Summertime is the perfect opportunity for kids to explore science in a hands-on, exciting way. From bubbly backyard experiments to nature-based investigations, science during summer break looks a lot like play (with a splash of “whoa!”).

Here are some super fun, screen-free summer science activities to keep kids learning, discovering, and making memories all season long.

 

Backyard Volcanoes

Unleash some explosive fun with a classic baking soda and vinegar volcano! Kids can sculpt their own volcanoes using clay, sand, or even playdough. Add red food coloring to make the “lava” extra dramatic.

What they’ll learn: Chemical reactions, acids and bases.

 

Nature Scavenger Hunt – Scientist Style

Turn a nature walk into a science mission! Have kids search for items like a feather, a pinecone, different types of leaves, or signs of animals. Then, bring them back to investigate under a magnifying glass.

What they’ll learn: Observation skills, biodiversity, classification.

 

DIY Solar Oven S’mores

Build a solar oven out of a pizza box, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and black paper. Pop in a s’more and let the sun do the cooking! It’s tasty and educational.

What they’ll learn: Solar energy, heat transfer, insulation.

 

Floating or Sinking Challenge

Gather various objects from around the house or outdoors and guess whether they’ll float or sink in a tub of water. Kids can record their predictions and results in a science notebook.

What they’ll learn: Density, buoyancy, hypothesis testing.

 

Rainbow in a Jar

Layer different liquids like honey, dish soap, water, oil, and rubbing alcohol to create a rainbow effect in a glass jar. Add food coloring to each liquid for a dramatic visual.

What they’ll learn: Density, molecular structure.

 

Insect Explorer Kits

Build simple insect observation kits with jars, magnifiers, and notepads. Head outside to gently collect and study bugs before releasing them. Encourage kids to draw and describe what they find.

What they’ll learn: Entomology, respect for living creatures, observation.

 

Frozen Dino Dig

Freeze small plastic dinosaurs or toys in a container of water. Hand kids tools like salt, warm water, and droppers to “excavate” their frozen fossils.

What they’ll learn: States of matter, melting/freezing points, patience.

 

Whether you’re camping, backyard exploring, or heading to the park, there are endless opportunities to turn summer into a science lab. These activities don’t require fancy equipment—just curiosity, a little sunshine, and a sense of wonder. So put on your safety goggles (real or imaginary) and get experimenting!