Playtime Pantry

10 science experiments with kitchen ingredients

Baking soda, oil, ice and food coloring. Real science from the cupboard.

How we ranked it: Science and nature activities that use only things from a normal kitchen, easiest first.

1
Ice Cube Rescue
Frozen treasure, warm water, and total fascination.
3 min setup · Ages 2–7 yrs
2
Rain In A Jar
Shaving cream clouds that burst into colored rain.
4 min setup · Ages 3–10 yrs
3
Tummy-Time Squish Bag
A sealed bag of hair gel taped to the floor. Something to look at while they work.
5 min setup · Ages 3–12 months
4
Ice and Fruit Tray
Cold, wet, and exactly what a teething mouth wants.
5 min setup · Ages 9 mo–2 yrs
5
Fizzing Volcano
Bicarb, vinegar, and a reliable shriek of delight.
5 min setup · Ages 2–10 yrs
6
Fizzy Drips
Colored vinegar dripped onto baking soda. Every drop fizzes.
5 min setup · Ages 2–7 yrs
7
Oobleck
Cornstarch and water: solid when you hit it, liquid when you don't.
5 min setup · Ages 2–11 yrs
8
Foam Paint
Shaving cream and a squirt of color, spread across the bath wall.
5 min setup · Ages 3–8 yrs
9
Oil and Water Drops
Colored water drops sink through oil like slow-motion marbles.
5 min setup · Ages 3–8 yrs
10
Ice Boat Race
Two ice cubes, two straws, and a race across a tray of water.
5 min setup · Ages 3–10 yrs