Looking for a fun way to introduce your child to the basics of science, without a lab coat or a shopping trip? These 5 fun science experiments for kids to try at home use ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen cupboard — and every one of them comes with a genuine “wow” moment.
From writing secret messages in invisible ink to watching cabbage change colour before your eyes, these are simple, hands-on ways to get kids curious about how the world works. Grab an adult helper, clear a bit of table space, and try them one at a time or all in one science-mad afternoon.
#1. Invisible Ink Experiment
Have fun composing secret messages for friends and family in our easy Invisible Ink experiment.
You can make your own invisible ink at home — all you need is some lemon juice to write with, then iodine to reveal the secret message.
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#2. Red Cabbage Indicator Experiment
In this easy Red Cabbage Indicator experiment, red cabbage tells you whether a substance is an acid or an alkali. All you need is some red cabbage, water, vinegar and baking soda.
Watch what happens to the colour of the cabbage water as you add each ingredient!
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#3. Non-Newtonian Fluid Experiment
Learn all about non-Newtonian fluids — like ketchup, silly putty and quicksand — in our Non-Newtonian Fluid Experiment.
All you need is cornstarch and water — add a few drops of food colouring if you want to make it extra fun.
#4. Make Your Own Slime!
In our easy Make Slime home experiment, kids get to make their own polymer! You’ll need white liquid glue, borax powder, and food colouring if you fancy a green (or any colour!) batch.
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#5. Pepper and Water Science Magic Trick
This is a brilliantly simple science magic trick using just pepper, water and a drop of washing-up liquid. It shows kids the effect that detergent has on the surface tension of water — and it never fails to get a gasp. Watch how it’s done below.
Experiments #1–4 provided courtesy of the School of Chemistry at University of Galway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age group are these experiments suitable for?
Most of these experiments work well for primary school-age kids, with an adult helping to measure out ingredients and manage anything that could stain or spill, such as the invisible ink or the slime.
Do I need any special equipment?
No — all five experiments use everyday household ingredients like lemon juice, cornstarch, food colouring and washing-up liquid. Nothing here needs a special science kit.
Should an adult supervise?
Yes, it’s a good idea to have an adult on hand throughout, particularly for younger children, to help with measuring, manage any mess, and keep the fun on track.
Can these experiments be messy?
A little! The slime and the red cabbage indicator experiment are the messiest of the five, so it’s worth covering the table and having kids in old clothes or an apron.
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Try Them All!
Loved these? Browse our full collection of science experiments for kids for more easy, hands-on ideas to keep curious minds busy on a rainy afternoon.
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Did you try any of these fun science experiments for kids? How did they go? Tell us in the comments below!
