by: Erin Dower
Simple science lessons are all around us during the summer. Prevent summer brain drain in your kids with these mini science experiments and activities for children of all ages. Expand their knowledge of meteorology, zoology, botany, chemistry, and more without any special equipment or instructions. Check out even more backyard science experiments, plus our favorite science and math toys and mobile apps.
![Summer Science for Kids, Child on beach learns about her shadow](/sites/default/files/fe_slideshow/2011_05/Childs_shadow_on_beach_H.jpg)
Study Shadows
Have some fun in the sun with the physics of shadows. Ask your young child to look at her shadow at different times of day to show her the connection between the sun's position in the sky and the length of her shadow. Use chalk on a sidewalk or a stick in the sand to trace her shadow so she can see how it shrinks and grows with time. Have your older child measure and chart her shadow and explain when it is shortest and why.
![Summer Science for Kids, Young child holding stone to learn about geology Summer Science for Kids, Young child holding stone to learn about geology](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Childs_hand_holding_stone_H.jpg)
Gather and Sort Rocks
![Summer Science for Kids, Black fly on a piece of fruit as backyard science Summer Science for Kids, Black fly on a piece of fruit as backyard science](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Fly_on_grapefruit_H.jpg)
Observe Bugs
![Summer Science for Kids, Summer night sky perfect for learning about astronomy Summer Science for Kids, Summer night sky perfect for learning about astronomy](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Starry_sky_with_moon_H.jpg)
Go Star-Gazing
![Summer Science for Kids, Thunder and lightning landscape great for studying weather with kids Summer Science for Kids, Thunder and lightning landscape great for studying weather with kids](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Summer_lightning_storm_H.jpg)
Track the Weather
![Summer Science for Kids, Butterfly on a piece of fruit observed as science activity Summer Science for Kids, Butterfly on a piece of fruit observed as science activity](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Monarch_butterfly_on_flower_H.jpg)
Watch Butterflies
![Summer Science for Kids, Child holding seedlings to plant in garden as backyard science activity](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Girl_holding_plants_H.jpg)
Grow and Study Veggies
![Summer Science for Kids, Three glasses of juice mixed to experiment with colors Summer Science for Kids, Three glasses of juice mixed to experiment with colors](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Three_glasses_of_juice_H.jpg)
Play with Liquids
![Summer Science for Kids, Child plays with dog to study animals Summer Science for Kids, Child plays with dog to study animals](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Boy_Playing_Fetch_With_Dog_H.jpg)
Investigate Your Pets
![Summer Science for Kids, Child tossing rocks on a pond to learn physics of waves Summer Science for Kids, Child tossing rocks on a pond to learn physics of waves](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Child_Skipping_Stones_H.jpg)