Spring is the perfect time to bring science to life with fun, hands-on learning! These spring science experiments are easy to set up and so much fun for curious preschoolers. Whether you’re exploring growing seeds, melting ice, or watching rainbows appear, there’s just something magical about spring that gets little minds buzzing. These ideas are perfect for teachers or parents looking for fresh spring ideas for preschool that sneak in a little learning while still feeling like play.
All the easy experiments in this post are quick to prep, use simple supplies, and are tested by real kids (and grown-ups who love them too!). Scroll through the list, pick your favorites, and then click over to the full instructions when you’re ready to dive in.
So go ahead—grab some sunshine, a few basic supplies, and get ready for some springtime science fun!
Spring Science Experiments
Ready to jump into the fun? Below, you’ll find a list of easy and fun spring science activities perfect for curious kids of all ages. Each one is simple to set up and full of hands-on learning. Just click the links to get all the step-by-step directions. Let’s make some springtime magic happen!
Learning through Planting
This simple planting activity is a great way to teach kids how things grow. Preschoolers will love getting their hands in the dirt and checking on their plants each day. It’s a fun way to explore nature and learn about life cycles.
This hands-on activity helps preschoolers learn all about the chicken life cycle. With simple visuals and matching cards, kids can explore how a tiny egg grows into a fluffy chick. It’s a great way to build science vocabulary and spark curiosity about animals.
Study Nature Science by Creating a Butterfly Garden
Creating a butterfly garden is a fun way to explore insects and nature. Kids can help choose plants, dig in the dirt, and watch for visiting butterflies. It’s a sweet mix of science, gardening, and outdoor play.
This caterpillar hunt turns a simple walk into a mini science adventure. Kids will have fun searching for caterpillars while learning about their habitats and life cycle. It’s a great way to get outside and explore nature up close.
This spring sensory bag is a fun way for little hands to explore colors, textures, and movement. It’s mess-free and easy to make with a few simple supplies. Perfect for quiet time or adding a little spring to your science center.
This butterfly life cycle craft helps kids understand how butterflies grow and change. Using simple materials, preschoolers can create their own visual model of each stage. It’s a creative way to mix art with science learning.
This nature mandala activity encourages kids to explore patterns and shapes using items they find outside. It supports visual processing skills while giving preschoolers a chance to get creative with natural materials. It’s a calm, engaging way to connect with nature.
This flower experiment shows kids how plants drink water using colorful, eye-catching results. With just a few supplies, preschoolers can watch a white carnation change colors as it absorbs dyed water. It’s a fun and visual way to learn about plant science.
Raising a praying mantis is a fascinating way for kids to learn about insects up close. Preschoolers can observe how they grow and change, while practicing gentle care and observation skills. It’s a great long-term science project for spring.
Watching tadpoles grow into frogs is an exciting way for kids to explore animal life cycles. This activity gives preschoolers a front-row seat to real changes in nature. It’s full of learning and wonder, right from a simple pond or container.
Creating a wormery lets kids dig into soil science and learn about the important work worms do. Preschoolers can observe worms in action and even keep a simple journal of what they see. It’s a fun mix of science, nature, and early writing.
These pond-themed water activities are perfect for a spring day outdoors. Kids can explore floating and sinking, water movement, and even a little pond life. It’s a playful way to mix science with nature exploration.
Creating a rain cloud in a jar is a simple and fun way for children to learn about how rain forms. By filling a clear jar with water, adding a layer of shaving cream on top to represent a cloud, and then dripping colored water onto the “cloud,” kids can observe how the cloud becomes heavy and lets the colored water fall, simulating rain. This hands-on activity provides a visual demonstration of the water cycle and how precipitation occurs.
These Earth Day discovery bottles are a fun way for kids to explore earth science with their senses. Each bottle focuses on a different theme like land, water, or recycling. They’re easy to make and great for sparking conversation about our planet.
This outdoor science play activity encourages kids to explore the world around them using simple tools and their senses. From observing bugs to testing how things move, it’s all about curiosity and discovery. Perfect for active preschoolers who love to learn while they play.
Growing cress heads is a silly and fun way to teach kids about plants and how they grow. Preschoolers can decorate their own eggshells, plant seeds, and watch the “hair” sprout in just a few days. It’s a quick and easy science activity with a big wow factor.
Making a milk jug planter is a fun way to teach kids about recycling and plant growth. Preschoolers can decorate their planters, add soil and seeds, and watch their plants grow over time. It’s a simple project that mixes science, art, and a little green thumb fun.
Fairy soup is a playful way for kids to explore nature using water, flowers, and a little imagination. It’s not just pretend play—kids practice pouring, mixing, and noticing colors and scents. This activity adds a magical twist to outdoor science fun.
Planting beans is a classic preschool science activity that lets kids see roots and stems grow up close. With just a clear cup, a paper towel, and a bean, little ones can watch the changes day by day. It’s a simple way to explore plant life cycles.
This magnet activity uses plastic eggs to make science feel like a game. Kids can explore what sticks to a magnet and what doesn’t, all while playing and guessing. It’s a fun way to introduce basic science skills like testing and sorting.
This eggshell geode experiment is a fun way for preschoolers to explore crystals and how they grow. Using simple kitchen supplies, kids can create colorful crystal geodes inside real eggshells. It’s a mix of science and art that’s full of sparkle and discovery.
This bird feeder craft is a simple way for kids to learn about birds and nature. Preschoolers can build their own feeder, hang it outside, and watch for feathered visitors. It’s a fun mix of crafting, science, and outdoor observation.
This spring slime recipe is a fun sensory activity that also sneaks in a bit of science. Kids can mix up their own clear slime and add spring-themed items like flowers or glitter. It’s a playful way to explore textures and reactions.
These science projects are great for preschoolers all the way up to early elementary kids. You can always adjust the activity a little to match your child’s age—like doing more of the setup for younger ones or adding extra learning for older kids. It’s all about having fun while learning something new!
Do I need a lot of supplies?
Nope! Most of the time, you’ll find what you need right at home—like jars, paper, seeds, or water. A few activities might need special items (like a magnifying glass or plastic eggs), but they’re usually easy to find at a dollar store or online.
What if the experiment doesn’t work the first time?
That’s okay! Science is all about trying, learning, and trying again. If something doesn’t work, just talk with your child about what might have gone wrong and try a little tweak next time. Even “oops” moments are great learning opportunities!
Spring is such a fun time to explore, play, and learn with spring STEM activities! Whether you’re planting seeds, hunting for caterpillars, or watching rain clouds form in a jar, these simple experiments are perfect for curious little minds.
We hope this list of spring science activities gives you lots of ideas to try with your preschool and kindergarten kids or students. Don’t forget—you can click through to each tutorial for all the easy steps. Happy experimenting, and have a wonderful spring full of discovery and smiles!
Tara is the brains behind Homeschool Preschool, where her journey from preschool and public school teacher to homeschooling mom of three fuels her passion for early childhood education. With a blend of expertise and firsthand experience, Tara’s writings offer practical tips and engaging resources to support families in creating meaningful learning adventures at home.
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