The Best Summer-Themed STEM Activities for Young Learners

Okay, so summer is the perfect time to sneak in a little learning without making it feel like learning. I mean, kids just wanna have fun, right? But hear me out—what if science, tech, engineering, and math could be part of that fun? I’ve put together some of the best summer-themed STEM activities that are actually engaging (no boring worksheets here!).

1. Build a Sandcastle… With Engineering Skills

Not gonna lie, sandcastles are cool, but making ‘em structurally sound? Now that’s next level. Challenge kids to build the tallest, strongest sandcastle and talk about why wet sand works better. They’ll be thinking like little engineers without even realizing it.

2. STEM Activities Solar-Powered S’mores

Yes, you read that right—s’mores, but make it science-y. Grab a pizza box, some aluminum foil, and plastic wrap, and boom—you got yourself a DIY solar oven. The best part? You get to eat your experiment when it’s done.

3. Water Balloon Math

If you think math is boring, you haven’t tried this. Fill up some water balloons, label ‘em with numbers, and set up a simple addition or multiplication game. Kids solve a problem and get to throw the balloon at the right answer. Learning + chaos = win.

4. Ice Cream in a Bag (STEM Activities Chemistry, but Make It Tasty)

Alright, if there’s one STEM activity you try, let it be this. Mix milk, sugar, and vanilla in a bag, put it inside another bag filled with ice and salt, and shake it like your life depends on it. 10 minutes later? Ice cream. And a lesson in how salt lowers the freezing point of water.

5. Leaf & Bug Investigation

Summer = the perfect time to explore nature. Grab a magnifying glass and go on a backyard scavenger hunt. Look at leaves, bugs, and anything else you can find. Talk about symmetry in leaves or how different insects have different “jobs” in nature. It’s simple but gets kids to slow down and actually observe the world around them.

6. DIY STEM Activities Pool Noodle Boat Races

Take some pool noodles, cut ‘em into little boats, and add a paper sail. Then, let kids blow on ‘em to race across the water. You can even talk about wind power and how real boats work. Honestly, it’s just a good excuse to splash around.

7. Glow Stick Ocean in a Bottle

Wanna impress the kids? Grab a clear water bottle, fill it with water, add some blue food coloring, and crack open a glow stick (carefully). The result? A mesmerizing “ocean” that glows in the dark. It’s like a mini science experiment and sensory bottle in one.

8. DIY Volcano at the Beach

Classic baking soda + vinegar explosion, but better—because you do it in the sand. Dig a little hole, build up a volcano shape, and watch it “erupt.” Bonus points if you make ‘em guess what’s gonna happen before adding the vinegar.

9. Cloud Watching & Weather Science

Some days, you just wanna lay back and chill. Cloud watching is perfect for that and sneaks in some science. Teach kids about different cloud types and what they mean for the weather. It’s simple, fun, and kinda relaxing too.

10. STEM Activities Balloon Rocket Races

All you need is some string, a straw, and a balloon. Thread the string through the straw, tape the balloon to it, and let ‘er rip. Kids can experiment with different balloon sizes and angles to see what makes the “rocket” go faster. It’s a hands-on way to talk about physics without making it feel like school.

Final Thoughts

STEM doesn’t have to be all serious and complicated. Summer is the perfect time to sneak in some hands-on, messy, and fun science without anyone realizing they’re learning. So, if you’re looking for ways to keep kids entertained and boost their curiosity, these activities are where it’s at. Try ‘em out, and let me know which ones are a hit!

Please leave this field empty

Hello! Ready to be part of our community?

Sign up to receive awesome content in your inbox, every month.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

You're in! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.