Want to spark your kids' love of science without leaving home? Tampa families have access to amazing local resources for DIY STEM activities—from supply stores to free library programs to outdoor experiments perfect for Florida's climate.
This guide covers 30+ science experiments you can do at home, where to buy supplies in Tampa, and how to tap into free local science resources.
Easy Science Experiments Using Household Items
Kitchen Chemistry
Baking Soda Volcano
- Supplies: Baking soda, vinegar, dish soap, food coloring
- Tampa twist: Use sand from Clearwater Beach to build volcano
- Age: 3+
Homemade Slime
- Supplies: Glue, borax or contact solution, food coloring
- Buy locally: Michael's, Target, Walmart
- Age: 5+
Rainbow Walking Water
- Supplies: Cups, paper towels, food coloring, water
- Science: Capillary action, color mixing
- Age: 4+
Invisible Ink
- Supplies: Lemon juice, cotton swabs, paper, lamp
- Tampa resource: Lemons from local farmers markets
- Age: 6+
Physics Fun
Egg Drop Challenge
- Supplies: Eggs, cardboard, tape, straws, cotton balls
- Tampa location: Drop from balcony or playground
- Age: 7+
Homemade Lava Lamp
- Supplies: Water, vegetable oil, food coloring, Alka-Seltzer
- Buy locally: Publix, Walmart
- Age: 5+
Balloon Rocket
- Supplies: Balloon, string, straw, tape
- Tampa twist: Race outside in backyard
- Age: 4+
Sink or Float
- Supplies: Various household objects, water bin
- Age: 2+
Biology & Nature
Grow Crystals
- Supplies: Borax, pipe cleaners, boiling water
- Time: Overnight
- Age: 8+
Plant Growth Experiment
- Supplies: Seeds, soil, pots, sunlight
- Tampa advantage: Year-round growing season
- Buy seeds: Home Depot, Lowe's, local nurseries
- Age: 5+
Butterfly Garden
- Supplies: Caterpillars, habitat kit
- Buy locally: Educational Outfitters Tampa
- Tampa resource: Native Florida plants attract butterflies
- Age: 4+
Worm Composting
- Supplies: Worms, bin, food scraps
- Tampa resource: Sweetwater Organic Farms workshops
- Age: 6+
Tampa-Specific Science Experiments
Florida Weather & Climate
Rain Gauge
- Supplies: Clear container, ruler, marker
- Tampa use: Track summer thunderstorms
- Age: 5+
Hurricane in a Bottle
- Supplies: 2 bottles, water, duct tape, glitter
- Tampa relevance: Hurricane season education
- Age: 6+
Temperature Tracking
- Supplies: Thermometer, chart
- Tampa data: Compare morning vs afternoon heat
- Age: 7+
Beach & Ocean Science
Saltwater vs Freshwater Density
- Supplies: Salt, water, eggs
- Tampa connection: Gulf of Mexico vs lakes
- Age: 6+
Sand Erosion Experiment
- Supplies: Sand, water, tray
- Tampa beach: Collect sand from local beaches
- Age: 5+
Shell Identification
- Supplies: Shells from Tampa beaches, guidebook
- Tampa locations: Clearwater, St. Pete, Apollo Beach
- Age: 4+
Wildlife Observation
Bird Watching Log
- Supplies: Binoculars, notebook, bird guide
Free Tampa Science Resources
Libraries with STEM Programs
Hillsborough County Libraries
- Free STEM kits to check out
- Weekly science programs
- Summer STEM camps (free)
- Best branches: Jan Kaminis Platt, Town 'N Country, SouthShore
Locations: hcplc.org
Free Science Events
MOSI Free Days
- First Sundays (select months)
- Homeschool days
- Check: mosi.org
USF Science Events
- Open houses
- Science fairs
- Free public lectures
- Check: USF website for events
Tampa Science Festival
- Annual event (typically March)
- Hands-on activities
- Free admission
Outdoor Science Locations
Lettuce Lake Park
- Nature center with exhibits
- Boardwalk for wildlife observation
- Free ranger programs
Hillsborough River State Park
- Nature trails
- Rapids observation
- Ranger-led programs ($8 park entry)
Florida Botanical Gardens
- Free admission
- Plant identification
- Butterfly garden
Science Experiment Kits Worth Buying
Best Kits for Ages 4-7
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Science
- Simple experiments
- Colorful photos
- Buy: Barnes & Noble Tampa
My First Mind Blowing Science Kit
- 25+ experiments
- Safe for young kids
- Buy: Target, Amazon
Best Kits for Ages 8-12
Thames & Kosmos Chemistry Set
- 125+ experiments
- Lab-quality equipment
- Buy: Educational Outfitters, Amazon
Snap Circuits
- Electronics learning
- Build working circuits
- Buy: Learning Express, Target
National Geographic Mega Science Lab
- Multiple science areas
- Comprehensive kit
- Buy: Barnes & Noble, Amazon
Monthly Science Themes
January: Space & Astronomy
- Build rocket (baking soda/vinegar)
- Moon phase tracking
- Constellation identification
- Tampa resource: MOSI planetarium
February: Chemistry
- Slime variations
- Crystal growing
- Acid/base tests
- Tampa resource: Library STEM kits
March: Weather
- Rain gauge
- Cloud identification
- Temperature tracking
- Tampa advantage: Spring weather changes
April: Plants & Growth
- Seed germination
- Plant needs experiment
- Composting
- Tampa resource: Florida Botanical Gardens
May: Water & Ocean
- Saltwater density
- Water cycle model
- Beach erosion
- Tampa beaches: Collect samples
June-August: Summer Science Camp at Home
- Weekly themes
- Daily experiments
- Outdoor observations
- Tampa resource: Library summer programs
September: Animals & Habitats
- Ant farm
- Bird watching
- Butterfly garden
- Tampa wildlife: Abundant year-round
October: Physics & Forces
- Catapults
- Ramps and motion
- Balloon rockets
- Tampa location: Backyard experiments
November: Earth Science
- Rock collection
- Soil layers
- Fossil making
- Tampa resource: Hillsborough River State Park
December: Holiday Science
- Candy cane science
- Gingerbread engineering
- Snow (fake) experiments
- Tampa twist: Compare to Florida weather
Tips for Science Success at Home
Set Up a Science Station
Dedicate a space:
- Kitchen table or garage workbench
- Storage for supplies
- Easy cleanup area
Stock basics:
- Baking soda, vinegar
- Food coloring
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Safety goggles
- Notebooks for observations
Make It Educational
Ask questions:
- What do you think will happen?
- Why did that occur?
- What would happen if we changed X?
Document results:
- Photos or videos
- Written observations
- Drawings
- Science journal
Safety First
Supervise:
- Always watch young kids
- Read instructions fully
- Use safety equipment
Tampa-specific:
- Do messy experiments outside
- Watch for fire ants
- Stay hydrated in heat
Free Printable Science Resources
Science Buddies - Free experiment ideas
NASA Kids Club - Space activities
National Geographic Kids - Nature experiments
Steve Spangler Science - Video demonstrations
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy cheap science supplies in Tampa?
Dollar Tree has basics (baking soda, vinegar, food coloring) for $1.25 each. Walmart and Target have affordable science kits. For specialized equipment, check Educational Outfitters or order online.
What science experiments can I do with toddlers?
Toddlers love sink-or-float, color mixing, ice melting, sensory bins, and simple baking. Focus on safe, hands-on exploration with supervision.
Are there free science programs in Tampa?
Yes! Hillsborough County libraries offer free STEM programs, MOSI has free days, and Tampa Science Festival is free. Check library calendars for weekly activities.
What's the best science kit for homeschoolers?
Thames & Kosmos Chemistry Set (ages 8+) and National Geographic kits are excellent for homeschoolers. Educational Outfitters in Tampa carries quality kits.
Can I do science experiments outside in Tampa?
Absolutely! Tampa's weather is perfect for outdoor experiments year-round. Try water experiments, plant growing, weather tracking, and nature observation.
Start Your Tampa Science Adventure
Science at home doesn't require expensive equipment or a lab. With household items, Tampa's natural resources, and local supply stores, you can create amazing learning experiences for your kids.
Get started today:
- Pick one experiment from this guide
- Gather supplies (check what you have first!)
- Set up your science station
- Ask questions and observe together
- Document your results
Ready for more hands-on learning? Check out our Tampa Homeschool Field Trips Guide for museum programs and science centers, or visit MOSI for professional science exhibits.
Craft & Hobby Stores
Michael's
- Locations: Multiple Tampa Bay locations
- Best for: Craft supplies, basic science kits
- Price: $$
Hobby Lobby
- Locations: Brandon, Carrollwood, Wesley Chapel
- Best for: Craft materials, educational kits
- Price: $$
Big Box Stores
Target
- Best for: Science kits, basic supplies
- Price: $$
Walmart
- Best for: Budget supplies, household items
- Price: $
Dollar Tree
- Best for: Cheap basics (vinegar, baking soda, food coloring)
- Price: $
Home Improvement
Home Depot / Lowe's
- Best for: PVC pipes, wood, tools for building projects
- Price: $$
Specialty Education Stores
Educational Outfitters
- Location: 4830 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa
- Best for: Science kits, lab equipment, educational toys
- Price: $$$
Learning Express
- Locations: South Tampa, Carrollwood
- Best for: STEM toys, educational games
- Price: $$$
Online (Tampa Delivery)
Amazon
- Best for: Specialized equipment, bulk supplies
- Delivery: 1-2 days in Tampa
Home Science Tools
- Best for: Lab-quality equipment
- Delivery: Ships to Tampa
