Looking for fun and educational science experiments to try at home with your kids? These three easy STEAM activities are perfect for curious kids who love to explore, discover, and make things explode. (In a safe, supervised, and parent-approved way, of course.)
They’re also best done outdoors — because they get messy and spectacular! From soda geysers to foamy “toothpaste” and erupting volcanoes, these hands-on projects offer BIG wow factor using ingredients you probably already have at home.
 Alohalika via Canva |
Exploding Soda Geyser with Mentos
What you need:
- 1 bottle of diet soda (any brand or flavor)
- Mentos (mint or fruit, any flavor)
- An open outdoor space (a grassy yard works great!)
Directions:
- Let the soda sit out to warm up (warm soda reacts more dramatically).
- Stand the soda bottle upright on a flat surface.
- Drop in as many Mentos as you can — fast! — then step back and enjoy the show.
The science:
Mentos cause a rapid release of carbon dioxide bubbles in the soda, creating a powerful eruption of foam. It’s a classic example of a physical reaction that feels like a mini geyser in your backyard.
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 Vladimir Bolokh via Canva |
Elephant Toothpaste (Foamy Fun!)
What you need:
- Empty 20 oz. soda bottle
- 3 tsp. liquid dish soap
- 1/2 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 3 Tbsp. warm water
- Food coloring (optional)
- Safety goggles (recommended!)
Directions:
- Pour hydrogen peroxide into the bottle.
- Add dish soap and food coloring (optional) and swirl gently to mix.
- In a separate cup, mix yeast with warm water and stir for 30 seconds.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the bottle — then step back!
The science:
This reaction breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. The dish soap traps the gas to create tons of foam — like a giant toothpaste tube made for an elephant!
 Helen Partlow |
DIY Erupting Volcano (With Vinegar + Baking Soda)
What you need:
- 1 cup vinegar
- 4 Tbsp. baking soda
- 1 plastic or paper cup
- Baking sheet (for easy cleanup)
- Food coloring (optional)
- 1 tsp. liquid dish soap (optional)
Directions:
- Place the cup on a baking sheet and add baking soda.
- Add food coloring and dish soap if desired.
- Pour in the vinegar and watch your volcano erupt!
The science:
When vinegar (an acid) and baking soda (a base) combine, they create carbon dioxide gas. That gas builds pressure and causes the bubbly, foamy eruption. Add food coloring or dish soap for extra flair.
Why These Backyard Science Experiments Are Great Outdoor Fun
- They support STEAM learning through hands-on discovery
- They make science fun, messy, and unforgettable
- Most ingredients are already in your kitchen or are easy to pick up at a store like Walmart (make it easier with same day pickup!)
No need to be a science teacher (or clean up your kitchen) to make learning fun. Whether you’re sneaking in a STEAM lesson or just looking for a way to get the kids outside and off screens for a bit, these explosive experiments are a blast in every way!
