Pumpkin Volcano Activities for Preschoolers

I’ve never believed that learning should be limited to the classroom. Nope, I believe that learning is a lifelong endeavor that should happen often and whenever possible, be fun. With that in mind, I’m always on the lookout for projects that fit the bill—like pumpkin volcano activities for preschoolers and kids! 🙂

There’s a lot for kids and parents to like about this mini volcano project. Kiddos will love the resulting “eruption” and colorful mess as well as the fact that this is a mini pumpkin craft preschoolers and kids can actually help out with. Parents will love that making a pumpkin volcano is educational, frugal, quick, and not too messy.

Seriously, volcano activities for preschoolers and kids, like this one, really check off a lot of boxes!

On the educational front, a pumpkin volcano is a great way to introduce the concept of chemistry and chemical reactions. It also encourages following instructions.

This mini volcano project is inexpensive and educational but those aren’t the only reasons it’s a winner. Like I said above, it’s also quick. Your pumpkin volcano can be ready for eruption in just a few steps, which means it should be able to hold those short attention spans.

During the “experiment” and after, make sure to explain the science behind this mini pumpkin craft preschoolers project. Depending on your kiddo’s age, he or she may not fully understand the science involved just yet, but you’re planting a seed of knowledge that will hopefully blossom over time.

Pumpkin Volcano Science

Need a chemistry refresher course yourself? No worries! School is in session. 🙂

What makes this mini volcano project erupt? The chemical reaction is triggered by mixing the baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) together. This reaction produces carbon dioxide (a colorless, odorless gas) which causes the eruption.

Want to learn more about the science behind this fall volcano activities for preschoolers and kids? Read Questions From Kids: Why Does Baking Soda React With Vinegar?

Pumpkin Volcano Materials

Dish soap
Baking soda
White vinegar
Food coloring: Orange, purple, green
Mini pumpkins
Knife
Tablespoon
Large plastic lid or container

Pumpkin Volcano Directions

1. Cut off the top of each pumpkin.

2. Scoop out most of the insides (this doesn’t need to be perfect).

3. Bring the pumpkin volcanoes outside and set them on a lid or in a container.

4. Add a couple tablespoons of baking soda to each pumpkin volcano.

5. Add a couple squirts of dish soap to each pumpkin volcano.

6. Add one squirt of each color of food coloring to each pumpkin volcano.

7. Start pouring vinegar into each pumpkin; you’ll likely need about 1/3 cup for each.

Watch your pumpkin volcanoes erupt!

Tip: You can rinse the pumpkins out and try this volcano activities for preschoolers and kids again and again! Trust me, your kids will request demand that you do so! 🙂

Did you try this mini volcano project? How did you make its even more educational and/or fun? Share your experience in the comments!

Want more fall fun activities and crafts preschoolers and kids can enjoy? Check out:

• 50 Fall Crafts for Kids
• Colored Salt Dough Leaf Impressions
• Homemade Pine Cone Bird Feeders
• Cookie Cutter Bird Feeders

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Mini Pumpkin Volcanoes

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Active Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Volcano activties for preschoolers are both fun and educational, and now they can also be autumn appropriate thanks to these pumpkin volcanoes!

If your kids are older, they will understand the chemical reaction taking place in this fall science experiment, but this could also be a great mini pumpkin craft preschoolers project as well. After all, what kid wouldn’t love to see a pumpkin volcano erupt?

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Materials

• Dish soap
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Food coloring: Orange, purple, green
• Mini pumpkins
• Knife
• Tablespoon
• Large plastic lid or container

Instructions

1. Cut off the top of each pumpkin.
2. Scoop out most of the insides (this doesn’t need to be perfect).
3. Bring pumpkins outside and set them on a lid or in a container.
4. Add a couple tablespoons of baking soda to each pumpkin.
5. Add a couple squirts of dish soap to each pumpkin.
6. Add one squirt of each color of food coloring to each pumpkin.
7. Start pouring vinegar into each pumpkin; you’ll likely need about 1/3 cup for each pumpkin volcano.