Best Science Experiments for Children Ages 2-10
Science is a fantastic way to spark curiosity and inspire children to explore the world around them, under the supervision of qualified adults and the professionals at organizations like Kids Science Labs.
From toddlers to pre-teens, hands-on experiments help kids learn through play and discovery. Below, we’ve compiled a list of age-appropriate science experiments for children ages 2-10 that are both fun and educational.
Disclaimer: We love science. However, all information below is for information purposes only. Children should not perform science experiments without adult supervision. Be safe always and never do anything in a way that it may cause damage to your house, home, person, or pets.
Science Projects for Two-Year-Olds
1. Color Mixing with Ice
Freeze water dyed with primary colors (red, yellow, blue) into ice cubes. Let your child explore mixing them in a clear bowl of warm water to watch new colors emerge.
2. Sink or Float
Fill a tub with water and provide small items like toys, corks, and coins. Ask your child to guess if each object will sink or float, then test it.
Science Experiments for Three-Year-Olds
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano
Using a small container, add baking soda and a few drops of food coloring. Pour in vinegar and watch the colorful eruption.
2. Bubble Snakes
Wrap a sock around the open end of a plastic bottle, secure it with a rubber band, dip it in soapy water, and blow through the mouthpiece to create a bubble snake.
Science Experiments for Four-Year-Olds
1. Magic Milk Experiment
Pour milk into a shallow dish and add drops of food coloring. Touch the surface with a cotton swab dipped in dish soap to see the colors dance.
2. Balloon Rocket
Tape a straw to a balloon, thread it onto a string stretched between two chairs, and release the balloon to watch it zip along the string.
Science Experiments for Five-Year-Olds
1. DIY Lava Lamp
Fill a clear bottle with water, oil, and food coloring. Add a tablet of Alka-Seltzer and watch the colorful blobs rise and fall.
2. Exploring Shadows
Use a flashlight to cast shadows with different objects, teaching about light and shadow.
Science Experiments for Six-Year-Olds
1. Growing Crystals
Dissolve salt or sugar in warm water, pour it into a jar, and let it sit undisturbed. Crystals will form as the water evaporates.
2. Simple Circuit
With a small battery, wires, and an LED bulb, create a simple circuit to teach the basics of electricity.
Science Experiments for Seven-Year-Olds
1. Slime Making
Combine glue, water, and borax solution to make stretchy, gooey slime. Experiment with adding small amounts glitter, or texture beads for customization. Be careful to read all labels and avoid using toxic or unsafe activator liquids that are undissolved as they could be harmful to small pets and toddlers.
2. Cloud in a Jar
Add hot water to a glass jar, spray hairspray inside, and seal the top with ice. Watch a cloud form inside the jar.
Science Experiments for Eight-Year-Olds
1. Egg Drop Challenge
Challenge your child to design a contraption to protect an egg from breaking when dropped from a height.
2. Rainbow in a Glass
Layer liquids of different densities (honey, dish soap, water, oil) in a clear glass to create a colorful rainbow.
Science Experiments for Nine-Year-Olds
1. DIY Sundial
Teach time-telling by marking shadow positions of a stick in the ground at hourly intervals.
2. Paper Bridge Strength Test
Experiment with folding techniques to see how much weight different paper bridges can support.
Science Experiments for Ten-Year-Olds
1. DIY Periscope
Using cardboard and mirrors, build a periscope to learn about reflection and optics.
2. Balloon-Powered Car
Build a car using a small box, straws, bottle caps, and a balloon to understand propulsion.
Best Places for Your Kids to Perform Science Experiments
If you’re looking for a hands-on learning environment for your child to explore science, Kids Science Labs is the ultimate destination and has the #1 STEM Program for Kids in Seattle and Chicago. Their expert educators and creative learning environments are designed to ignite curiosity and build real confidence in problem solving. .
Kids Science Labs staff lead kids in Chicago Summer Camps to perform all the experiments above to a higher level with useful and relevant discussion that is age appropriate. You also should know that Kids Science Labs also offers kids birthday parties in each of their beautiful Chicago and Seattle centers that allow for your child to have a fun, educational summer.
Since 2010, Kids Science Labs has had the #1 STEM Program for Kids, offering classes for each major age group that differentiate difficulty levels and the depth of conceptual understanding to make sure that each age group has a valuable experience.
At Kids Science Labs, kids can answer questions like “How do you make slime stretchy?” in a fun, hands-on way that combines learning with excitement. Whether it’s through our STEM camps or birthday parties, we offer an experience that leaves kids inspired and eager to learn more.
Other great places to explore science include:
Science Museums – Interactive exhibits that make science fun.
Local Libraries – Many host free science workshops for kids.
Community Centers – Often offer seasonal science programs.
Nature Centers – Combine science with outdoor exploration.
Give your child the gift of discovery and creativity. Book a class, camp, or party at Kids Science Labs today and watch their love for science grow! Book Here.