Water Cycle STEM Activities to Explore Science Fun

Understanding how water moves through our world has always fascinated me. It’s a process that’s constantly happening around us, and getting my kids interested in it was easier than I expected when we started exploring Water Cycle STEM Activities together.

If you’re new here or just browsing for more ways to keep your science lessons fresh, check out our Fun Weather Activities for Kids. I’ve gathered numerous seasonal and themed ideas that work across different grade levels and attention spans.

I’ve gathered a mix of creative, hands-on ideas to help your kids learn about the water cycle. Some of them are quick experiments, others are more involved projects—there’s something here for every age and interest. Keep reading and get ready to try something new together.

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Surprising Water Cycle Facts for Curious Kids

Science becomes more memorable when it connects with real-world knowledge. Before you grab the glue sticks and measuring cups, here are a few lesser-known facts that make the water cycle even more interesting:

The water you drink today might be the same water a dinosaur stepped in—Earth’s water supply has stayed the same for billions of years.
Clouds aren’t as light and fluffy as they look—some weigh as much as a hundred elephants.
Only a tiny fraction of the planet’s water is usable freshwater—about 0.5%.

My Favorite Water Cycle Books

I always like to begin a new science topic with a good read. Books help frame the subject in a meaningful way and provide a shared foundation before we dive into hands-on projects.

One Little Raindrop: A Science Book for Little Children That Explores The Water Cycle Through Interactive Holes on Pages (Life Cycles)The Water Cycle (Learn About: Water)A Drop Around the World: The Science Of Water Cycles On Planet Earth For Kids (Earth Science, Science Books For Kids, Nature Books)Water (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 3)Water Cycles (DK Life Cycles)The Amazing Journey of a Raindrop: How the Water Cycle Works ?

Why should kids understand the water cycle?

When my kids first started asking questions like “where does rain come from?” or “why do puddles disappear?” I realized it was time to give them a bigger picture. Explaining the water cycle provided answers, but it also sparked new curiosity and raised many more questions.

Teaching kids about how water moves through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation lays the groundwork for so many other science lessons. It also prompts them to think about more significant issues, such as conservation and climate change. It is an essential building block for their scientific knowledge.

Recommended Weather Printable Packs

These printable packs are a great option when you need something easy to prep that still packs an educational punch. They’re perfect for quiet learning time or as a supplement to hands-on activities.

Supplies You’ll Want to Have On Hand

You don’t need anything fancy to get started with these water cycle projects. I usually gather things like:

Zip-top bags
Cotton balls or shaving cream
Food coloring
Clear jars or plastic cups
Tape, paper, markers
Sponges
LEGO bricks (for some of the more creative builds)

Recommended Weather Toys

Sometimes, a good educational toy helps bring science to life. I enjoy having a few reliable items that allow kids to explore weather themes through play, especially when we’re taking a break from experiments.

My First Daily Magnetic Calendar Be Amazing! Toys Weather Science Lab 4M Weather Station Kit – Climate Change, Global Warming Lab SmartLab Toys Storm Watcher Weather Lab Unique Kids STEAM Powered Weather Station NUOBESTY Wind Vane

More Weather Activities To Try

If your kids are enjoying this topic, there are plenty of other weather-related ideas to explore. These extra activities can complement your science plans or help you teach various aspects of weather science.

Cloud Activities for Kindergarten
Weather Coloring Pages
Weather Experiments for Elementary Students
Weather and Clothes Worksheets for Kindergarten by Homeschool of 1
Coffee Filter Umbrella Craft by Darcy and Brian

Water Cycle Bag Experiment

This is one of the first ones we did. You just need a plastic bag, water, and a sunny window to simulate the full cycle.

Fun Rain Cloud in Jar Science Experiment

Kids love watching the colored water drip through the “cloud.” It’s a simple way to explain how clouds release rain.

Clouds in a Jar Experiment

Using hot water and ice, this project makes real fog inside a jar. Great visual for how clouds form.

https://pbskids.org

Evaporation Station

This one gets kids measuring and observing as they compare water levels over time. It's a good one for older kids.

https://www.greenkidcrafts.com

Learning About the Exciting Water Cycle with Salt

Using salt to trace the evaporation process is super hands-on. It takes a bit of time, but it’s worth the wait.

https://lauracandler.com

Investigating Condensation and the Water Cycle

A more detailed look at condensation that works well if you’re doing a multi-day unit.

https://www.science-sparks.com

Evaporation and the Water Cycle

It’s amazing what kids notice when they track small changes. This one is all about recording results and noticing patterns.

https://onesharpbunch.com

Water Cycle Experiment for Little Learners

A thematic unit with a strong visual component. It ties the whole cycle together nicely.

https://lauracandler.com

Hands-on Water Cycle Fun!

I love this one because it fits in a jar and you can use it as a visual all week long.

https://thepinterestedparent.com

Raining Sponge

This is one of my younger kids' favorite activities. Squeezing the sponge gives a great representation of rainfall.

https://www.kcedventures.com

3D Water Cycle Project: with LEGOs

This one’s a win for any LEGO fan. Great for building skills and science at the same time.

https://www.science-sparks.com

Easy Mini Water Cycle Model

Another compact project that makes it easy to show how water travels.

https://www.babiestobookworms.com

Water Cycle Activities | Little Raindrop

A great book and a fun activity that is perfect if you’re building a unit.

https://bugandmonkeymama.blogspot.com

The Water Cycle Cloud in a Jar

This is a nice art-and-science crossover. I like how it gets kids labeling each part of the cycle.

I hope this provides you with a variety of new water cycle activities to try with your kids. Pick a few that fit your week, gather your supplies, and enjoy learning about water together.

Water Cycle STEM Activities