Summer science activities are fun for kids of all ages because it taps into children’s innate curiosity about the world around them…oh, and they are fun! Here are 5 of our very favorite summer science experiments for kids that will engage the entire family…and likely the whole neighborhood! Use these summer science ideas for kids at home or in the classroom.
Summer Science Experiments for Kids
Let’s take back summer for ourselves with some simple and fun summer science activities for kids. It seems like my family falls into the same trap each summer — we spend way too much time behind screens and not enough quality time as a family.
Related: Summer camp activities for kids
5 Kids Science Activities Perfect for Summer
Doing these science experiments with kids is just plain 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 have most of the supplies at home right now!
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 sprinklers with the neighborhood kids. The supplies are super simple, too!
Supplies Needed to make Bubble Snakes
- Empty water bottle
- Sock
- Rubber Band
- Scissors
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup dish soap
- Large bowl
- Food coloring
Related: Make big bubbles + our favorite bubble recipe
Steps to Make Bubble Snakes
- Cut the bottom off the 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 the rubber band to hold it in place.
- Mix the water and dish soap in the large bowl.
- Put a couple of drops of food coloring onto the sock at the end of the bottle.
- Dip the end of the bottle into the soap mixture and have your child blow out from the top of the water bottle.
The soapy water makes really fun and long bubbles as it moves through the sock filter.
Related: More backyard fun ideas for kids
The kids had so much fun with this activity — they kept refilling their bubble snakes and blowing more and more bubbles!
2. Fun Science Activity: Make Exploding Paint Bombs
This simple science activity is always a crowd pleaser. It is colorful and loud, and MESSY. Kids love it.
Supplies Needed to make Exploding Paint Bombs
- Film canisters
- Alka Seltzer tablets
- Water-based paint (we used finger paint)
- Watercolor paper
Related: More summer science activity ideas
Steps to Make Exploding Paint Bombs
Step 1
Pour some paint to a film canister and add half of an Alka Seltzer tablet. Put the lid on the canister and shake it well.
Step 2
Set it on the watercolor paper (and run away) and watch as the pressure builds up and the paint bomb goes off.
Safety Note About Exploding Paint Bombs
Younger kids need intense supervision and eye protection for everyone is recommended.
3. Sizzling Science Idea: Make Fizzing Ice Cubes
This science activity couldn’t be simpler. It is perfect for a hot summer day when your kids need to cool off.
Supplies Needed to make Fizzing Ice Cubes
- 3 cups water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- Ice cube tray
- Food coloring
- Distilled vinegar
- Spray bottle
Steps to Make Fizzing Science Ice Cubes
Step 1
Place one drop of food coloring into each cavity of the ice cube tray. Mix the baking soda into the water until it is fully dissolved. Fill the ice cube tray with the baking soda mixture.
Step 2
Freeze for 3-4 hours or overnight.
Step 3
Place the ice cubes on the sidewalk and spray with the vinegar.
What Happens?
As the baking soda reacts to the vinegar, it will begin to fizz.
Kids love to watch the bubbles and see the ice break down.
Related: More ice activities for kids
4. Let’s Make Soda Rockets for Science Summer Fun
Soda Rockets were definitely the kids’ favorite activity at our playdate. They are super simple, too!
Supplies Needed to make Soda Rockets
- 2 liter diet soda
- Mentos peppermints
Steps to Make Soda Rockets
Step 1
We gave each child three peppermints and had them drop the mints into a bottle of soda and get out of the way!
What Happens?
The chemical reaction causes a rocket of soda to jet out of the bottle!
The reactions of the kids were the BEST.
It was so fun!
Related: Vinegar science fun for kids
5. Vinegar & Baking Soda Science: Exploding Baggies
Here’s another simple activity that just needs 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 coloring
Steps to Make Exploding Baggie Science Activity
- Add the vinegar in the bottom of a baggie and mix in a few drops of food coloring.
- Twist the bag in the middle to seal off the vinegar and add the baking soda in the top section of the bag.
- Seal it and carefully set it on the ground.
- When you’re ready for the fun, have the kids untwist the bags and shake them.
- Make sure they set them back on the ground and watch the gas expand in the bags until the pop and they step away!
Related: Exploding baggies science for kids
More Science Activities for Kids from Kids Activities Blog
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- How to make a science poster
- Science games for kids
- 101 Cool science experiments for kids
- Atmosphere science for kids
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- Fun science experiments
- dr seuss science activities
- Check out this atom model how-to!
- Learn about force, friction, and motion with this tug of war science lesson.
Which science activity are you going to try with your kids first?
How do I sign my kids up for camp ?
Hi, Rasheda! Which summer camp are you talking about, please?
Won’t the food coloring stain concrete?How do you clean up?