Winter Science Experiments and STEM Challenges for Kids

Now that Christmas is over, it’s time to really embrace winter and all the exciting science activity opportunities the cold weather opens up. I’ve put together a fun and easy collection of winter science experiments perfect for cheering up a dreary January.

Easy Winter Science Experiments

Ice Experiments

All my children love playing with ice, there is something about it being cold and slippy that really appeals to them. There are endless different ways to explore ice and melting, and all make a great winter science experiment.

Firstly, how about trying a super simple melting activity to learn about changes of state.

Discover whether ice melts faster in hot or cold water with our fishing activity. This is one of my favourite winter science experiments, but is also great for summertime too. All you need to do is freeze a plastic fish or other small counter in a cube of ice along with a piece of string. Tie the other end of the string to a stick and you have your very own ice fishing rod!

Try some ice painting, this is another very simple activity. Just freeze a sheet of ice and paint over the top. Children can paint, wipe the ice clean and paint again!

We love these pretty ice decorations. Is it cold enough for them to freeze outside without

Play with ice in a balloon. This activity is very simple and fun for even very little children. You could even make the balloon into a snake like we did.

Try these super fun ice volcanoes from Reading Confetti.

How about these frozen hands from Little Bins for Little Hands?

Make some seasonal ice. We made this one for Autumn. I added some pinecones and leaves before leaving the water to freeze.

How about this sparkly version? You could try to find ways to make it melt faster? Try using warm water or salt to speed up the melting process.

We had lots of fun with our baking soda ice cubes and loved this frozen vinegar idea from Inspiration Laboratories.

Move wire through ice. A grown up might have to help with this one, and you don’t have to use a large a piece as we did.

This ice chalk from Growing a Jeweled Rose looks great too.

Try to make your own frost. This one is always a very popular in our house, watch as the frost appears on the side on the can. For some extra fun try decorating the can to look like a snowman!

Colour mixing with fruity ice. This one is good for summer as well, you can make fun slushy drinks and see what colours you end up with.

What about making some hot ice?

The Artful Parent has a gorgeous melting ice, salt and watercolour experiment.

Finally, and this is my favourite. Investigate how to get a toy car to move across a sheet of ice. How do you think you could stop the car slipping?

Snow Experiments for Kids

If you’re lucky enough to have some snow, how about making a snow volcano? You’ll just need snow, red food colouring, baking soda and vinegar.

Snowman Science Experiments

Find out how simple circuits work with this easy playdough light up snowman.

Learn about forces with our super simple snowman catapult!

If you don’t have snow, try to make your own snow. We’ve got three easy recipes for you to try.

Do you have any other winter or icy science ideas for us?

Which is your favourite winter science experiment?