DIY Dry Ice Projects: Fun and Educational Activities for Families (Part 2)
There are a number of cool DIY dry ice projects families can try to teach kids about science while having fun!
We have previously offered a few fun and educational activities for families with children and teenagers to learn about the science of dry ice. In part two, we are going to discuss a couple more DIY dry ice projects that are suitable for children of a wide age range to learn about the world around them while experiencing something unique and fascinating.
Dry Ice in a Balloon: Inflate with CO2
For a more interactive experiment, try using dry ice to inflate a balloon with carbon dioxide gas. This project is a fun way to show kids how gases can be produced from solids and expand to fill space.
What you’ll need:
- Dry ice
- A balloon
- A plastic bottle or container
- Tongs or gloves (to handle dry ice)
How to do it:
- Place a small piece of dry ice into a plastic bottle.
- Quickly stretch the opening of a balloon over the bottle’s mouth.
- Watch as the dry ice starts to sublimate, producing carbon dioxide gas that inflates the balloon.
- Once the balloon is fully inflated, you can remove it from the bottle and tie it off to keep it inflated.
This project demonstrates the power of gas expansion and how gases can fill up spaces, helping kids understand how CO2 behaves and how it can be contained.
Making a Dry Ice “Smoke” Volcano
If your kids are fascinated by volcanoes, this dry ice volcano project is sure to be a hit. By combining dry ice with water in a volcano model, you’ll create an eruption of fog and bubbles that mimics the effect of a real volcano eruption.
What you’ll need:
- A volcano model (you can create one from clay or use a plastic bottle)
- Dry ice
- Warm water
- Tongs or gloves (to handle dry ice)
How to do it:
- Set up your volcano model, making sure it has a container or space to place dry ice inside.
- Place small chunks of dry ice inside the volcano’s center.
- Pour warm water over the dry ice and watch as “smoke” erupts from the top of the volcano, creating a dramatic fog effect.
- For added fun, you can color the water with food coloring for a more vivid eruption.
This project is a great way to combine the excitement of a volcano eruption with the science behind dry ice sublimation.
Dry Ice Safety Tips for Families
Dry ice can add an exciting, hands-on element to family experiments and seasonal activities, but it’s important to handle it safely—especially when children are involved. Because dry ice is extremely cold (–109.3°F or –78.5°C), it can cause frostbite in seconds if touched directly. It also turns into carbon dioxide gas as it warms, which can be hazardous in confined or poorly ventilated spaces. To enjoy the fun without the risk, keep these essential safety guidelines in mind:
Use Protective Tools
Always use tongs or wear thick, insulated gloves when handling dry ice. Never touch it with bare skin, as it can cause severe frostbite.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Only use dry ice in well-ventilated areas. As it sublimates into carbon dioxide gas, it can displace oxygen and make breathing difficult in enclosed spaces.
Do Not Ingest
Never eat or place dry ice directly in beverages that will be consumed. Ingesting it can cause serious internal injuries.
Supervise Children Closely
Keep dry ice out of children’s reach when not in use, and always supervise them closely during any activity involving it. Be sure they understand the risks and proper handling methods.
Store Safely
Keep dry ice in an insulated container that is not airtight. The container lid should remain slightly open to allow gas to escape. A tightly sealed container could explode due to pressure buildup.
With proper precautions, dry ice can be both educational and entertaining. A little awareness goes a long way in making sure your family’s experience is memorable for all the right reasons.
Dry Ice For All Your Needs
Dry Ice Corp is the largest regional supplier of dry ice and related products in the Northeastern United States. Our ice is fresh and delivered right to your doorstep. We are happy to help you determine the best way to ship your goods, whether you have a huge amount of cookies or a single pie, and help you select the perfect amount of dry ice for the job. Give us a call at (201) 767-3200 or contact us online for a quote. To connect with us online, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.
