15+ Physics Activities For Kids to Turn Them into Scientists

In my experience as a mother, children’s joy and wonder about their surroundings never stop surprising me. In this blog, we explore the area of kid-friendly physics activities—where enjoyment and education meet. 

Physics might sound complex, but it’s simply the science behind how things work in our universe. Since making learning fun is important, I have compiled a list of interesting and simple-to-follow physics activities. 

These experiments aren’t just about textbooks 📚 and formulas; they’re about hands-on experiences that spark excitement and understanding in young minds.

Awesome Physics Activities For Kids

From building balloon rockets that shoot across the room to shooting paper airplanes and experiencing the wonder of flight, these projects provide an entry point to understanding basic ideas. Through these activities, we’ll encourage a love for science and discovery, sparking a sense of wonder that lasts a lifetime. 

Balloon Rocket

I set up a fun balloon rocket game at home. With my kids, I helped them tie a straw to a balloon 🎈 and tape a long string across the room. Excitedly, I blew up the balloon and secured it to the straw. 

The balloon shot along the string as soon as we released the pressure! As we adjusted the string for speed trials, we laughed and cheered. I described how it functions, comparing it to a rocket that is pushed forward by fuel. 

Pro tip: 

Enhance the balloon rocket game by experimenting with different balloon sizes and string tensions for varied speeds. Introduce the concept of aerodynamics by adjusting the angle 📐 of the straw. This hands-on activity entertains and sparks curiosity about basic physics, making learning a joyful adventure for kids.

Paper Airplane Competition

I just planned a paper airplane ✈️ competition for my two children because I love coming up with entertaining, educational activities for them. 

We spent the afternoon folding brightly colored paper 📄 planes after I went over the guidelines. 

As they launched their creations and sent them flying, I encouraged them. Witnessing their enthusiasm and inventiveness soar was an incredible experience. We learned about aerodynamics simply. 

Pro tip:

To enhance the paper airplane fun, explore varying designs—dart, glider, or stunt planes—to teach aerodynamics and creativity. Use different paper weights for diverse flights. Encourage adjustments to wings and tails for stability.

DIY Pendulum

I gave my kids a simple, enjoyable DIY pendulum project to work on. First, I took a string and tied a small object to one end, like a button or a small toy. 

Then, I hung it from a doorway or table. They were in awe when I demonstrated my kids the pendulum’s back-and-forth swing.

I let each of them try it, holding the string and watching the pendulum move. We experimented with making it swing in various directions. I explained how a pendulum works and how it swings because of gravity. It was a simple and fun way to learn about science together!

Water Refraction

I decided to do a fun water refraction experiment with my kids. I filled a clear bowl with water 💧 and put it in the sunlight. I asked my kids to look closely and notice what happens when we put objects in the water. I explained how it happens because of light bending in water.

Static Electricity

I chose to demonstrate a fun static electricity activity to my children. I massaged my hair with a balloon that I took. Then, I moved it close to small pieces of paper on a table. The paper bits stuck to the balloon! 

My children looked on in amazement. I gave them balloons 🎈 to rub in their hair because they wanted to try it, too. 

We discussed how the static electricity caused the balloon to grab the tiny pieces. It was a simple, fun, and educational experiment that the kids enjoyed.

Pro-tip:

When demonstrating science activities like static electricity ⚡️ with kids, engage their curiosity by allowing them hands-on experience. Encourage them to try the experiment themselves. It fosters understanding, sparks their interest, and makes learning enjoyable. Experimentation and discussion afterward build up their understanding of the scientific concepts.

Sink or Float

I organized a fun Sink or Float experiment for my kids. We gathered different objects from around the house, like a toy car 🚗 , a sponge, and a coin 🪙 . 

We filled a tub with water and took turns guessing if each item would sink or float. It was exciting to watch as we dropped them one by one.

Pro-tip:

To enhance the Sink or Float experiment, involve predictions before testing each item. Encourage reasoning behind guesses and encourage critical thinking. Expand by discussing density or shape’s role in the buoyancy of objects. Document results for comparison and consider unexpected outcomes as opportunities for further exploration.

Marble Run

I introduced them to a fun Marble Run project. First, I gathered some cardboard tubes, old paper towel rolls, and marbles. 

Together, we built a twisting, turning marble maze. I let my kids decide the path, and we connected the tubes with tape. We dropped the marbles in and watched them zoom through the maze we created!

Pro-tip:

Encourage creativity and problem-solving by providing diverse materials for constructing Marble Runs. Engage kids in designing the maze, fostering decision-making and spatial skills. Let them experiment freely to discover how changes in tube angles and connections affect the marble’s journey.

DIY Thermometer

First, we gathered a clear plastic bottle, water, rubbing alcohol, food coloring, and a straw. We mixed equal parts water and rubbing alcohol in the bottle and added a few drops of food coloring. 

Then, I sealed it and taped a straw inside. When we held the bottle, the liquid rose 🌹 in the straw. We talked about how the liquid rises and falls when it’s hot or cold. It’s a fun and easy way to learn about temperature.

To engage kids in understanding temperature, create a DIY thermometer using a clear bottle, water, rubbing alcohol, food coloring, and a straw. 

Equal parts water and alcohol, combined with food coloring, demonstrate temperature 🤒 changes. As the liquid moves in the straw, explain how it responds to heat and cold for an interactive science lesson.

Magnets Exploration

I brought out magnets of different sizes and shapes. We explored what they stick to around the house, like the fridge and some toys. 

I showed how magnets 🧲 attract certain things, and we played with making things stick together or push apart. 

Pro-tip:

When exploring magnets with kids, start with everyday objects to showcase their magnetic properties. Encourage hands-on experimentation by allowing them to discover what attracts and repels.

Shadow Tracing

I introduced my kids to Shadow Tracing, a fun game where we trace shadows of everyday things. We place toys 🧸 or objects on paper and outline their shadows with crayons or markers. We chat about how shadows change with light angles, just like clues in a detective 🕵️ story.

For a fun educational experience, combine play with education. Engage kids in Shadow Tracing by using various light sources and exploring how shadows alter with angles and distances. Encourage discussions on shape recognition, fostering curiosity about light behavior.

Egg Drop Challenge

I decided to create an exciting Egg Drop Challenge for my kids! We gathered pillows, cotton balls, and a cardboard box 📦 . 

I explained the goal: protect an egg 🥚 from breaking when dropped from different heights. We wrapped the egg in soft materials and designed our protective contraptions. 

My kids were thrilled to test their creations, dropping them carefully and eagerly checking if the egg stayed safe. We talked about gravity and how to cushion falls.

Kaleidoscope-making

I decided to surprise my kids with a super cool kaleidoscope-making project. So, I gathered some simple stuff: an empty paper towel 🧻 roll, shiny foil, and colorful beads. First, I cut the paper roll into a shorter size. 

Then, we decorated it with the foil and glued on the beads. Seeing my kids’ eyes light up as we looked through our homemade kaleidoscope and saw all the pretty colors and patterns was awesome.

Mini Tornado

I grabbed a jar 🫙 , filled it halfway with water, and added a few drops of dish soap 🧼 and glitter. Then, I twisted the jar in a circle to make a tornado inside! 

We talked about how tornadoes form and how this little jar version was just like the big ones but way safer!

Pro tip:

Create a mini tornado 🌪️ in a jar by swirling water and dish soap. Add glitter for visual effect. Explain tornado formation using this fun experiment. Emphasize safety and connect the jar’s swirling motion to real tornadoes.

Simple Machines Adventure

I introduced an interesting Simple Machines Adventure to my kids. We used everyday stuff like ramps, wheels, and levers to learn how things work. 

We made a mini seesaw with a plank and a tube of sorts. We talked about how these machines are like helpers in our lives, making tasks easier.

Incorporate hands-on experiments with simple machines into daily tasks. Use household items creatively to demonstrate concepts like levers or ramps. Encourage curiosity by discussing how these machines aid us.

DIY Slime

I decided to try a fun and gooey DIY Slime project with my kids. I gathered all the ingredients: glue, water, and a magical solution. 

First, I poured the glue into a bowl, and my son and I took turns stirring in water. I added the magical solution, and we kept stirring until it became stretchy and cool. 

We chose bright colors, mixed them in, and our homemade slime was ready!

Pro Tip:

When making DIY slime, ensure precise measurements for the ingredients, especially the magical solution, to achieve the desired texture. Experiment with colors and add-ins, but start with small amounts to avoid over-saturation.

Verdict

In the world of science and fun, my kids and I went on fantastic adventures right at home. From balloon rockets to paper airplane races, each activity was a laughter-filled journey into learning. 

These simple experiments turned ordinary days into extraordinary memories, proving that learning is a joyful adventure and science is pure magic.

Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!