Color Experiments For Kids
Color is a fun topic to explore, especially when I have activities that grab my kids’ attention without requiring a lot of preparation. I’m sharing these Color Experiments For Kids, some of our favorite hands-on projects that get kids excited about science and art simultaneously.
If you’re into fun and engaging activities, be sure to check out my collection of Simple Science Experiments. It’s filled with hands-on ideas for every age group.
If you have older children or are wrangling a toddler and school-age siblings, like me, you’ll find something here that’s both doable and fun. Continue reading to discover color through science, sensory play, and art in ways your kids won’t forget.
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Fun Facts About Colors
Color is more than just visually appealing—it reveals how light works, how our eyes perceive things, and even how animals perceive the world in a different way.
- Some animals see colors we can’t: For example, bees can detect ultraviolet light, which is totally invisible to us. This helps them find nectar in flowers more efficiently.
- Pink technically isn’t a real color: It doesn’t exist in the spectrum of light, so our brains create it by mixing red and violet. That means pink is more of a mental interpretation than a standalone wavelength.
- Color can alter how things taste: Studies show that people perceive drinks as sweeter when they’re red or orange, even if the flavor remains the same. Our brains link specific colors to expected flavors.
Recommended Rainbow Books
If you want to add some reading to your color exploration, these rainbow-themed books have been great additions to our homeschool shelf.
Rain Before RainbowsHow the Crayons Saved the RainbowThe Rainbow Beeall about RAINBOW: Encyclopedia Book for kids age 5 and upRainbow: Ready-to-Read Level 1 (Weather Ready-to-Reads)Did You Know? The Rainbow Edition
Why Should Kids Study Colors?
Understanding color builds a foundation for science, art, and early literacy.
- Science connections: Learning about light, refraction, and chemical reactions becomes more approachable when we start with color.
- Vocabulary growth: Talking about shades, patterns, and changes in appearance helps kids build descriptive language.
- Observation skills: Kids become more aware of details in their surroundings when they start noticing how colors shift or blend.
Recommended Science Printable Packs
My favorite way to add themed learning is with printables, especially when I need something quick and engaging. These spring printables tie in beautifully with color topics while practicing math and early literacy.
Supplies You’ll Need for These Rainbow Experiments
Here are some common materials to keep handy when trying out these experiments:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Food coloring
- Skittles or hard candies
- Plastic cups
- Water
- Dish soap
- Straws
- Paper towels
- Coffee filters
- Mentos and soda
- Craft supplies (glue, scissors, paper)
Recommended Colorful Activity Kits
If you’re looking for something that’s already put together, I recommend checking out a few rainbow toys. They’ve saved me more than once when I needed a last-minute activity that still felt fun and educational.
Sarah’s Silks Rainbow Streamer – 8′ Long Twirling Ribbon Wand for Kids | Montessori and Waldorf ToysWooden Rainbow Stacking Toy, Wood Stacker Arch Game, Montessori Arch Bridge Rainbow Building Blocks, Colorful Stacking Blocks Puzzles for Kids 2 3 4 5 Years Old, Rainbow Decor ToysRainbow Sorting SetPeaceable Kingdom Shimmery Rainbow Floor PuzzleSkillmatics Magnetic Matching Activity – The Alphabet Rainbow, Preschool Learning Toy & Game for Kids, 35+ Magnetic Pieces, Gifts for Girls & Boys Ages 3, 4, 5, 6PLUS PLUS 70 Piece Interlocking Building Blocks for Kids, Open Ended Connecting Toys, STEM Bin Classroom Mini Manipulatives – Rainbow Mix Play Tube
What skills do these color science activities teach?
These color experiments help kids build real-world knowledge in a creative way.
- Scientific thinking: Kids make predictions and watch reactions unfold right before their eyes.
- Fine motor skills: Activities such as pouring, mixing, and using tools like droppers all help develop hand-eye coordination.
- Creative exploration: Activities like process art or colorful volcanoes give kids the freedom to explore outcomes without pressure.
More Science Activities To Try
There are numerous ways to explore color beyond these color-themed activities. Try adding some of the science activities below to keep the excitement going.
- Science Experiments with Baking Soda
- Rainbow Science Activities for Preschoolers
- Lemon Volcanoes Experiment
- Balloon Air Pressure Experiment by Darcy and Brian
- Apple Volcano Science Experiment by Homeschool Preschool
Color activities are always a hit at our house, and they work for such a wide age range. Whether you’re doing a quick experiment or digging into a more detailed project, there’s so much to explore and learn.