Making temporary lava lamps is a fun, colorful and easy science experiment sure to keep your kids engaged and entertained, all while learning about basic chemical reactions. Depending on which products you have in your home, here are instructions for two different ways you can make your own lava lamp at home.

Baking Soda Lava Lamp

What You’ll Need

• Tall empty jar or bottle
• Baking Soda
• Water
• Food coloring
• Vegetable oil
• Vinegar

What You’ll Do

• Put a few tablespoons of baking soda at the bottom of the jar.
• Add water until the jar is one-quarter full.
• Add 5-10 drops of food coloring and gently mix all ingredients in the jar to combine.
• Add vegetable oil until the jar is three-quarters full.
• With the jar on a flat surface, slowly add in vinegar one tablespoon at a time. Add more as needed.
• Watch the lava lamp activate!

Antacid Lava Lamp

What You’ll Need

• Tall empty jar or bottle
• Vegetable oil
• Water
• Food coloring
• Antacid tablet

What You’ll Do

• Fill the jar half-way with vegetable oil.
• Add water until the jar is about three-quarters full.
• Add 5-10 drops of food coloring.
• Break an antacid tablet into several pieces and drop the pieces into the jar one at a time.
• Watch the lava lamp activate!

Safety Tip! Do NOT put a lid on the jar or bottle while the mixture is active and bubbling.

Add Fun! Do this experiment in a dark room and put a flashlight or other light behind the jar for an extra groovy experience.

What Kids Learn

• Critical Thinking

How to Support the Play

• Ask lots of questions. Especially ones without a yes/no or right/wrong answer. “Why do you think that happened?” or “What do you think will happen next?”
• Remember: There is often more than one “right way” of doing things.
• View mistakes and bumps in the road for what they really are – opportunities to learn.

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