Summer is a brilliant time to explore. outdoor science with children. There is no need to perform sophisticated experiments, not even observe the properties of plants and leaves or test to see if different elements sink or float in a paddling pool it's great Simple science for the little ones.
Older children will love building bottle rocketsgenerating chain reactions and making square bubbles.
I've compiled a fun list of our favorite summer science ideas from Science Sparks and many other great blogs to keep kids of all ages happy all summer long.
My DIY Science Camp It also has some great science ideas for summer, so check them out too!
![collage of a girl blowing a bubble snake, a square bubble in a frame and a chain reaction with a lolly stick](https://www.science-sparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Summer-Science-Experiments-Pin-683x1024.jpg)
Awesome Summer Science Ideas for Kids
Summer Scientific experiments using water
Set up a Clothesline Aliens LOVE Underpants investigate how different materials absorb different amounts of water.
![Aliens love Underpants-themed science activity using pants made of different materials to test absorbance](https://www.science-sparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Aliens-LOVe-underpants-STEM-Challenge-FB-1024x1024.jpg)
There is a lot of fun water science experiments Try including a clever magic trick by holding a dry paper towel in tap water. Creative Connections for Kids.
Next time you take out the paddling pool, try one of my Five ideas to experiment with a paddling pool. These include sink and float, building boats, and learning about density!
Scientific meteorological investigations
make an easy barometer To learn about air pressure!
Build a homemade weather vane to learn about wind power, or follow Red Ted Art's easy instructions to make a diy kite
Make it super simple pluviometer from a plastic bottle to measure rain.
TO pineapple weather station It's ALWAYS fun and a great example of super Simple and economical science for children..
Find out how tell time with a sundial. This is another brilliant low-resource science activity.
![a simple sundial made with straw and plasticine](https://www.science-sparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/how-to-make-a-sundial-1024x684.jpeg)
Summer bubble science experiments
Do rainbow bubbles. Bubbles are great fun any time of year, but there's not much better than chasing bubbles in a sunny garden.
Bubble Snakes They are also fantastic and fun! As an added challenge, kids can experiment with different materials on the end of the bottle to find out which makes the best bubbles.
![Bubble Snake - bubble science for kids](https://www.science-sparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/DSC_4895-684x1024.jpg)
Did you know that you can make a square bubble? All you need is a special frame!
![Square Bubble - Make a Frame for a Square Bubble - Easy Science for Kids](https://www.science-sparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DSC_9764.jpg)
Summer science experiments with sand
Last winter we made a spectacular snow volcano, but sand also looks great, and if you make it on a tray, it's great. low preparation volcano.
![Sand volcano for a scientific experiment.](https://www.science-sparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/volcanosand.png)
Learn about evaporation using sand and water on a sunny day. Another visual way to learn about evaporation is to use colored water and salt.
Research to find what you need to make the perfect sand castle.
Set up a backyard science lab and try a dissolve investigation.
Experiments on forces and motion.
How high can you get bottle rocket launch? Remember to take a step back as these fire hard!
Do straw pullers with friends. We like to have a competition to see which mini rocket can travel the furthest.
building a parachute for an egg It is ALWAYS a fun activity. If you're feeling brave, use an unboiled egg!
We once had a great summer creating chain reactions with popsicle sticks. They require a bit of setup, but are definitely worth the effort.
![Chain reaction with craft sticks: interesting science for children](https://www.science-sparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/DSC_5737-1.jpg)
Science of outdoor cooking for summer
We can't wait to try these goop cupcakes and flowers of The tree of imagination.
do something ice cream soup with rainy day mom to explore melting.
TO Solar Furnace It's good for making s'mores, but you'll need a hot, sunny day.
Learn, play, imagine has some great ideas for fun balloons in the garden. I especially want to test the activity of baking soda.
test it filtration cleaning dirty water from the garden.
Summer Nature Science Experiments
Discover How tall is a tree? is. You'll be surprised how easy it is!
Attempt coloring carnations as Kitchen Counter Chronicles.
Do rose petal perfume and explore blends and aromas with The tree of imagination.
Find out all about Earthworms and how useful they are with a worm.
Look butterflies grow with Red Ted Art. I also have a delicious edible. butterfly life cycle activity.
Explore the life cycle of a ladybug with a simple fingerprint activity of reading confetti.
Make beautiful chromatography butterflies with Buggy and friend
Dissect a flower to learn about the different parts. This is a very visual and practical way for children to learn about the structure of plants and flowers.
![Flower Sensory Tray: Sensory Science for Toddlers](https://www.science-sparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/DSC_3538-1.jpg)
Build a den with sticks and leaves. Do some research first. The Wildlife Trust has excellent tips for building a den.
Ice experiments for children
Proof mix of colors with ice made with fruit juice. In the end you will have a delicious cold smoothie to drink.
Make charming, pretty summer ice with The tree of imagination. We like to speed up the melting of the ice with a little salt or warm water or leave ice cubes in different places to find out where they melt the fastest.
Giant or even mini ice excavations They are great for summer. We once created one so big that it took ALL day to melt.
Summer Science Challenges
We already have it easy enough summer science challenges To keep you busy ALL summer too!
![Science Challenge Printables: Easy Summer Science Challenges for Kids](https://www.science-sparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Summer-Science-Challenges-printables.jpg)
Phew, can you think of any more summer science ideas for us?
I also have a delicious summary of 50 scientific cooking experiments for a rainy day or if you need to escape the sun for a while.
![cooking science for kids](https://www.science-sparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Kitchen-Science-for-Kids-FB-1024x1024.jpg)
Last updated on May 13, 2024 by Emma Vanstone
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