We all want our little Einsteins to tinker and experiment—but we don’t always want them to do it near nice furniture. So how about taking all that drippy genius outside? Whether you want to play with paint-laden pendulums or watch epic (but safe!) explosions, making a mess is half the fun. These easy outdoor science experiments for kids allow you to set up for science in the backyard, but if you’re looking for indoor ideas, check out our ultimate list of science experiments for kids.

Make a Sundial

Unravel the mysteries of time. Or at least figure out the basics by setting up a sundial outdoor science experiment. Take time each hour to check the sun’s positioning and make note of it so your sidekick can see the bigger picture.

Insider tip: for even more fun-in-the-sun science for kids, check out these solar science experiments you’ll love.

Painting Pendulum

pendulum art, science in the backyard
Melissa Heckscher

Here's a physics and an art lesson in one fun activity! Kids will learn about the forces of gravity and motion by designing a pendulum that can paint. Use watered-down craft paint and capture your art on paper, or mix your own sidewalk chalk paint and make swirled masterpieces on your driveway. Innovation Kids Lab has easy instructions. 

Insider tip: while you're outside on the sidewalk, check out these great sidewalk science experiments for serious non-stop fun. 

Make Your Own Bouncy Balls

DIY bouncy balls, outdoor science experiments
Melissa Heckscher

A little glue, some corn starch, and borax powder are all you'll need to make bouncy balls worthy of a gumball machine. Kids will have almost as much fun playing with these balls as they do making them. Get the simple instructions for this backyard science experiment at Kids Activities Blog—or, if you only have clear glue, find an alternate recipe here.

Make Elephant Toothpaste

elephant toothpaste, science in the backyard, backyard science
Melissa Heckscher

This is one of those oldies but goodies the kids will want to do again and again (so stock up on hydrogen peroxide and yeast now). This one guarantees a fun, foamy chemical reaction—with just a few simple steps. Scientific American has a great tutorial here

Make Simple Explosions

sandwich bag explosions, science in the backyard, backyard science, outdoor science experiments
Melissa Heckscher

Looking for a science experiment with a little POP? This easy science project takes cues from the vinegar-and-baking-soda bandwagon but does so with a bang. Get the easy steps for (harmless) explosive action at Science Bob (There's a great video to watch here, too.). Perfect for a day of science in the backyard. 

Related: 60+ Science Experiments for Kids to Try at Home

Floating Beach Balls

little girl and dad playing with a beach ball outside
iStock

Kids may not fully understand what Bernoulli's Principle is, but they'll love seeing it in action as they watch a beach ball "magically" floating above a leaf blower—even at an angle! Get the instructions (and other fun leaf-blower experiments) at Fizzics Education.

See Photosynthesis in Action

Allison Sutcliffe

It’s the things that kids can’t see that make science so exciting, and also a little confusing. That’s why we love this surprisingly simple experiment from Edventures with Kids. With a few supplies and a bit of wait time, your budding botanist can “see” photosynthesis in action.

Polymer Chains Experiment

polymer chains science experiment, science in the backyard, little boy doing backyard science, little boy doing outdoor science experiments
Shelley Massey

Before you start this experiment, have your sidekick predict what will happen when they start pushing pencils through a water-filled bag. They'll have the chance to (literally) poke holes in their own theory once they give it a try, thanks to the polymer chains that keep the plastic from leaking. Get the important details to set up at Steve Spangler Science.

 

Wingardium Leviosa

little boy doing science in the backyard
Allison Sutcliffe

The (air) pressure’s on in this sweet outdoor science experiment that lets your kids levitate water over an unsuspecting friend’s… or better yet, a deserving sibling’s head. To try it at home, follow these easy instructions from Steve Spangler Science, and keep a towel at the ready… just to be on the safe side!

 

Balloon Rockets

Shelley Massey

What Do We Do All Day proves once again that science doesn’t have to be boring with this exciting experiment that’s a study in propulsion as much as it is a fast-paced racing game. Use her helpful suggestions to really delve into (and add scientific challenges to) this project. Get ready, get set, go! 

Related: 20 Sidewalk Science Projects to Try Outside Today

DIY Tide Pools

backyard science, science in the backyard, tidepool science
Buggy and Buddy

The ebb and flow of ocean waters is the focus of this experiment designed by Buggy and Buddy. Find out how to set up the microcosmic world in your backyard, using a few easy-to-find supplies. Then let your budding oceanographer loose on this fun backyard science activity. 

Make Sun Prints Fabric

sun fabric, backyard science, science in the backyard
Tinkerlab

You gotta love a two-fer! Our current fave is this gorgeous art project from Tinkerlab that doubles as a backyard science experiment. All it takes is a little sunlight and artistic vision to give this one a try!

Make Simple Machines

simple engineering projects are great for science in the backyard
Buggy and Buddy

How far? How high? And how many? These are just a few of the questions your budding physicist will be able to answer after he builds a simple lever machine. Find out how to put it all together and design easy experiments at Buggy and Buddy. Who knew snow in the summer could be so fun?

 

Keep Paper Dry in Water

little boy doing science in the backyard
Allison Sutcliffe

This backyard science experiment will leave your kids wondering how the paper towel stayed dry… even after they dunk it in water. Psst… the secret’s in the air trapped inside the cup. Get more details from Cool Science Experiments Headquarters.

 

Do you ever wonder how to be a good neighbor? It can be as simple as waving hi, chatting up the family next door, or helping someone out when they need a hand. Remember, it’s never too late to strengthen your bond with the people who live next door, across the street, or at the end of the block. Here are 12 simple ways you and the kids can connect with your neighbors today and every day.

1. Ask them their name. This seems like a no-brainer, but so often we don’t know even know our neighbor’s names!

2. Exchange phone numbers. A simple gesture that says you’re looking out for them.

3. Bake something. The holidays often bring this kind of tradition, but why not invoke it on a random Wednesday? Few people will be disappointed in freshly baked bread, cookies, or other goodies. And everybody loves coffee cake.

4. Plant it. A cutting from your favorite houseplant or a pre-potted begonia: even a small bouquet of flowers is a sweet and inexpensive way to say, “Hey!”

5. Arrange an interview. Use this get-to-know-your-neighbors guide to help your kids interview your neighbors.

6. Make it a double. Next time you’re at the store, grab an extra bar of soap, dishwashing liquid or another cleaning product and gift it to your neighbor. It doesn’t need to be expensive, and keep in mind many people have chemical and scent sensitivities.

7. Make a hello card. Have the kids paint or draw a simple card that just says “Hello, neighbor!”

8. Carry the load. Help unload the trunk of the car or pick up a package from the bottom of the stairs and place it in front of their door.

9. Invite them to dinner. Make dinner at your house or meet them at your favorite place. There are so many options for your comfort level.

10. Do a work exchange. Mow their lawn, shovel their driveway, pull weeds or something similar. Even if you live in an apartment building you can help tidy up communal spaces or carry their recycling down to the street.

11. Organize a pot-luck. If you don’t have the space to do this in your own place, use a nearby park or community center. Make simple invites that you hand-deliver and set a time limit.

12. Start a club. If you share a passion or hobby with your neighbor, do this hobby together or start a group in your community. This could be a book club, knitting club, woodworking club and so on. The options are endless!

—Taylor Clifton, Amber Guetebier

 

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Every parent wants their newborn to grow into a strong and healthy baby. While every interaction helps them develop, parents can take extra steps to ensure they are maximizing playtime. With the right toys and activities, parents can foster creative growth and development at home, long before the age of one.

Here are six fun and unique activities worth trying.

1. Tummy Time
Tummy time is an activity you can start on the first day you bring your baby home. As the name suggests, you should turn your infant onto their stomach for a short period. This allows your baby to develop vital motor skills while strengthening their neck and shoulder muscles. You should aim to complete two to three sessions each day that last approximately three-to-five minutes.

As your child grows, the time spent on their belly will increase, especially as they become more comfortable with lifting their head. They can use tummy time to explore their surroundings and play with age-appropriate toys. It will also help to prevent your child from developing flat spots on the back of their head.

2. Food for Sensory Development
Developmental activities can be inexpensive and straightforward, such as using food for sensory development. As your child ages, you may tell them to stop playing with their food, but while they’re young, playing with food can be a good thing. Lucky for parents, they can use everyday items—like noodles—which most families have stocked in their cabinets.

As the child feels, smells and plays with the food, adults can rest easy knowing the food is safe and non-toxic. However, as with all activities, parents should monitor their babies to avoid accidents. Since the child is young, you’ll want to use soft foods that are not potential choking hazards. Food games can help to develop motor-function, vocabulary and sensory skills.

For little ones beginning to eat purees, you can use applesauce, pudding or whipped cream and encourage them to draw pictures and feel the textures. As they get older, you can begin activities using more sold foods. An example might be how picking up small foods like peas can help with developing fine motor skills. Another option is to use crushed cereal as if it were sand.

3. Music Maker
Sounds intrigue babies—even if they don’t understand what they represent. Parents can make simple music devices using a plastic bottle or sippy cup and some noodles or nuts. With the lid on tight, babies can shake the noisemaker to their heart’s content. This activity helps to form new neural pathways through neuroplasticity. In other words, learning and playing with music can physically change the way your child’s brain develops.

You can also practice singing with your baby to improve language development and parental bonding. Lullabies can calm a baby since your voice will be one of their favorite and most comforting sounds. If you’d prefer not to sing, you could listen to child classics like the Hokey Pokey and dance with your baby. Dancing can help your baby develop a sense of space, time and rhythm.

4. Reading for Cognitive Development
Reading helps your child’s growth and development long before they can understand the words on a page. As your baby listens, their vocabulary and language skills improve. If you decide to read in a secondary language, that can also help with neuroplasticity.

Even how you read will make a difference. By expressing different emotions and using various voices or personas, you can support your child’s emotional and social development. As they grow, they’ll begin to recognize pictures and may even point at things in the book.

5. Baby-Friendly Obstacle Course
Babies learn through experience, and they love to use their senses to explore. By making a baby-friendly obstacle course, you allow your baby to adventure around the room to discover different textures and sounds. This will help them improve their motor function and sensory skills. You can use various materials like carpeting, a wool sweater and a fuzzy blanket while encouraging them to crawl through the course. Most babies will begin crawling by 9-months-old, but they’ll likely be able to grab materials around them much sooner.

6. Open-Ended Play
Have you ever heard that boredom is a good thing? While children need structure in their lives, open-ended play has numerous benefits. More specifically, it’s an opportunity for babies and young children to explore without restraint and exercise their imagination. As your baby freely expresses their emotions and desires, they demonstrate creativity and emotional intelligence.

Open-ended play materials could include:

  • Wooden blocks

  • Cardboard

  • Sand or playdough

  • Musical instruments

  • Edible paint

Remember to monitor your baby during open-play sessions to reduce the risk of accidents or injury.

As a parent, you can use these six activities to encourage your baby’s healthy growth and development. Every action you show has a response for your child. When you speak, they are learning, and when you hold them close, they are bonding with you. Feel comfortable adapting these games and activities to suit your household. Each second is worth cherishing, so remember to embrace the moments you have because kids grow up quick!

Kara Reynolds is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of Momish Magazine.  A mom of four and matriarch to her big blended family, Kara wants nothing more than to normalize differences in family structures.  She enjoys peeing alone, pancakes, and pinot noir - but not at the same time. 

Daily
Today Is National #Cranberry Day
Don’t get bogged down.
1

Play around with your food and use cranberries to make simple, gorgeous holiday decor.

2

Cook up the cranberry sauce from scratch this year using one of these 7 recipes.

3
If the homemade kind isn’t happening, be sure and save those cans from the ready-made sauce to make an adorable game of tin can telephone.

{ Today’s ideas brought to you by the #ParentsforPeas movement. It’s time to give peace (and peas!) a chance. Click here for more details and to participate.}

 

Summer is almost here, and while you may be tempted to stock up on all the new styles filling the stores right now, we have a few easy hacks that can help you turn kids’ tired winter wear into cool warm weather looks. From transforming old sneaks into the perfect beach shoe, to how to create the coolest cutoffs, we have a closet-full of DIYs that the littles will love helping with.
Snug Shoes To Sandals
If those not-so-little toes are crammed into their favorite pair of canvas or linen sneakers, a little Exacto blade action can transform them into sandals perfect for the sand. Toms with holes in the toes can become actual peep-toe sandals, while heftier sneaks can go heel-less to make simple slip ons.

Too-Small Dress to Beach Cover-Up
If those legs are growing like beanstalks, her favorite dress may be too short for school. But there’s no such thing as too short when it comes to a beach cover up. For even easier on/off access, take a pair of scissors and slice the dress up the front like a jacket, so it can slip on over a sandy suit, no problem! (Feeling ambitious? Add a button or a drawstring around the waist for closure.


Holy Jeans to Cutoffs
Holes, stains or simply pants that are too darn short—just take a pair of scissors to them for some sassy shorts. Check out thebluecloset.com for lots of creative cutoff ideas (like overalls!) 

Short Shirt to Sweet Midriff
You know that beloved t-shirt that your little one insists on wearing despite how LITTLE is actually is? With a few snips, a too-small long-sleeved tee can become either a breezy crop top or adorable tiny tee.

Teeny Skirt to Tube Top
A favorite elastic waisted skirt can get new life by simply being pulled up…way up. A too-short skirt can become a tube top perfect for summer vacation. For a more secure style, stitch a ribbon in two spots below the collar bone to make a halter.

Do you have any hot DIY ideas for transforming old winter duds? Tell us in the comments below!