How to Create a Fun Pumpkin Explosion Experiment with Your Kids!
Looking for a fun, hands-on science activity to do with your kids this fall? Look no further than this Pumpkin Explosion experiment! Recently, Mia and I had a blast creating our own pumpkin explosion as part of our fall festivities, and we’re excited to share the steps so you can try it too. It’s the perfect mix of science, creativity, and, of course, confidence-building as your little ones watch their project literally explode with fun!
Plus, if you want to see the magic in action, we captured the entire experiment in a step-by-step tutorial on Instagram. You can watch Mia, decked out in her “Confident Kids Crew” tee, showing how it's done. [Watch the reel here!]
What You’ll Need:
- A small pumpkin (hollowed out with the top cut off)
- Baking soda (about 4-5 tablespoons)
- Vinegar (about 1 cup)
- Food coloring (optional for a colorful explosion)
- A tray or surface to contain the mess
- A few excited little scientists!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Prepare the Pumpkin
First, grab a small pumpkin, hollow it out, then carve it. We used a mini pumpkin so the reaction would happen faster, but any size will work. Cut off the top and set it aside. -
Add the Baking Soda
Once your pumpkin is prepped, pour in a 4-5 tablespoons of baking soda. This is where the science starts to happen—baking soda is a base that will react with the vinegar to create an exciting fizzy explosion. -
Add Food Coloring
For a more colorful experiment, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the vinegar or baking soda. We went with orange to match the pumpkin, but feel free to get creative! -
Pour in the Vinegar
Now for the exciting part! Carefully pour about a cup of vinegar into the pumpkin. As the vinegar hits the baking soda, the reaction will cause the mixture to bubble up and overflow. Get ready for lots of "oohs" and "aahs"! -
Enjoy the Explosion!
Watch as the chemical reaction creates a fun and fizzy explosion that spills out of the pumpkin. Mia had so much fun watching her hard work pay off, and it was a great way for her to practice patience, follow instructions, and feel proud of her creation.
Why This Activity Is Great for Confidence-Building
This simple experiment offers a lot more than just fun—it’s a wonderful opportunity to build confidence in your child! By giving them the chance to lead the steps, ask questions, and even clean up afterward, you’re helping them develop independence and responsibility. Plus, the joy and excitement of seeing the explosion unfold fosters a sense of accomplishment, reminding them that they are capable of doing awesome things.
Watch the Full Tutorial on Instagram!
Want to see exactly how it all went down? You can watch Mia and I demonstrate the entire experiment in our Instagram reel, where she rocked her “Confident Kids Crew” tee and embraced her inner scientist. [Check it out here!]
I hope this helps you create a memorable fall activity that your kids will love. And don’t forget to follow along for more confidence-boosting activities and parenting tips from Kids and Confidence!