50 Summer Science Experiments for Kids

Summer is a brilliant time to explore science outdoors with children. You don’t have to set up fancy experiments, even just looking at properties of plants and leaves or doing a bit of sinking and floating in the paddling pool is great simple science for little ones. I’ve put together a fun list of our favourite summer science ideas from Science Sparks and lots of other fantastic blogs to keep kids of all ages happy all summer long.

There are also some great summer science ideas in our DIY science camp, so make sure you check those out too!

Science Experiments Using Water

Find out if a filled water balloon sinks or floats.

Set up an Aliens LOVE Underpants washing line to investigate how different materials absorb different amounts of water.

There are lots of fun water science experiments including a neat magic trick keeping a paper towel dry in water from Creative connections for Kids.

Try our 5 paddling pool experiment ideas next time you get the paddling pool out!

Weather Science Investigations

Make an easy barometer to learn about air pressure!

Make a pinwheel and observe wind strength or how about a kite ? Both lovely ideas from Red Ted Art.

Make a super simple rain gauge from a plastic bottle.

A pinecone weather station is ALWAYS great fun and a great example of super simple science for kids.

Summer Bubble Science Experiments

Make some rainbow bubbles. Bubbles are great fun for any time of year, but there’s not much better than chasing bubbles around a sunny garden.

Bubble Snakes are great fun too!

Did you know you can make a square bubble? All you need is a special frame!

Summer Science Experiments using Sand

Last winter we made an awesome snow volcano, but you could also do the same with sand and make a sand volcano?

Find out all about evaporation using sand on a sunny day.

Investigate to find what you need to make the perfect sandcastle.

Set yourself up with a science lab in the garden and try some dissolving.

Forces and Motion Experiments

How high can you get a bottle rocket to launch? Remember to stand back as these shoot up with a bang!

Make some straw shooters with friends. You could even have a competition to see who can launch them the furthest.

Creating a parachute for an egg is ALWAYS a fun activity.

We once had a great summer creating chain reactions with lolly sticks.

Outdoor Kitchen Science for Summer

We can’t wait to try these goop and flower cupcakes from The Imagination Tree.

Make some ice cream soup with Rainy Day Mum to explore melting.

Find out which insulator keeps an ice pop the coldest in this fun investigation from Enchanted Homeschooling Mom.

A solar oven is ALWAYS fun!

Train up a child has some great ideas for fun with balloons in the garden. I especially want to try the baking soda activity.

Test out filtering by cleaning up dirty water in the garden.

Summer Nature Science Experiments

Find out how tall a tree is. You might be surprised at how easy this is!

Try colouring carnations like Kitchen Counter Chronicles.

Make some rose petal perfume and explore mixing and scents with The Imagination Tree.

Find out all about Earthworms and how useful they are.

Watch butterflies grow with Red Ted Art. We also have a fun butterfly life cycle activity.

Explore the lifecycle of a lady bird with this fun fingerprint activity from Reading Confetti.

Make some great Chromatography butterflies with Buggy and Buddy

Dissect a flower to learn about the different parts.

Build a den with sticks and leaves. Which shape gives the most stable structure.

Ice Experiments for Kids

Try some colour mixing with fruity ice. This activity is extra fun as you can drink a cold smoothie once the ice has melted.

Make some lovely, pretty summery ice with The Imagination Tree.

Giant or even mini ice excavations are great for summer. We once created one so big it took ALL day to melt.

Summer Science Challenges

We’ve got enough easy summer science challenges to keep you busy ALL summer too!

Finally,

Kidventures has 7 great ways to incorporate science into your summer.

Phew, can you think of any more for us?

What are your favourite summer science activity ideas?

We also have a great round up of 50 kitchen science experiments that are great for a rainy day!

NOTICE: Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions or activity of any person who uses the information on this website. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of carrying out any of the practical activities on the website.
These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.