Rockets make a great science project or space-themed STEM Challenge as they are fairly easy to make, can be personalised however you want and be reused over and over again. These easy rockets kids can make are also fun craft projects and can be turned into a science investigation too!
My personal favourite rocket is our mini bottle rocket as it’s quick to set up and doesn’t fly up with too much force, but it is still very impressive to watch!
If you love space science, don’t forget to check out my book This IS Rocket Science, which contains SEVENTY space-themed science ideas for kids!
Easy Rockets Kids Can Make
This milk jug rocket is sometimes called a rocket mouse. It’s low prep, mess free and fun for little people.
A rocket mouse is also a great first science activity for learning about forces!
Air Rocket Launcher
An air rocket launcher is easy to make. It requires only a two-litre plastic bottle, tape, and a small segment of PVC pipe.
The rocket part is made from paper rolled around the pipe, so it’s a snug fit.
Simple Stomp Rocket
Stomp rockets are always fun, and this one is very easy to make! Pop the rocket on the end and stomp on the bottle.
Mini Bottle Rocket
My mini bottle rockets are my absolute favourite DIY rockets! You need a 500ml bottle, straws or lolly sticks, a cork and some power for the rocket. This could be Alka Seltzer and water, an effervescent vitamin tablet or even baking soda and vinegar.
Children can experiment to find the best combination of baking soda and vinegar or an effervescent tablet and water to make their rocket fly!
This can be turned into an investigation by adding extra weight to the side of the rocket to see how that impacts how far it flies upwards.
Straw Rockets
Straw Rockets are also mess-free, easy to make and can be themed in lots of different ways.
The paper cutout of a rocket is attached to a shorter, wider straw than the one the experimenter blows down. The wider straw is sealed at the top, so when air from the main straw hits it, the rocket flies!
An alternative to this design is using a plastic bottle rocket launcher to push air through the straw.
Film Canister Rockets – adult supervision needed
These are another very easy rocket to make. You can decorate the film canister or leave it as it is. These are ready to launch immediately and can be reused straight away as long as you can find both pieces of film canister from the previous launch.
Film canister rockets can be set up as a science investigation by adding extra weight to one rocket. Remember to keep all other conditions the same ( amount of water and effervescent vitamin tablet ).
Water Powered Bottle Rocket – adult supervision needed
A water powered bottle rocket needs a bit more prep and shoots up fast and high so you’ll need some adult help and a big empty space!
This type of rocket is perfect for a class demonstration or a great space science competition if children design and build their rockets in teams and then an adult launches each one.
Which rocket will you try first?
More rockets kids can make.
What Do We Do All Day has a brilliant balloon rocket craft.
This toilet paper rocket from Mombrite is really cute, too!
More space science for kids
Find out how you can walk the solar system in your back garden.
Discover how craters form using marbles, flour and hot chocolate powder.
Or try one of my other space experiments for kids!
Last Updated on May 2, 2024 by Emma Vanstone
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