15 Fun & Easy STEM Activities For Kids That Spark Creativity

STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math isn’t just about equations and experiments. It’s about problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. When kids engage in STEM activities, they learn to ask questions, test ideas, and see failure as part of the process. Best of all, these skills can carry over into every part of life. And, with homeschooling becoming more and more popular since the COVID pandemic, learning STEM activities is such an important part of many parent’s lives. This article covers 15 fun and easy STEM activities for kids that are sure to bring out their inner Einstein. BONUS: we also have 3 top STEM books for kids that you can view down below the 15 activities.

15 STEM Activities For Kids You Can Try Today

1. Build a Marshmallow Tower

a group of children excitedly building a tall marshmallow tower using colorful marshmallows and toothpicks on a table, with STEM-themed decorations in the background

Skills: Engineering, problem-solving

Materials: Marshmallows or gumdrops; dry spaghetti or toothpicks; ruler or tape measure

Ages: 4–12

Time: 15–25 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Set a challenge (tallest tower, longest span, etc.)
Step 2: Demonstrate a stable base (triangle or square) with 3–4 sticks.
Step 3: Let kids prototype for 5 minutes, then test stability by gentle taps.
Step 4: Iterate: add cross-bracing or widen the base; measure final height.

STEM tie-in: Structures, stability, and load distribution.
Extension: Limit materials or add a weight test (coins on top).

2. DIY Lava Lamp

a colorful DIY lava lamp made from a clear bottle filled with water, oil, and food coloring, with bubbles rising and falling, placed on a table surrounded by kids' crafting materials like glitter and markers

Skills: Chemistry, observation

Materials: Clear bottle or jar; water; vegetable oil; food coloring; Alka-Seltzer (or baking soda + vinegar, separate)

Ages: 5–12

Time: 10–15 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Fill the container 1/3 with water, then add oil to near the top.
Step 2: Add 5–10 drops of food coloring (it mixes with water below the oil).
Step 3: Drop in 1/2 tablet of Alka-Seltzer and watch the blobs rise and fall.
Step 4: Repeat with more small pieces for extended bubbling.

STEM tie-in: Density, immiscible liquids, gas production.
Safety: Supervise tablets; do not seal tightly during fizzing.
Extension: Compare different oils or tablet amounts.

3. Paper airplane flight test

children testing paper airplanes in a sunny park, measuring distances with a tape measure, colorful paper and markers scattered around, excitement on their faces

Skills: Physics, aerodynamics

Materials: Paper; tape; measuring tape; notebook

Ages: 5–14

Time: 20–30 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Fold 2–3 plane designs (glider, dart, stunt).
Step 2: Mark a throwing line; keep throws consistent (same person, same force).
Step 3: Fly each design 3 times; measure and record distances.
Step 4: Graph results; tweak wing size or nose weight and retest.

STEM tie-in: Lift, drag, stability, fair testing.
Extension: Add paperclips to adjust center of mass.

4. Sink or Float Challenge

a group of children excitedly participating in a sink or float challenge at a picnic table, with various objects like fruits, toys, and rocks being tested in a large tub of water, surrounded by colorful science-themed decorations and notebooks

Skills: Scientific method, prediction

Materials: Tub of water; 10–15 household items; towel

Ages: 3–10

Time: 15–20 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Predict each item’s outcome and sort into “sink” or “float.”
Step 2: Test one at a time; observe surprising results (e.g., crumpled vs. flat foil).
Step 3: Discuss shape vs. material (boats float, solid metal sinks).
Step 4: Design a foil boat to hold maximum coins before sinking.

STEM tie-in: Buoyancy, density, displacement.
Extension: Track coin capacity by boat shape.

5. Create a Simple Animation with Scratch

Skills: Technology, logic

Materials: Computer or tablet with internet access; free Scratch account (scratch.mit.edu)

Ages: 6-14

Time: 30–45 minutes

Instructions

Open Scratch: Go to scratch.mit.edu and click “Create.” You’ll see a cat character (called a “sprite”) in the middle of the screen.
Choose Your Character: You can keep the cat or click the blue “Choose a Sprite” button to pick another character.
Pick a Background: Click the “Choose a Backdrop” button at the bottom right to set the scene.
Make It Move: On the left, drag a “when green flag clicked” block from the yellow “Events” section into the coding area. Then, from the blue “Motion” section, drag a “move 10 steps” block and snap it underneath.
Test It: Click the green flag above the stage — your character should move!
Add Fun Actions: Try adding a “say Hello for 2 seconds” block from the purple “Looks” section or a “play sound” block from the pink “Sound” section.
Experiment: Change the number of steps, add more blocks, or make the character turn, jump, or dance.
STEM tie-in: Teaches kids how to give clear instructions to a computer (basic programming logic) and see instant results. Extension: Challenge them to make the character move across the screen, say something, and then return to the start.

6. Egg drop experiment

a colorful classroom setting with children excitedly participating in an egg drop experiment, various materials like straws, cotton balls, and cardboard scattered around, an egg in a protective contraption being dropped from a height, expressions of anticipation and curiosity on their faces

Skills: Engineering, physics

Materials: Raw eggs; tape; straws, paper, cardboard, cotton balls, plastic bags; drop zone

Ages: 6-14

Time: 30–45 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Define success (no cracks from a 6–8 ft drop).
Step 2: Brainstorm cushioning and slowing ideas (parachute + padding).
Step 3: Build; ensure egg is snug and protected from direct impact.
Step 4: Drop, inspect, and iterate with one change at a time.

STEM tie-in: Impact forces, momentum, energy absorption.
Safety: Supervise drops; contain mess with bags or tarp.

7. Homemade Slime

Skills: Chemistry, measurement

Materials: 4 oz school glue; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1–2 tbsp saline solution; bowl; spoon; optional glitter/color

Ages: 5-12

Time: 10–15 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Mix glue, color, and baking soda until smooth.
Step 2: Add saline a little at a time, stirring, until it pulls from the bowl.
Step 3: Knead 1–2 minutes until stretchy, not sticky.
Step 4: Store in an airtight container.

STEM tie-in: Polymers and cross-linking.
Safety: Wash hands; avoid carpets; supervise younger kids.

8. Shadow tracing

Skills: Earth science, observation

Materials: Paper; tape/chalk; toy/object; sunny spot; marker

Ages: 3-9

Time: 10 minutes, repeated through the day

Instructions

Step 1: Tape paper and place the object; trace its shadow in the morning.
Step 2: Label time; return at midday and afternoon to retrace.
Step 3: Compare size and direction changes.
Step 4: Connect to sun’s position in the sky.

STEM tie-in: Earth rotation, light angles.
Extension: Build a simple sundial and track hourly.

9. Balloon-powered car

a colorful balloon-powered car made from everyday materials like straws and bottle caps, set on a bright table with kids' hands eagerly preparing to race it

Skills: Earth science, observation

Materials: Balloon; straw; tape; lightweight car base (bottle, cardboard); wheels (caps, CDs); skewers/axles

Ages: 6-12

Time: 25–35 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Build a base with two axles and spinning wheels.
Step 2: Tape a straw to the balloon; secure airtight connection.
Step 3: Mount straw so it points backward; inflate balloon via straw and pinch.
Step 4: Release and measure distance; adjust wheel friction and alignment.

STEM tie-in: Newton’s third law, friction, design iteration.
Extension: Race on different surfaces; measure speed over a set distance.

10. Magnet hunt

Skills: Physics, classification

Materials: Bar magnet; tray of mixed objects (paperclips, coins, plastic, wood, aluminum foil)

Ages: 3-8

Time: 10–15 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Predict which items will be magnetic.
Step 2: Test and sort into “magnetic” vs. “not magnetic.”
Step 3: Note exceptions (steel vs. aluminum foil).
Step 4: Try shielding with cardboard or cloth.

STEM tie-in: Magnetism, materials science.
Extension: Build a paperclip chain; map magnetic field with iron filings (supervise).

11. Plant growth tracker

Skills: Biology, data recording

Materials: Seeds (beans/peas); clear cups; soil or paper towels; ruler; journal

Ages: 4-12

Time: 10 minutes setup; 2–3 weeks observation

Instructions

Step 1: Plant seeds near the cup edge for visibility.
Step 2: Water lightly; place in sunny spot.
Step 3: Measure height every 2–3 days; sketch roots/shoots.
Step 4: Compare variables (light vs. shade; soil vs. paper towel).

STEM tie-in: Germination, photosynthesis, variables.
Extension: Create a simple bar chart of growth over time.

12. Bridge building with popsicle sticks

a colorful display of a bridge made from popsicle sticks, surrounded by children engaged in building and experimenting, with STEM-related materials like rulers and notebooks in the background

Skills: Engineering, design thinking

Materials: Craft sticks; white glue or hot glue; coins or small weights; two supports

Ages: 7-14

Time: 30-60 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Choose a design (beam, truss) and sketch it.
Step 2: Build in layers; add triangles for strength.
Step 3: Let glue set fully before testing.
Step 4: Load-test gradually; record maximum weight held.

STEM tie-in: Force distribution, tension/compression.
Safety: Supervise hot glue use.
Extension: Compare weight-to-material ratio between designs.

13. Water filtration experiment

a colorful water filtration experiment setup with clear containers, various filtration materials like sand, gravel, and activated charcoal, and children actively participating in the process outdoors

Skills: Environmental science, problem-solving

Materials: 2-liter bottle cut in half; coffee filter; sand; gravel; activated charcoal; muddy water; cup

Ages: 7-14

Time: 20-30 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Invert top half as a funnel; place filter paper in the neck.
Step 2: Layer charcoal, sand, then gravel (fine to coarse).
Step 3: Pour muddy water slowly; collect the outflow.
Step 4: Observe clarity; do not drink; discuss improvements.

STEM tie-in: Filtration, particle size, water treatment.
Extension: Time the flow rate; test different layer orders.

14. Math scavenger hunt

a group of children excitedly participating in a math scavenger hunt outdoors, holding clipboards and solving puzzles, surrounded by colorful signs with math problems and nature elements

Skills: Math, observation

Materials: Index cards; marker; small prizes (optional)

Ages: 5-11

Time: 20-30 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Write problems that reveal the next clue (e.g., “Find 12 ÷ 3 socks”).
Step 2: Hide cards in sequence around home or yard.
Step 3: Start timer; kids solve to find each next location.
Step 4: End with a riddle or mini-prize.

STEM tie-in: Mental math, problem-solving under light pressure.
Extension: Mix in geometry (find a right angle), measurement, or fractions.

15. DIY weather station

Skills: Meteorology, data collection

Materials: Rain gauge (marked jar) or pvc pipe; homemade wind vane (straw, pin, card, pencil); outdoor thermometer; notebook

Ages: 6-12

Time: 20 minutes setup; 1+ week tracking

Instructions

Step 1: Place rain gauge in an open area; mark centimeters/inches.
Step 2: Build wind vane: card arrow on a straw, pin through straw into pencil eraser so it spins; label N/E/S/W.
Step 3: Read thermometer at the same time daily.
Step 4: Record precipitation, wind direction, and temperature; plot a simple chart.

STEM tie-in: Data collection, patterns, basic meteorology.
Extension: Compare predictions to local forecasts and analyze errors.

STEM Books For Kids That We Like

Sometimes reading a book can also bring out some creative ideas that you might not think of otherwise. Here are 3 STEM books for kids that we really like.

1) STEM Starters for Kids Paleontology Activity Book

Best for: Dino-loving kids ages 6–10 who enjoy puzzles and hands-on learning.

Why we like it: Combines fascinating paleontology facts with interactive mazes, spot-the-difference games, drawing prompts, and quizzes. Kids learn about fossil formation, dinosaur behavior, and ancient climates while “playing.”

STEM tie-in: Earth science, biology, and scientific observation.

2) STEM Starters for Kids Engineering Activity Book

Best for: Ages 7–11 who like building, tinkering, and solving design challenges.

Why it stands out: Packed with activities that introduce core engineering concepts, from bridge building to simple machines in a kid-friendly way.

STEM tie-in: Engineering principles, problem-solving, and design thinking.

3) STEM Starters for Kids Robotics Activity Book

Best for: Ages 8–12 curious about robots, coding, and technology.

Why it stands out: Introduces robotics through fun puzzles, pattern challenges, and fact pages about real-world robot jobs, circuits, and coding basics.

STEM tie-in: Technology, programming logic, and mechanical systems.

Final Thoughts

Are there any STEM projects or activities you do at home that should be added to this list? Let me know in the comments!

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