As my kids were growing up and we would do science experiments, it never ceased to amaze me how much joy and fun they got doing experiments with baking soda and vinegar.
Whether we were making a volcano or inflating a balloon…they LOVED using these two ingredients!
I used to joke that a homeschool co-op could have a science class where every experiment for the year used baking soda and vinegar and I think the kids would love it! It would never get old.
So if your kids love baking soda and vinegar as much as mine… (or if you have a class to prep for TOMORROW… and you need something easy), here are ten easy experiments using our favorite 2 ingredients.
Table of Contents
First, What Makes Baking Soda & Vinegar So Cool?
Baking soda is a base. Vinegar is an acid. When you mix them together, they have a fizzy little argument—and it gets dramatic!
The chemical reaction creates carbon dioxide gas, which is the same gas that makes soda fizzy. So when baking soda and vinegar meet, they bubble, fizz, and sometimes even explode out of containers (in the best way). It’s messy, safe, and totally satisfying.
And now…on to the fun!
1. Classic Volcano Eruption
You’ll Need:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Dish soap
- Red food coloring
- Small container (like a cup or water bottle)
What to Do:
Place the container on a tray or in the sink. Fill it with baking soda, a squirt of dish soap, and a few drops of red food coloring. Then pour in the vinegar and step back to watch the lava bubble over!
Why It’s Fun: Kids LOVE seeing the eruption, and you can repeat it again and again with different colors or volcano designs.
2. Balloon Blow-Up
You’ll Need:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Balloon
- Empty water bottle
- Funnel or paper cone
What to Do:
Use the funnel to pour vinegar into the bottle (about halfway). Add baking soda to the balloon. Carefully stretch the balloon over the mouth of the bottle without letting the soda fall in yet. When ready, lift the balloon so the baking soda drops in and watch it inflate like magic!
Why It’s Fun: It’s like blowing up a balloon without using your breath—and it never fails to impress.
3. Bubbling Baking Soda Boats
You’ll Need:
- Small plastic container (like a takeout sauce cup)
- Straw
- Tape
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Paper towel
- A tub of water
What to Do:
Tape the straw pointing out the back of the “boat.” Place vinegar inside the container. Wrap baking soda in a bit of paper towel and drop it in. Quickly place the boat in the water and watch it scoot across!
Why It’s Fun: Kids love racing their boats and trying new designs.
4. Fizzing Colors Art
You’ll Need:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Food coloring
- Eye dropper or pipette
- Muffin tin or tray
What to Do:
Add baking soda to each cup in the muffin tin. Mix vinegar and different colors in small cups. Use a dropper to drip the colorful vinegar onto the baking soda.
Why It’s Fun: Combines science and art! The colors fizz and swirl, creating mini science masterpieces.
5. Snowman Meltdown (Winter Favorite)
You’ll Need:
- Baking soda
- Water
- Small decorations (like beads or googly eyes)
- Vinegar
- Dropper or spoon
What to Do:
Mix baking soda with a little water to form a dough. Shape it into a snowman and decorate. Use a dropper to slowly drizzle vinegar and watch him fizz away!
Why It’s Fun: Seasonal twist on a classic—perfect for a snowy day indoors.
6. Mini Rocket Launch
You’ll Need:
- Film canister with tight lid
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Tissue or paper towel
What to Do:
Put vinegar in the canister. Wrap baking soda in a small piece of tissue and drop it in. Snap the lid on tight, flip it over, and step back—it’ll launch in a few seconds!
Why It’s Fun: Fast, exciting, and perfect for outdoors!
7. Inflating Glove Hand
You’ll Need:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Rubber glove
- Glass jar
What to Do:
Pour vinegar into the jar. Add baking soda into the fingers of the glove. Stretch the glove over the jar opening. When ready, tip the glove so the soda falls in—watch the glove inflate and wave!
Why It’s Fun: It’s a silly science “high-five.”
8. Dancing Raisins
You’ll Need:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Water
- Clear glass
- Raisins
What to Do:
Fill the glass halfway with water and mix in 1 tsp of baking soda. Stir well, then add vinegar. Drop in a few raisins and watch them rise and fall like they’re dancing!
Why It’s Fun: It’s mesmerizing—and you can try different objects like popcorn kernels or pasta too.
9. Colorful Chemistry Cups
You’ll Need:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Food coloring
- Ice cube tray or muffin tin
- Pipette
What to Do:
Put baking soda and a drop of food coloring in each compartment. Give your child a pipette full of vinegar and let them drip and explore!
Why It’s Fun: Teaches color mixing and lets kids play with small-scale reactions.
10. Secret Message Reveal
You’ll Need:
- Baking soda
- Water
- White paper
- Cotton swab
- Vinegar
- Paintbrush
What to Do:
Mix baking soda with water to make “invisible ink.” Use a cotton swab to write on the paper. Once it dries, brush vinegar over the page to reveal the secret message!
Why It’s Fun: Great for spy-themed days or just for surprise notes from Mom or Dad.
Enjoy The Bubbles and Fizz!
Whether you’re homeschooling, teaching a co-op class, or just looking for fun at-home activities, baking soda and vinegar are a dynamic duo that deliver hands-on learning every time. These experiments are simple, inexpensive, and packed with wow-factor!
Got a favorite baking soda experiment not listed here? Share it in the comments—I’m always looking for more fizzy fun to try!
Sarah McCubbin and her husband and 9 kids live in Ohio. She loves talking about all kinds of education topics and is passionate about helping families find the best education options in each season! After being very socially awkward growing up, she now loves to help families teach life skills, social skills and leadership to their kids!
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