Kids Science Labs is for all students. We love it when kids are passionately interested in science, engineering, and medicine, but our program is very successful in engaging our target kids 2-12 that love learning how things work, fixing problems, being creative, and understanding the world around them. We know from years of teaching and curriculum development, that kids, and especially early learners, have a natural curiosity that is well suited for learning science. They live it everyday at the breakfast table, building in the playroom, and using their imagination.
Field Museum Summer Camps Offer Fossil Building Adventures for Future Paleontologists
Field Museum Summer Camp
The Field Museum in Chicago is more than just a place to see exhibits—it’s also where kids can take part in summer camp programs that blend fun and learning. These Summer camps are perfect for younger children who enjoy exploring, along with interactive play. Often our students at Kids Science Labs spent 1/3 of the summer at KSL, a few weeks at a summer camps liek the Field Museum Summer Camps or at MSI, and then enjoy outdoors with the rest of their Chicago summer camp experience.
What Activities Field Museum Summer Camp Participants Do?
Field Museum summer camps offer a variety of hands-on activities to keep young learners engaged. Here are some examples of what campers can expect:
Camp Themes: Kids enjoy Animal Explorers, Creature Features, and Natural Word, Planet Protectors
Exploring Exhibits: Campers get to walk through the museum’s exhibits, like the Hall of Dinosaurs. They learn by seeing and touching real artifacts and displays.
Interactive Workshops: Kids participate in craft projects, small experiments, and storytelling sessions that make science and history come alive in a fun way.
Behind-the-Scenes Experiences: Campers can go behind the scenes to see how museum collections are cared for and learn from scientists about the work they do.
You can find more information here: https://www.fieldmuseum.org/summer-camps-programs Every day offers something different, making these camps a great environment for learning and discovery. If you have a child that is 4+ that is really interested in the hands-on science, you can also learn about the best Chicago Summer Camps that boost academic performance by clicking here:
PlayLab @ Field Museum Summer Camp
For younger children, accompanied by an 18+ adult, the Crown Family PlayLab at the Field Museum runs camps designed to spark curiosity in a playful way. These camps cater to early learners, focusing on exploration and creativity. Some highlights include:
Tailored Activities: Designed for kids ages 3 to 6, the activities emphasize sensory experiences, hands-on exploration, and imaginative play.
Creative Projects: Young campers can create art inspired by nature, pretend to be scientists, and engage in simple experiments that encourage curiosity.
Interactive Play: The PlayLab’s kid-friendly exhibits allow children to dig for fossils, dress up in costumes, and explore cultures through hands-on activities.
Field Museum summer camps provide a chance for future paleotonogists to learn, create, and explore in an environment designed to nurture their natural curiosity. If your child is 4+ and they are interested in a hands-on science summer camp in Chicago that offers both real experiments and discovery, you can also check out Kids Science Labs, which is less than 1 mile from the Field Museum, nestled in Museum Campus in the South Loop. Call 773-798-2012 for more info.
Top 32 Easy Science Experiments for Kids for DIY Fun At Home or Away
Top 25 Easy Science Experiments for Kids using Materials you already have
Kids all around the country are curious, and its our responsibility to engage and help their discovery. But since not every home has the world class Kids Science Labs inventory room, chalk full of science goodies for kids, we wanted to build a list of easy science experiments for kids using materials you already have in your kitchen or that you can grab from any convenience store. Enjoy the list and email us at support@kidssciencelabs.com if you have any questions.
Skittles Rainbow Diffusion
Our students love colors, so in this experiment kids can explore color, sugar, and the difference between a solid (food coloring powder) and a liquid (water). A fun and colorful science experiment! Arrange Skittles around the edge of a plate or really using the first initial of your first name, then pour warm water in the center, Have kids count to 27, so the physical reaction can take affect and watch as the colors of the Skittles diffuse into the water, creating a beautiful rainbow. This simple experiment demonstrates the process of diffusion and the way water molecules move through different colors.
2. Diaper Jelly Absorption Science with InstaSnow
If you are like me, you may have an old diaper sitting around. Well, that diaper uses a polymer called sodium polyacrylate, as a super absorbent crystal. Your kids won’t realize it, but a full diaper can hold 20oz of water, which is crazy! This experiment uses the super-absorbent crystals from a diaper and InstaSnow powder to show how absorbent materials can hold large amounts of liquid. Place the diaper crystals in a bowl, add water, and watch as they absorb and expand, forming a gel-like substance that mimics snow!
3. Baking Soda + Lemonade Volcano
Combine baking soda and lemonade (or lemon juice) to create a fizzing, erupting volcano effect. The acidity of the lemonade reacts with the baking soda to produce carbon dioxide gas, which creates a bubbly eruption. It's a fun, easy way to demonstrate acid-base chemical reactions, without having to use the stale old “vinegar + baking soda”. Also, for real fun , ask kids to name other citrus drinks that may work and compare the chemical reactions from each.
4. Balloon Inside a Balloon Trick
Find two latex 9 - 12 inch party style spherical balloons, preferably with a light color (white or yellow) and a dark color (blue or purple). Place the darker balloon inside the light balloon, while they are both uninflated. Carefully inflate the interior balloon as you normally would, but only blow it up about 1/3 full (4 inches in diameter). Watch as the light exterior balloon expands alongside the inflated balloon, illustrating air pressure and elasticity in action. Be sure to tie a knot for the dark balloon so it retains its air. Next, for kicks and giggles, inflate the exterior balloon watch as kids are astonished to see a balloon inside a balloon. Ask them for idea on how to pop the interior balloon without popping the exterior balloon.
5. Oobleck Made Easy
Mix cornstarch and water to create Oobleck, a non-Newtonian fluid. The solution is resistant to sheer forces (moving fast), so oobleck acts like a solid when squeezed but flows like a liquid when left alone. This fun experiment helps kids understand states of matter and viscosity.
6. Oil + Water Density Stack of Liquids
As most parents know, not every liquid is the same. All liquids have characteristic properties, such as its Density, which is how much mass for a unit of volume (D = M / V). Pour various liquids like oil, water, and honey into a tall glass to create layers that are stacked based on their characteristic density. It’s important that the liquids do not mix, so orange juice and apple juice won’t work. Since liquids have different densities, and you'll see the layers form. This experiment is a great introduction to the concept of density and works the same way that dense rocks typically sink when you throw them in a pool of water.
7. Breaking Water Tension with Soap, Water, and Pepper
Sprinkle pepper on the surface of a bowl of water, then dip a soap-covered q-tip into the water. The pepper will scatter as the soap breaks the surface tension of the water, demonstrating how soap affects water molecules.
8. Mustard Slime
Mix 2 ounces of mustard with 1 teaspoon of,baking soda. Mix and slowly count to seven stiring a popsicle sticks and watch as yellow slime that’s both fun and easy to make. This experiment demonstrates how different substances interact to create materials with unique properties. We advise doing this slime in the kitchen in the sink.
9. Ketchup Slime
Like mustard slime, ketchup can be used to create a slime-like texture when combined with baking soda. It's a gooey, fun way to teach kids about viscosity and how different ingredients can affect the texture of substances. Ketchup and Mustard both include vinegar, which is why this slime is so “explosive” and looks like a mushroom cloud. We advise doing this slime in the kitchen in the sink.
10. Milk and Food Coloring Experiment
Pour milk into a shallow dish, add a few drops of different food coloring, and then dip a cotton swab soaked in dish soap into the milk. The soap causes the food coloring to swirl around, demonstrating how soap molecules interact with fat molecules in the milk.
11. Elephant Toothpaste
This classic experiment uses hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and yeast to create a massive foam eruption, mimicking a toothpaste explosion. It’s a great example of a rapid chemical reaction that produces oxygen gas.
12. Make Biggest Bubbles with Sugar and Dish Soap
Mix sugar, water, and dish soap to create the biggest and strongest bubbles. The sugar helps reinforce the bubble's surface, making it last longer and grow bigger. Perfect for indoor and outdoor fun! Watch teachers at Kids Science Labs also use pipecleaners to design the largest bubble in Chicago’s South Side.
13. Plasma Ball and Light Bulb Tricks
A plasma ball can demonstrate electrical conductivity and ionized gas. You can also try lighting a light bulb with static electricity by using the ball. These tricks offer a hands-on approach to understanding electricity and light.
14. T-shirts Absorb Water Trick
Wet a T-shirt with water and place it on a dry surface. Ask kids to observe how much water is absorbed and discuss the materials in the T-shirt that help it retain moisture. It’s a great introduction to the concept of absorption and textile properties.
15. Float a Marker Science Trick
Fill a glass with water, place a marker on top, and slowly add drops of water to the surface. The marker will float due to the surface tension of the water. This simple trick is a good way to explore surface tension and buoyancy.
16. Make Some Slime Worms with Sodium Alginate
Combine sodium alginate with calcium chloride in a fun experiment that lets kids create slimy "worms" that float in the water. This experiment demonstrates how certain chemicals react to form a gel-like substance.
17. Mix Up Some Fluffy Slime
Create fluffy, light slime by mixing shaving cream with glue and a little baking soda. The texture is soft and fluffy, and kids will love stretching it. It’s a great way to explore the properties of different materials and chemical reactions.
18. Make A Bouncy Ball with Corn Starch
Mix cornstarch, baking soda, and a little water to create a bouncy ball that kids can play with. This simple experiment shows how different ingredients can be combined to create something with new, interesting properties.
19. Creative Ideas with Cardboard Boxes
Transform cardboard boxes into various experiments, like a homemade rocket, maze, or pinhole camera. Kids can design, build, and explore new ways to use everyday materials in creative science experiments.
20. Build a Chair From Cardboard
Kids love making things but bet you didnt’ know that your child or classroom can make a real chair that they can sit own using simple paper cups and a flat piece of cardboard. Watch this video to see exactly how to do it usinga age old technique from your friends at Kids Science Labs.
21. Create Colorful Chalk with Plaster of Paris
Mix Plaster of Paris with food coloring to create colorful, custom chalk pieces. These chalks can be used for outdoor drawing, while also teaching kids about chemical reactions and molding.
22. Light Diffraction with Pencil in Water
Fill a glass with water and insert a pencil on the interior of the cup. Ask kids to observe how the pencil looks "bent" when viewed through the water. Water has a different density than air, and thus light moves at a slightly different speed through the material, causing the weird distortion to the human eye. This simple trick helps kids understand light refraction and how light bends as it passes through different materials.
23. Chemical Reactions with Milk and Lemon Juice
Combine milk and lemon juice to create curds and whey, demonstrating an acid-base chemical reaction. Little MIss Muffet, sat on her Tuffet, eating her curds and whey….This experiment shows how acidic substances can change the properties of liquids, creating solid masses like cheese.
24. Inflate a Balloon with Vinegar and Baking Soda
Mix vinegar and baking soda in a bottle, then quickly attach a balloon to the top. We often recommend adding two teaspoons of baking sode to the balloon first, and then placing the lip of the balloon over the bottle of vinegar and pouring it in. The reaction creates carbon dioxide gas, which inflates the balloon. This is a fun way to teach kids about gas production and chemical reactions.
25. Make Fizzing Super Soap
Combine baking soda and vinegar with dish soap to create a foamy, fizzing reaction. This experiment combines chemical reactions with bubbles for extra fun and learning.
26. Learning Difference Between Hand Sanitizer and Soap
Test the effectiveness of hand sanitizer versus soap by washing hands with each and observing the difference. This is a great way to teach kids about hygiene, germs, and the importance of washing hands properly.
27. Mentos and Diet Coke
Drop a Mentos candy into a bottle of Diet Coke, and watch as the soda erupts in a fizzy, explosive reaction! This famous science experiment demonstrates the rapid release of carbon dioxide when the candies react with the soda.
28. Lessons with Hydrophobic Sand
Use hydrophobic sand, which repels water, to demonstrate how some materials can be water-resistant. Kids will love watching the sand stay dry, even when submerged in water. It’s a fantastic way to introduce material properties and science concepts.
29. Making DIY Playdough
Making playdough at home is a fun, hands-on activity for kids. Mix flour, salt, water, and oil and baking powder to create a malleable dough for endless creative projects. It also teaches about mixing and consistency.
30. Using Prisms and Light
Experiment with a prism to separate light into the colors of the rainbow. This simple experiment teaches kids about the spectrum of light and the physics behind how light can be split into different colors.
31. Experimenting with Light Absorption
Use various materials like black paper, foil, and clear plastic to demonstrate how different surfaces absorb and reflect light. It’s an engaging way to explore how materials interact with energy.
32. Experimenting with Sound Absorption through Materials
Set up a sound experiment by placing materials like cotton, wood, and plastic between a speaker and a listening device. This teaches kids about sound waves and how different materials absorb sound at varying rates.
Other Resources for At-Home Experiments from Kids Science Labs YouTube Channel and Other Curated Sources
For more fun and educational science experiments, check out the Kids Science Labs YouTube Channel, where you can find a variety of hands-on activities and experiments to do at home. These resources offer step-by-step guides for kids of all ages, encouraging curiosity and scientific exploration.
A Birthday Party Seattle Will Never Forget, May Start with Finding Out What Kids Love...
How to Plan the Most Exciting Birthday Party Seattle Has to Offer
Embarking on planning a birthday party in Seattle is an exciting and adventurous task for most parents, especially when you want it to be memorable and fun for everyone involved. Whether you're celebrating a little one's big day or a milestone birthday, Seattle is full of fantastic venues, unique themes, and a variety of fun activities that will ensure the celebration is a success. In this blog, we'll walk you through the steps to planning the most exciting birthday party Seattle has to offer—from choosing the right venue to picking the perfect party food. Let's dive in!
What Are the Factors That Make a Successful Kids Birthday Party in Seattle?
When it comes to kids' birthday parties, success isn't just about picking a popular venue or having the best decorations. It's about creating an experience that will keep the kids entertained and make them feel like they’re part of something special. Here are the key factors that make a birthday party in Seattle truly unforgettable:
Choosing the Right Venue
Seattle offers a range of fun venues, from interactive play spaces to creative art studios and exciting adventure zones. Make sure you pick a venue that suits your child's interests, whether they're into sports, science, art, or something more adventurous like trampolines or climbing walls.Engaging Activities
No party is complete without engaging activities. Think of fun games or themes that will keep the kids busy and entertained throughout the event. Seattle birthday venues like Kids Science Labs or The Seattle Aquarium offer interactive experiences that add a wow factor to your celebration.Goodie Bags & Party Favors
Sending kids home with a thoughtful party favor can make your birthday party stand out. Simple yet fun treats like custom slime, craft kits, or themed toys will leave a lasting impression.Timing and Flow
Kids can easily be distracted, so ensuring the schedule flows smoothly is essential. This is why science parties have increased in Seattle, as they offer a range of fun experiments, while keeping the kids together the whole time. From the welcome activity to eating time, followed by pizza & cake in the celebration room, keep the momentum going to avoid any challenging moments.
Why Do Kids Birthday Parties Need at Least an Hour?
Some parents may wonder: how long should a kids’ birthday party last ? Well, from Seattle to Chicago, Kids Birthday Parties have roughly the same time boundaries….how long can a child be engaged before they are ready to move on and do something else! While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, most kids' birthday parties in Seattle typically last 1.5 to 2 hours—and for a good reason! Here are just a few helpful considerations why at least an hour is needed:
Settling In and Socializing
After guests arrive, it can take a little time for everyone to settle in, get comfortable, and start mingling. Allowing at least an hour gives kids the time to form friendships, engage in games, and get into the party spirit.Activities and Games
Even if you have a few planned activities, it takes time for kids to fully enjoy them. We find the idea party time is 90 minutes as it provides enough time to do a couple of different things without rushing.Celebration Time
After all the excitement, kids will likely be ready for a snack or meal. Whether you're offering pizza, snacks, or a themed cake, the kids will need time to sit down, relax, and refuel for more fun.Unstructured Play
Kids thrive on freedom and playtime! With at least an hour, you can ensure that there’s enough time for them to explore, play, and get the wiggles out before they leave.
What Types of Birthday Party Packages Are Available for Kids?
Seattle birthday venues offer a wide variety of packages tailored to different preferences, budgets, and themes. Here’s a breakdown of some popular types of birthday party packages for kids:
Basic Party Package
This is the most cost-effective option and usually includes venue access, party space rental, and basic party supplies. You may need to bring your own food and decorations, but it's a great option for families on a budget. At Kids Science Labs, this is called a Mysteries of Science Party.Themed Party Package
Want a more personalized experience? Many Seattle birthday venues offer themed party packages. From princesses to superheroes, outer space to dinosaurs, these packages often include decorations, themed activities, and party favors to match your child’s favorite interests. Color Changing Chemical Reactions, Slime Party, and Others are Cool.Private Party Package
If you're looking for more exclusivity, private party packages offer parents special access to a birthday party venue. You'll have access to the entire venue, which is ideal if you're hosting a bigger group and want privacy.
What Are the Best Food Options for a Birthday Party in Seattle?
Seattle offers an abundant array of simple foot options, so why not take advantage of it when planning the menu for your birthday party? Here are a few delicious and kid-friendly food options that will keep the little ones happy:
Pizza
A classic choice for any kids’ birthday party, pizza is both easy to serve and loved by almost everyone. You can go for a traditional cheese or pepperoni pizza, or even mix it up with veggie or special flavored crust. We recommend simple, as kids can be picky!Mini Sandwiches
Make fun and bite-sized sandwiches with ingredients like turkey, cheese, or Sunbutter and jelly. These are easy for kids to handle and customizable to their preferences. Be sure to ask the birthday party venue about peanut and tree-nut free options and whether they can help support peanut-free and tree-nut free alternativesHealthy Snacks
For a healthier option, include fruit platters, veggie sticks with hummus, and whole-grain crackers. It’s a great way to balance out the sugary treats and give parents some peace of mind.Themed Cupcakes and Cake
Kids love a good themed cake or cupcakes are an old favorite that can be just as customized to celebrate your child’s special birthday party. You can easily find bakeries in Seattle that will create custom cakes with your child’s favorite characters or colors, adding an extra touch of excitement to the party. Some of our favorites are science themed cupcakes that include the child’s initials.Drinks and Hydration
Don’t forget about drinks—consider juice boxes, or the most healthy option, small water boxes to keep the environment free of harmful plastics.
Why Is Kids Science Labs One of the Best Seattle Birthday Party Venues?
When it comes to hosting an exciting and educational birthday party in Seattle, Kids Science Labs stands out as one of the best venues for a few reasons:
Hands-On Science Fun
Kids Science Labs offers unique, hands-on science experiments that engage kids such that they smile while experiencing learning. From creating glitter or scented slime to making chemical reactions, the hand-crafted activities are both exciting and educational, which parents love!Customizable Themes
Kids are natural problem solvers. Kids Science Labs offers themed party packages that allow kids to explore and unlock their curiosity You can choose from options like “Mysteries of Science” to “Big Birthday Blowout” or even the “Ultimate Birthday Party” to make the experience even more memorable.Convenient and Stress-Free
The Seattle birthday party venue offers all-inclusive packages, which means that they take care of everything—activities, supplies, and all the setup/cleanup. This helps make the process of hosting the party easy and stress-free for parents.Interactive and Engaging
Kids love being able to roll up their sleeves and get involved in the experiments, and the expert scientists ensure that every child has a blast. It’s the perfect mix of learning and play, making it a standout choice for a birthday party in Seattle. Just read their hundreds of testimonials from parents
Planning the best party is hard, but not impossible
Planning a birthday party in Seattle does take some thoughtful considerations, but with the right partners, like Kids Science Labs, it sure can help relieve some of the pressure that parents feel. With the right venue, activities, and food options, you can throw a memorable celebration that your guests will enjoy. Whether you’re looking for something hands-on like the stem programs for kids offered at Kids Science Labs, an outdoor experience at a nature park, or an at-home experience, Seattle has something for every kid. Follow these tips, and you’ll be sure to plan a special birthday celebration that will go down in history as one of the best! We wish you Happy party planning and if you need our help at Kids Science Labs, just reach out….