes, really!)
• Your observation skills

Simply soak the egg in vinegar and watch as the shell dissolves!

The result? A squishy, bouncy egg you can bounce around.

It’s fascinating to see the chemical reaction, and your kids will love the tactile experience.

Plus, who doesn’t want to bounce an egg? Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Hands-on Learning Adventures Together

When you’re looking to spark curiosity in your kids, nothing beats diving into hands-on learning adventures together.

Trust me, sensory experiences like baking soda volcanoes or creating a rainbow in a jar can ignite excitement.

We get to explore the wonders of density, chemistry, and even a little physics—all while having fun!

Consider these ideas:

• Nature scavenger hunts teach biology.
• DIY sundials help with time-telling.
• Cooking reinforces math.

These hands-on explorations not only build knowledge but also create memories.

Strengthening Connections Through Play

While it might seem like just a game, play is actually a superpower for building connections.

Through playful interactions, kids learn to communicate, negotiate, and share emotions. It’s like a secret sauce for emotional development!

Here’s what makes play invaluable:

• Strengthens social bonds
• Enhances cooperation and empathy
• Fosters conflict resolution skills
• Improves language abilities
• Encourages emotional resilience

References

• https://www.sciencefun.org/kidszone/experiments/top-science-experiments-for-kids/
• https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-basicreadingwriting/chapter/outcome-critical-thinking/
• https://circuitmess.com/blogs/news/cool-science-experiments-kids
• https://www.ala.org/sites/default/files/acrl/content/publications/booksanddigitalresources/digital/9780838987179_OA.pdf
• https://www.collegetransitions.com/blog/easy-science-experiments-for-kids/
• https://www.sciencefun.org/kidszone/experiments/lava-lamp/
• https://craftingafunlife.com/super-cool-and-easy-lava-lamp-science-experiment-for-kids/
• https://www.madetobeamomma.com/diy-lava-lamp/
• https://funlearningforkids.com/super-cool-lava-lamp-experiment/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1hi1l4rsYM