What are some easy science projects for toddlers?

Science projects don't need to be hard or complicated. We start exploring science concepts when our kids are little and we don't even realize it!

Have you ever had a baby that drops their pacifier or food off a high chair?

 

Early on babies and toddlers begin exploring gravity and force as they drop and throw things. They also discover what can sink or float as they play in the bathtub.

 

Parents can use everyday experiences to teach science concepts.

There are also so many amazing toddler science experiments that aren't difficult. 

 

You are going to love these 25+ science projects that are perfect for toddlers (and even preschoolers)!

 

RELATED: If you only need a few ideas, these 7 favorite science activities are a great place to start.

 

I've compiled a list of my favorite toddler science activities to help you introduce simple science concepts to your kids. 

 

These activities are organized by materials to make it easier for you. For example, if you go to Costco and buy a big bag of baking soda, you can try several of the baking soda activities!

 

Click on the name of the activity below to go to the science project tutorial. Don't worry too much about teaching kids any specific science vocabulary. Just start exploring!

 

Baking Soda & Vinegar Science Activities

 

If you want to get kids excited about science, start with baking soda and vinegar. You can make these two items the staple of your science activity materials stash. Baking soda and vinegar react together to make a fun fizzy mess. 

 

I have done baking soda & vinegar science activities with hundreds of kids. Trust me, they will love them.

 

Pro tip: Make sure you buy baking soda and vinegar in bulk. 

 

 

Fizzy Drips by Toddler Approved

 

Fizzy Footprints by Toddler Approved

 

Hidden Colors by Busy Toddler

 

Alphabet Cookie Cutter Science by Toddler Approved

 

Fizzing Fireworks by Toddler Approved

 

Playdough Volcano by Life Over C's

 

Fizzy Ice by Toddler Approved

 

Bubble Science Activities

 

Bubbles are a magical thing for toddlers. They are shiny and sparkly... and float. What's not to love? 

 

In addition to being a cool science activity, playing with bubbles can be a calming sensory activity too. You can either make bubbles to play with and blow or create foam and explore it with your hands. Both are so cool!

 

To make bubbles you typically need water and Dawn dish soap or Bubblebath. Click on the tutorials below for specific instructions.

 

 

Pink Glittery Bubbles by No Time for Flashcards

 

Foam Sensory Bin by Toddler Approved

Homemade Bubble Wands by Toddler Approved

 

These let kids practice blowing bubbles and seeing which type of wand will blow the biggest bubbles. You can even make your wands into different shapes to see how that will change the bubbles.

Edible Bubbles by Preschool Powol Packets

 

Rainbow Soap Foam by Fun at Home with Kids

 

Bubble Painting by Childhood 101

 

Giant Bubble Wands by Inner Child Fun

 

Make a Homemade Bubble Blower with a Cup by Toddler Approved

 

Food Science Projects

 

All of the activities in this section involve food! 

 

You can find all of the materials needed for each of these science projects with one trip to the grocery store. The materials are easy to find and inexpensive. You might even already have them at your house!

 

 

Skittles Rainbow by Raising Lifelong Learners

 

Magic Milk by Toddler Approved

 

Fruit Sink or Float by ScienceKiddo

 

Ice Cream in a Bag by I Can Teach My Child

 

Bread in a Bag by Busy Toddler

 

Butter in a Jar by Little Bins for Little Hands

 

Goop (aka Oobleck) by Toddler Approved

 

Science Activities with Ice

 

Ice is not only cold and fun to touch, but kids can move and slide it around and watch it change shape. Toddlers will also enjoy painting on ice and scooping and exploring it too!

 

These ice activities are sure to excite your little ones and also teach them about liquids and solids in a playful way.

 

 

 

Lego Ice Excavation by Toddler Approved

Ice Boats by Toddler Approved

 

Ice Bath Play by Busy Toddler

 

Ice Stars by Toddler Approved

 

Painting on Ice by Toddler Approved

 

Ice Volcanoes by Reading Confetti

 

Ice Cube Melt Science by Preschool Inspirations

 

Now you have 25+ Awesome Science activities to try!

 

 

 

This simple science activity guide will keep you experimenting and having fun with your kids. Most of these activities your toddler will want to repeat again and again.

 

Some of them happen daily at our house.

 

There are so many great science projects for toddlers if you look for them! These 25+ science ideas are just a few of our favorites! 

 

Do you have any other "must do" easy science projects for toddlers?