22 Winter Science Experiments For Kids

Maybe you have snow and freezing temperatures, or maybe you don’t! Whether you are shoveling snow or lounging by a palm tree, there’s still winter! When the weather turns chilly or not so chilly, why not try some of these winter science experiments for preschool and elementary kids? Avoid cabin fever this season with great, budget-friendly science experiments and STEM projects!

WINTER SCIENCE 

The changing seasons are perfect for incorporating different types of science activities into your learning at home or in the classroom. Kids love themes, and a winter theme makes science so much more engaging! Snow, snowflakes, snowmen, ice, frost…

These hands-on winter science experiments and STEM activities invite kids to explore, test, think, observe, and discover! Experimenting leads to discoveries, and discoveries spark curiosity!

Kids are constantly learning about how the world works, and winter science experiments are an easy choice.  These winter activities for preschool to elementary grades are simple to set up and use only a few materials. Our list below includes physics and chemistry experiments that young children can easily explore with hands-on, playful activities!

ALSO CHECK OUT: Science Activities For Preschoolers

Encourage your kids to make predictions, discuss observations, and re-test their ideas if they don’t get the desired results the first time. Science always includes an element of mystery that kids naturally love to figure out!

WINTER SCIENCE FOR EVERYONE

Want tons of printable winter activities all in one place? Check out our winter worksheet pack!

Very few of these winter science activities below actually include real snow. This list is perfect no matter where you live, including areas that never see snow or areas that do get snow, but it’s unpredictable! Many of these winter science experiments can be done regardless of the weather conditions where you live!

Click below for your FREE Winter Themed Guide.

WINTER SOLSTICE 

If you are planning ahead of time, make sure to include fun winter solstice activities! The winter and summer solstices are two very important times during the year.

WINTER NATURE ACTIVITIES

Take care of your feathered friends as you explore winter science and learn about the birds in your backyard. Make these kid friendly birdseed ornaments that kids of all ages can help with too! Set up a bird watching area complete with binoculars and books on local birds!

FUN WINTER SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS

Click on all the links in blue below to check out some (brrrr) cool science. You will find winter theme science experiments including slime, fizzy reactions, ice melting, real snow, oobleck, crystal growing, and more.

1. Snow Candy

Learn how to make maple syrup snow candy. Discover the interesting science behind how this simple maple snow candy is made and how snow helps that process along.

2. Snow Ice Cream

This super easy, 3-ingredient snow ice cream recipe is perfect this season for a yummy treat. It’s a bit different to our ice cream in a bag science experiment but still lots of fun!

3. Snow Volcano

If you have snow, you will want to get outside for this winter science experiment! Cool winter STEM that the kids will LOVE to get their hands on. If you don’t have snow, don’t worry! You can also make this one in the sandbox or at the beach.

4. Snowflake Salt Painting

Have you ever tried salt painting for a quick winter craft activity? We think snowflake salt painting is tons of fun.

5. Melting Snow Science

This snow science activity with a melting snowman theme is perfect for exploring in and out of the classroom.

6. Frosty’s Magic Milk

A classic science experiment with a wintery theme the kids will love! Frosty’s magic milk is sure to be a favorite.

7. Snow Slime Recipes

We have the BEST slime recipes around. You can make our melting snowman slime, snowflake confetti slime, fluffy snow slime, snow floam, and more!

8. Ice Fishing

Kids will love this fishing for ice cubes science project that can be done no matter the temperature outside.

9. Snow Storm In A Jar

Set up an invitation to make a winter snow storm in a jar science experiment. Kids will love creating their own snowstorm with common household supplies, and they can even learn a bit about simple science in the process too.

10.  How To Make Frost On A Can

This is another easy-to-set-up winter science experiment that pulls from what you have around the house. We love science that can be set up in minutes and is hands-on for the kids.

11. Blubber Science Experiment

How can polar bears and other Arctic animals stay warm with those freezing temperatures, icy water, and relentless wind? This super simple polar bear blubber science experiment will help kids feel and see what keeps those big animals warm!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Whale Blubber Experiment

12. Design a Snowball Launcher

Need to stay warm and cozy inside but enough with the screens? Get the kids designing, engineering, testing, and exploring physics with easy to make snowball launcher winter STEM activity! Hands-on winter STEM with a little bit of gross motor fun!

13. Make Fake Snow (not really science but lots of fun!)

Too much snow or not enough snow? It doesn’t matter when you know how to make fake snow! Treat the kids to an indoor snowman building session or fun winter sensory play with this super easy to make snow recipe!

14. Melting Snowmen

The best part of this snowy winter science experiment is that you don’t need real snow to enjoy it! That means everyone can try it. Plus you have everything you need in the kitchen to get started.

15. Snowflake Oobleck or Evergreen Oobleck

Oobleck is an ooey gooey slime substance that’s also a terrific classic science project. Learn about non-Newtonian fluids while digging your hands into a neat tactile sensory experience too.

16. Crystal Snowflakes

You can enjoy your crystal snowflake ornaments all winter long with our simple borax crystal growing recipe!

17. Salt Crystal Snowflakes

With a little patience, this super simple kitchen science is easy to pull off! Grow salt crystal snowflakes for an easy winter science experiment for kids of all ages.

18. Snowflake Science with YouTube

If you don’t have the opportunity to observe your own snowflakes, you can totally learn all about them through these short videos perfect for kids! Snowflakes are truly one of nature’s wonders, and they are fleeting.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Snowflake Activities For Preschoolers

19. DIY Thermometer

Make your own homemade thermometer and compare the temperature indoors with the cold outdoors.  Learn how a simple thermometer works.

20. Coffee Filter Snowflakes

Coffee filters are a MUST have addition to any science or STEAM kit! Simple science is combined with unique process art to make these colorful snowflakes.

21. Frozen Bubble Experiment

Who doesn’t love blowing bubbles? You can blow bubbles year-round indoors or outdoors too. Freezing bubbles is definitely on our list of winter science experiments to try.

22. Ice Melting Experiment

What makes Ice melt anyway? Set up this fun STEM challenge and science experiment! You’ll find several ideas to try and an awesome printable pack to go along with them. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to practice using the scientific method.

23. Baking Soda & Vinegar 

This simple experiment with baking soda, vinegar, and cookie cutters is a classic! This chemistry activity is a hit all year round!