STEM at home

Exploratorium Science Snacks

Ages: 8+ years

Some of the best science moments happen in ten minutes with stuff you already own.

Science Snacks is a free resource from San Francisco's Exploratorium — over 150 short, hands-on experiments designed to explore real scientific phenomena using common household materials. Each "snack" comes with illustrated instructions, a video, and a clear explanation of the science behind what just happened. No kits, no prep lists, no special equipment.

Why we like it: It removes every excuse to not just try something. Low barrier, high payoff — exactly what a weekend afternoon needs.

NASA Science Space Place

Ages: 8-12 years

When your child asks a question you can't answer — this is a good place to send them.

NASA Space Place is a free, bilingual (English and Spanish) website from NASA designed for upper-elementary kids, packed with games, hands-on activities, short videos, and articles covering Earth science, space, and everything in between. It's been around since 1998, which in internet years makes it practically ancient — and the fact that it's still standing says something about how well it's built.

Why we like it: It's NASA. The credibility is built in — and the content is genuinely engaging, not just accurate.