Looking for a fun way to keep the kids busy and curious, without making a huge mess or running to the store? These easy science experiments you can do at home with kids use ordinary items you already have on hand and deliver just the right amount of wow. These fun little experiments are perfect for a rainy afternoon, summer break, or any day when you want to add a little extra spark to learning at home.
Easy Science Experiments You Can Do at Home with Kids
Science at home is all about hands-on discovery. It’s a chance for kids to make predictions, see real results, and maybe even ask a few “how does that work?” questions. No fancy supplies required—just everyday items from your home and a little bit of curiosity.
1. Rainbow in a Glass
Mix water, sugar, and food coloring in several cups (use different amounts of sugar in each). Carefully layer the liquids in a glass, starting with the most sugary, to make a mini rainbow. The trick is density—the more sugar, the heavier the liquid. The result: colorful layers that stay separate!
2. Bouncy Egg Experiment
Place a raw egg in a cup and cover it with vinegar. Wait two to three days and watch the eggshell dissolve. What’s left is a translucent, rubbery egg that actually bounces (a little). This classic experiment is simple, fascinating, and perfect for talking about chemical reactions.
3. Make Your Own Butter
If you’re native to Pennsylvania, chances are you’ve made homemade butter before. There’s no need for an old-fashioned butter churn when a mason jar with a tight lid can do the trick. To make your butter, simply pour heavy cream into a jar, tighten the lid and shake it vigorously. Eventually, the cream will turn to butter and you’ll need to drain off the remaining liquid. If excess liquid remains in the butter, you can knead the butter until the consistency spreads as butter should.
May we suggest pairing it with a fresh stack of pancakes or a loaf of French bread? Yum!
4. Invisible Ink
Creating invisible ink for kids to write secret messages is a great way to spark their creativity and imaginative play. Using white paper, lemon juice, and a cotton swab, your kids can write a top-secret message. After writing the message on white paper, let it dry, then hold the paper near (not on) a warm lamp or use a hair dryer to reveal your message. It feels a little bit like magic, and it’s a great way to sneak in some basic chemistry.
5. Homemade Lava Lamp
It seemed like everyone had a lava lamp in their bedroom or dorm room growing up, but there’s no need to run out to the store to get the lava lamp effect. Fill a clear glass or bottle with water to about two-thirds full, then top it off with oil. Add a few drops of food coloring. Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet into pieces and drop them in one at a time. Bubbles rise and fall just like a real lava lamp—always a hit.
6. Rock Candy
Making rock candy at home is a fun and colorful science experiment that ends with a sweet treat! To start, prepare a clean glass jar—mason jars work great—and get your string or wooden skewer ready. If you’re using a cotton string, wet it, roll it in a little granulated sugar, and let it dry. This gives the sugar crystals something to “grab onto” as they grow. Tie one end of the string to a pencil or popsicle stick so you can suspend it across the top of the jar, making sure the string will hang down the center without touching the sides or bottom. If you prefer to use a wooden skewer, moisten it, roll it in sugar, and let it dry as well.
Next, make your sugar solution by bringing two cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Slowly add four cups of granulated sugar, stirring constantly until each bit of sugar is completely dissolved. The solution should be clear, not cloudy. If you want colorful or flavored rock candy, add a drop or two of food coloring and about half a teaspoon of flavor extract to the mixture once you remove it from the heat. Carefully pour the hot sugar solution into your prepared jar.
Now, lower the sugared string or skewer into the jar so it hangs down the center and is suspended from the pencil or popsicle stick laid across the top. Make sure the string or skewer isn’t touching the sides or bottom of the jar, as this helps the crystals grow evenly. Loosely cover the top of the jar with a paper towel to keep dust out, and then leave the jar somewhere it won’t be disturbed.
Crystals should start forming within a day, but for the biggest and best rock candy, let it sit for five to seven days. The longer you wait, the larger the sugar crystals will grow.
When you’re happy with the size of your rock candy, carefully remove the string or skewer and let it dry on a plate. Now you have homemade rock candy to enjoy! Kids can watch the crystals grow day by day, making this a perfect blend of science and fun.
7. Homemade Volcano
Put a small bowl on a plate, add baking soda, then pour in vinegar mixed with a bit of food coloring for dramatic effect. Watch the fizzing, bubbling “eruption.” This one never gets old, no matter how many times you do it.
Tips for Science at Home
- Some experiments can get a little messy—use a tray or do them outside if you can.
- Ask your kids to guess what will happen before you start. Bonus points if they’re right.
- Take photos of your results—you might end up with some frame-worthy reactions.
- Science notebooks are optional, but cool if your kids like to keep track of what they’ve tried.
Keep Exploring
These easy science experiments you can do at home with kids are a fun way to learn and play—no lab required. Try one or try them all, and watch curiosity take off. If you give any of these a go, let us know in the comments, or tag us on social media with #FamilyFunPA.
Want to get out of the house? Take a trip to the Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown for a fun-filled day exploring science with hands-on exhibits.
