This is an updated post to include new ideas submitted by readers! This post also contains affiliate links.
Lots of families are gearing up for family vacations this time of year. Vacation packing lists are being created so no vacation essential is forgotten. Shirts, shorts, underwear, sunscreen, swimsuits, shoes, camera…..
But what about the science packing list?
Really! I’m not kidding. Take science supplies on vacation!
Vacations Are Great Times To Learn About Science
Vacations give kids the opportunity to learn about science outside of the textbook and without even realizing it! Plus, exploring and learning as a family makes great memories, too.
I always search for ways to make our family vacations an educational experience while still having fun. We have some favorite places to visit, since my daughter can’t pass up a zoo and I am all about exploring new parks and nature preserves.
Here are some of the places we look for on our trips to add a little science:
- zoos
- museums
- state parks
- aquariums
- nature preserves
- beaches
- science centers
Science Vacation Packing List
It’s great to plan out a few fun educational stops on vacation, but I like to be prepared for the unexpected science experiences, too. That’s why I like to pack some science supplies along with my flip flops and suncreen.
So what kind of items go on a science packing list? It kind of depends on where you are going and what your family enjoys doing. Here are the basics to get you started.
- binoculars
- magnifying glass
- Discovery Scope
- nature guide books
- small buckets
- small shovels (I’m thinking for the sandy beaches!)
- insect net
- bug jar
- thermometer
- tweezers
- solar paper
- flashlight
- sketch pad (try this cool waterproof sketch pad for the beach or rainy days)
- pencils
- proper shoes to protect the feet while exploring
I usually pack all these things in a plastic tub that way they are all together when I need them. No searching through the rest of our vacation supplies to find what we need.
Thanks to everyone who sent me suggestions for the science packing list. Do you have anything to ad?
Eddie says
June 21, 2012 at 6:27 amThermometer and photsensitive paper?
Marci says
June 21, 2012 at 6:34 amGreat ideas!
kelli- AdventurezInChildRearing says
June 21, 2012 at 6:36 amI’d love for you to come and link your great list up with us for Summer Fun 2012 link up –
http://www.adventurezinchildrearing.com/2012/06/family-connections-summer-2012-nature.html
Marci says
June 21, 2012 at 12:17 pmI will do that! Thanks for the heads up!
Julia says
June 21, 2012 at 8:46 amZiploc bags and containers for collecting/observing things.
Marci says
June 21, 2012 at 12:18 pmPacking containers and bags now. Thanks!
Deanna says
June 21, 2012 at 9:06 amYou need a net to catch crabs and a bucket to put them in. We always catch, observe, and release. You also need flashlights to go crabbing at night. We always take these items. My son loves it.
Marci says
June 21, 2012 at 12:18 pmHow fun! Getting the flashlight now.
Jamie (@va_grown) says
June 21, 2012 at 9:09 amI posted about guide books too–we love them. I would maybe add a “specimen jar?” Sometime to collect shells and stuff in? Our kids each have a plastic peanut butter jar with a good lid that they are allowed to use to collect “stuff” in–as long as it’s not stuff that’s alive!
Marci says
June 21, 2012 at 12:19 pm“as long as it’s not stuff that’s alive!” – I could say that to the kids, but they won’t listen! This should be interesting 🙂
Aneta says
June 21, 2012 at 11:43 amBinoculars and a bird book? George is going to kiss you.
Marci says
June 21, 2012 at 12:20 pmYou may kick the bird watchers out of the house before the end of the week!
Susan Evans says
June 21, 2012 at 3:20 pmChildren’s books on ocean life, how to build a sand castle book, sand toys.
Jenni Gallegos says
June 21, 2012 at 6:10 pmWhat a great idea! We are going to a drive through wildlife safari, so I will be packing books about animals, notebooks and lots of pencils and crayons!
Don’t forget your favorite camera! (And back up batteries!)
Jenni Gallegos says
June 21, 2012 at 6:10 pmOh, I thought of something: KITES! Kites at the beach are so much fun!
aurie says
June 22, 2012 at 7:09 pmI would add clear containers and sharpie markers to label things – since I always forget what we pick up 🙂 Thanks so much for linking up!!
Erica says
June 13, 2016 at 10:59 amJewelers loops. Easy magnification for looking at things up close. And cheap so you don’t feel bad if they get hurt.
Marci Goodwin says
June 13, 2016 at 5:18 pmThat’s brilliant! I’ve never thought of that. Thanks for sharing.