(Fun, Educational, and Perfect for Homeschool Families!)
Winter homeschooling can be magical… but also a little tricky.
The days get shorter. The kids get squirmier. And somehow, the house feels smaller when everyone is stuck indoors. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that winter is actually the perfect time to bring science to life—without needing fancy supplies or expensive kits.
Trust me, I love curriculum and resources as much as anyone, but sometimes the best learning moments come from the simplest activities. So today, I’m sharing our favorite simple winter science experiments using only household items—zero stress, zero clutter, and maximum learning.
These are experiments that actually work, actually teach something, and actually keep your kids busy (you’re welcome!).
If you’ve ever found yourself thinking “I need something fun and educational TODAY without a trip to the store,” this post is your new best friend.
Let’s dive in.
Why Winter Science Experiments Matter (Especially for Homeschoolers)
Before we jump into the fun stuff, I want to share why these simple experiments have become such a staple in our homeschool during the colder months.
1. Kids learn better through hands-on activities.
No surprise there—hands-on = memorable. And winter science just hits differently when kids get to explore ice, snow, temperature, crystals, and more.
2. They break up the monotony of winter homeschooling.
January and February can be… well, long. A 20-minute experiment can change the whole mood of the day.
3. They build curiosity and confidence.
Your child realizes:
“I made ice grow!”
“I made snow disappear!”
“I made a blizzard in a jar!”
That’s empowering.
4. They use what you already have.
Spending $0 on science? Yes, please.
5. They sneak learning into fun.
Winter is a perfect time for “cozy learning” — candles, sweaters, warm cocoa, and a little science magic.
10 Simple Winter Science Experiments Using Only Household Items
These experiments are affordable, easy, and filled with that “wow” factor kids love. I included explanations so you can tie the activity back to what’s happening scientifically.
1. Growing Ice on Command (Supercooled Water Experiment)
Ages: 6+
Items Needed:
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Water bottles (unopened)
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Freezer
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A small bowl of ice
How to Do It:
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Place unopened water bottles in the freezer for about 2 hours.
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Take one out (carefully!) and gently open it.
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Pour the water slowly over a bowl of ice…
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Watch it turn to ice instantly!
The Science:
The water becomes supercooled—below freezing but still liquid. Touching ice triggers instant crystallization.
Why We Love It:
It feels like real magic. Kids scream. Moms laugh. Memory made.
2. The Melting Ice Race
Ages: 3+
Items Needed:
-
Ice cubes
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Salt
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Sugar
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Hot water
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Room temperature water
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Bowls
How to Do It:
Let the kids predict which ice cube will melt fastest. Then test each method and compare.
The Science:
Salt lowers the freezing point, heat speeds melting, and the experiment teaches about physical changes.
Why It’s Great:
Kids think they’re just melting things… but they’re learning about states of matter.
3. Make a Snowstorm in a Jar
Ages: 4+
Items Needed:
How to Do It:
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Fill jar ¾ with oil.
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Mix water and white paint, pour into jar.
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Add glitter.
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Drop in Alka-Seltzer and watch the “snowstorm.”
The Science:
Oil and water don’t mix. The tablet releases carbon dioxide, pushing water “snowflakes” upward.
Why Kids Love It:
Looks like a tiny snow globe gone wild.
4. Magic Color-Changing Snow (or Ice)
Ages: 3+
Items Needed:
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Snow or crushed ice
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Vinegar
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Baking soda
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Food coloring
How to Do It:
Sprinkle baking soda over snow.
Mix vinegar + food coloring.
Pour over the snow… let the colorful eruptions begin!
Science:
Classic acid-base reaction + sensory fun.
Perfect for:
Younger kids who love messy sensory science.
5. Winter Balloon Freeze Experiment
Ages: 6+
Items Needed:
How to Do It:
Fill balloons with water and freeze them. Cut away the balloon to reveal beautiful ice spheres.
Science:
Water expands when frozen, teaching kids about density, freezing points, and crystal formation.
Surprisingly Beautiful:
They look like giant frosty marbles.
6. Frozen Bubble Science
Ages: 4+
Items Needed:
How to Do It:
Blow bubbles outside and catch them on a glove or cold dish. Watch them crystallize before your eyes.
Science:
Cold air freezes the water within the bubble film, creating crystal patterns.
Why It Feels Magical:
Kids see actual “frozen fairy bubbles.”
7. Crystal Snowflakes Using Salt or Sugar
Ages: 5+
Items Needed:
-
String
-
Paper clips
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Popsicle stick
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Hot water
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Salt or sugar
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Jar
How to Do It:
-
Heat water.
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Mix in salt or sugar until no more dissolves.
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Hang string into the solution.
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Leave overnight.
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Wake up to crystals!
Science:
Evaporation leaves behind crystal formations.
Great for:
Kids learning about molecules, evaporation, and crystallization.
8. The Winter Density Tower
Ages: 7+
Items Needed:
How to Do It:
Layer each liquid carefully.
Drop in objects and watch where they float or sink.
Science:
Teaches density and buoyancy—super hands-on.
Fun Twist:
Add winter objects like mini snowflake confetti.
9. Make “Snow” Using Baking Soda & Conditioner
Ages: 3+
Items Needed:
-
Baking soda
-
White hair conditioner
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Bowl
How to Do It:
Mix 2 cups baking soda + ⅓ cup conditioner.
Instant cloud-soft “snow!”
Science:
A sensory experiment using chemistry + temperature change.
Bonus:
It feels cold like real snow!
10. Winter Evaporation Experiment
Ages: 6+
Items Needed:
-
Clear cup
-
Water
-
Marker
-
Sunny window
How to Do It:
Mark the water level.
Place in a window for 24–48 hours.
Observe changes and discuss evaporation—yes, even in winter!
Science:
Water cycle + real-life weather connection.
Kid-Friendly:
Great for daily observations.
How to Turn These Experiments Into Actual Learning (Without Killing the Fun)
It’s tempting to just let the kids play—and honestly, sometimes that’s fine.
But if you want to get the most out of these experiments, here are a few ways to sneak in meaningful learning without turning it into a worksheet marathon:
✔ Ask Before & After Questions
“What do you think will happen?”
“Did it match your prediction?”
“What surprised you?”
✔ Introduce Vocabulary Naturally
Words like molecule, density, crystallize, freeze point, reaction, and evaporation.
✔ Let Kids Record Observations
Drawings or a simple sentence work great.
✔ Use a Science Notebook
Trust me—kids LOVE flipping back through their old experiments.
✔ Tie It Back to Winter Weather
These experiments make more sense when connected to real seasonal experiences: ice, snow, cold air, water cycles, etc.
Common Problems These Simple Experiments Solve
These activities are specifically designed to help with real homeschooling challenges:
✓ “My kids are bored indoors during winter.”
These experiments give them something exciting AND educational to do.
✓ “I don’t have money for expensive science kits right now.”
Everything here is cheap or already in your home.
✓ “I need activities that don’t take me hours to prep.”
Most of these take 5 minutes to set up.
✓ “I need winter lessons that actually hold my child’s attention.”
Hands-on science wins every time (seriously… every time).
✓ “I want to make science more fun this winter.”
These activities help your kids see science as magical, not intimidating.
Tips for Success (Learned from Doing This the Hard Way)
Here are a few things I wish someone had told me when I started:
• Always lay down a towel. Always.
Just trust me.
• Let them make some mistakes.
Science is supposed to be messy, unpredictable, and full of surprises.
• Keep your camera ready.
The reactions—both science and kid excitement—are priceless.
• Don’t overthink it.
You don’t need perfect results to have perfect learning moments.
Final Thoughts: Winter Is the Perfect Time for Science Magic
Winter can feel heavy sometimes—cold days, kids stuck inside, routines feeling a bit too “routine.” But that’s exactly why simple winter science experiments are a lifesaver for homeschool families.
They bring back the magic.
They bring back the curiosity.
They make learning feel warm again, even when everything outside is frozen.
You don’t need expensive kits.
You don’t need complicated instructions.
You just need a few household items and a willingness to explore the wonder of winter.
Your kids will remember these experiments years from now. Not because they were perfectly executed, but because you created a moment of joy, discovery, and connection.
And THAT is the heart of homeschooling.
If you loved these ideas and want more simple, low-prep homeschool activities, go check out my other posts on hands-on learning, winter homeschooling, and creative indoor education.
And make sure to follow my blog so you never miss a new resource or idea!
Want more lists like this? Let me know what topic you need help with next!
💬 Leave a Comment
Have you tried any of these winter science experiments?
Which one are you excited to try next?
Or do you have a favorite winter science activity I should add?
Share your thoughts below—I love hearing from you!
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Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.
~With love,
Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️
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