Halloween Science Witch's Brew Potions

When you think Halloween, you probably think mad scientist. There are tons of Halloween movies featuring crazy science activities including this wonderful Witch’s brew that bring creepy things to life during Halloween. But you don’t have to be an adult to make a crazy scientist’s lab!

In this mad scientist science lab experiment, kids can make their own crazy science with chemical reactions. But the best part is, nothing comes to life and the experiments are completely kid-safe while also providing tons of fun for kiddos of all ages.

Witch’s Brew

Making witch’s brew and a crazy scientist’s lab is a fun science-themed activity that kids can do during Halloween or any time of year. It’s especially a hit at science-themed parties and spooky Halloween parties.

The best thing about this scientist’s lab is that it is safe for kids of all ages. Even if kids do ingest a bit of the experiment, it’s not going to hurt them long-term, and the materials are completely safe for kids to play in.

One thing to note is that this activity does get messy, especially if kids are younger than seven years old.

You can reduce the risk of staining clothes by having the kids wear science lab coats or art smocks when making these potions and witch’s brew.

Additionally, have all kids wear safety goggles or glasses when doing this activity for maximum safety.

Also, check out the DIY Halloween Slime Kit for more Halloween science fun.

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Halloween Science Lab Ingredients:

Baking soda
Food coloring (green, purple, and orange)
Vinegar
Dish soap
Science beakers and test tubes
Safety glasses
Lab coats (optional, but fun for the kids to wear!)
Measuring spoons
Large tray

How to make a mad scientist’s lab:

Fill each science beaker half full of vinegar.

Add a few drops of food coloring to each jar. The more coloring you add, the more vibrant the colors will be after the reaction is complete.

Add a squirt of dish soap to each container.

Swirl the jars gently to mix the food coloring and soap into the vinegar.

Place the containers on a tray.

Pour some baking soda into small containers so that the kids can easily scoop out the baking soda and drop it into the jars.

When you’re ready, call the kids over and put on their safety gear before starting the activity.

PLAYING WITH THE CRAZY SCIENTIST LAB:

Once the lab supplies are laid out and the vinegar is dyed, it’s time for the kids to take over the witch’s brew.

Show the kids how to scoop baking soda into the containers a teaspoon at a time. The slower you add in the baking soda, the longer it will take for the mixture to react and reach the top of the containers. So pop it in slowly so it looks more like the witch’s brew potion from Disney’s Hocus Pocus movie. (We love this movie!)

Kids will love watching as the reaction rises to the top of the beakers, then slowly spills over the top!

The reason you add dish soap to the mixture is to sustain the reaction longer. If you don’t add dish soap, the mixture will react quickly and the bubbles will pop right away. Adding the dish soap gives the reaction a longer play time, and it’s more fun for the kids to touch once the reaction is complete.

Mad scientist lab science

When baking soda and vinegar mix, they create a chemical reaction because baking soda is a base and vinegar is an acid. The chemical reaction gives off CO2 gas, which is lighter than air so it rises out of the container.

The liquid from the vinegar traps some of the gas bubbles, which causes the reaction to bubble and foam. Adding dish soap makes this reaction even more dramatic.

You can find all of our Halloween activitiy ideas here.