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You can find free, hands-on science activities for children through NASA/JPL, the NISE Network and PBS KIDS—and you do not need to buy a science kit to get started. Choose an activity around your child’s interest, check its age guidance, time and materials, then read the full instructions and safety notes before beginning.
Where to find activities
NASA and NASA/JPL
NASA’s Learning Space With NASA at Home spans Earth and space science, engineering, technology and robotics. Its projects include rockets, Mars rovers and Moon landers made with materials available at home, as well as videos and other activities. The collection lists audiences from elementary through high school.
For another way to browse, NASA/JPL’s STEM Activities for Families labels many projects with grade ranges and approximate durations. For example, it lists straw rockets for grades 4–8 at under 30 minutes, Moon journaling for grades K–8 over 30 days, and a water-filtration design challenge for grades 5–12 at one to two hours. Those are published estimates and intended grade bands, not independent assessments; open the linked lesson to confirm its materials and steps. The page was last updated September 26, 2025.
NASA/JPL’s Learning Space With NASA at Home explains that materials vary by activity, some projects can be done independently or together, and some allow alternatives when a suggested material is unavailable. Some activities also link to educator guides with standards-alignment information. This page was last updated September 23, 2024.
#1 Best Overall
- OVER 100 EXCITING EXPERIMENTS - The science experiments in this kit let kids explore the wonders of hands-on science experiments. They'll make bubbling, color-changing solutions, glowing test tubes, a colorful bouncy ball, glowing worms, and more!
- EVERYTHING KIDS NEED - This kit includes all materials needed to conduct 15 stunning chemistry experiments, including growing a crystal tree, changing the color of liquid with their breath, and more.
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- HANDS-ON STEM - Our science toys are known for being hands-on, and this kids activity kit is no different. Your kids will use real scientific tools, like test tubes, beakers and pipettes, as they explore the fascinating world of chemistry.
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NISE Network
NASA’s Do Science At Home collection from the National Informal STEM Education Network groups activities into several categories. NASA says most listed activities can use materials families may already have at home. The NISE Network develops hands-on activities for museums and science centers.
PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS Simple Science Activities covers subjects including animals, nature and weather, and connects to material about books and helping children think like scientists. PBS KIDS for Parents described the collection as having more than 60 activities when the page was inspected; that count can change. PBS also notes that children do not need fancy lab equipment and may benefit from guidance from a trusted adult.
Rank #2
- 150 EXCITING EXPERIMENTS FOR KIDS: DIY projects to get kids' minds humming, try one of these science experiments, which cover topics like earth, surface tension, chemistry, physics and more.
- EASY-TO-FOLLOW SCIENTIFIC MANUAL: Well-illustrated in a step-by-step format, which makes the experiments easy to follow. it is easy and fun to incorporate basic lessons when doing science experiments with your kids at home and in a hands-on way.
- ALMOST TOOLS & MATERIALS NEEDED INCLUDED: high-quality lab science tools and kids-friendly materials. kids can wear goggles to do experiments like real scientists. there are plenty of cool projects you can do with regular household items.
- FUN EXPERIMENTS TIME FOR LITTLE SCIENTIST: Nurture your kids' curiosity by introducing simple science experiments! Science experiments give children the opportunity to explore and learn in new ways.
- LEARNING & EDUCATIONAL SCIENCE GIFTS IDEAD: for Christmas, birthdays, summer-winter activities, school breaks, and weekend fun. The kids will get a good way to learn through play, and also parents will get some quality science time in with kids.
A family guide for younger children
The U.S. Department of Education’s Helping Your Child Learn Science is aimed at families with children from preschool through grade 5. It offers ways to bring science into everyday routines through curiosity, observation, questions, predictions and explanations. It is an older guide, so use its family-activity suggestions rather than treating its references to standards or policy as current.
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How to choose an activity that fits
- Start with a question your child cares about. Ask what they wonder about: why some objects float, how a seed grows, what the weather is doing, or how an object moves. Everyday observation can be a starting point for an activity; the Department of Education family guide emphasizes noticing, asking questions and looking for answers.
- Check the age or grade guidance. Use the listed range as a screening aid, not a guarantee that every step will suit your child. Consider whether they can manage the directions and materials, and how much help you will need to provide.
- Check the time and materials before starting. Activity lengths can range from under half an hour to projects that continue across days. Read the specific lesson rather than assuming every activity in a collection needs the same supplies. NASA/JPL notes that some activities allow substitutions, but check the individual instructions before swapping materials.
- Look for a chance to observe, test or improve something. A useful project can invite a child to make a prediction, try a design or observation, describe what happened and change one feature for another attempt. NASA/JPL’s activity listings include examples such as parachute and straw-rocket design, rover projects and water filtration.
- Plan your role before you begin. Decide whether your child can work independently, needs you alongside them, or should have you handle particular steps. Keep the activity instructions available throughout, especially when tools or protective equipment are involved.
Make safety part of the selection
Read the directions and safety rules before setting anything up, and follow the activity’s specific guidance rather than assuming that an ordinary household project is automatically risk-free. The American Chemical Society’s Science Safety Tips advises getting adult permission and help where needed, using eye protection or other protective equipment when instructions specify it, not eating or drinking during an activity, and cleaning up and washing hands afterward.
Rank #3
- AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTS - Blue Marble, winner of the Toy Association's prestigious Toy of the Year Award, proudly develops products that foster education, imagination, and creativity, with a U.S. support team to ensure a stellar experience!
ACS says experiments involving flames or reactive or toxic materials should be conducted by a knowledgeable instructor. Do not casually adapt such demonstrations for home use. If an activity calls for a tool or material you cannot use safely as directed, choose another project.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you need a science kit?
No general-purpose kit is required to begin. NASA/JPL, NISE and the Department of Education describe activities that can use household or everyday materials, and PBS KIDS says children do not need fancy lab equipment. Start with an activity whose listed supplies you already have or can safely obtain. A children’s science activity book can be optional inspiration, but free collections and everyday observations are enough to find a starting point.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MASSIVE SCIENCE KIT FOR CURIOUS KIDS - More than 15 experiment activities including dueling water tornadoes, building an erupting volcano, growing a crystal, two geologic dig kits, and more!
- ENOUGH TO GO AROUND - This science lab allows kids to conduct multiple experiments and is great to share with family, friends, or classmates. Enjoy the magic of discovery together!
- THE SECRET IS THE SCIENCE - A detailed, full-color Learning Guide teaches the science at work in the experiments, allowing your child to develop a deep, lasting appreciation for a variety of Earth sciences.
- HASSLE-FREE EXPERIMENTS - Clear, easy-to-follow instructions build young scientists' confidence as they experiment, allowing them to focus on the joy of exploration and discovery.
- AMAZON EXCLUSIVE - Blue Marble has developed this product exclusively for Amazon.
Rank #4
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- ✅ THE PERFECT GIFT: Gift your child 100+ days of screen-free fun with this fantastic science kit specially curated for birthdays, holidays or any other occasion. Both Girls & Boys will feel like real scientists by uncovering a world of magical experiences like Water Fireworks, Walking Water, and many more. Combine with other Doctor Jupiter Science & Electricity Kits for even more experiments.
- ✅ EASY TO FOLLOW ALONG: This science kit includes instruction manuals that are well-illustrated in a step-by-step format, ensuring a seamless experience for both children and adults to understand and successfully perform all the experiments.
- ✅ HIGHEST STANDARDS IN TOYS: This kit meets all the U.S. safety standards of ASTM F963-17. Doctor Jupiter takes utmost pride in making highest quality of science kits & other learning toys backed by years of research & development. With premium equipment, innovative tools and comprehensive instruction manuals we are sure to provide a perfect experience for you & your child. If you are still not satisfied, we will refund you 100%, without asking any questions!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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