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The Mad Science Party Lab – 8 Tips for Explosive Fun!

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Mad Science Birthday Party Ideas - 8+ Tips

I’m excited to share some creative tips and ideas from my daughter’s Mad Science Birthday party with you… finally! She’s 8-1/2 now, and this is her 7th birthday party. 😳😂

Anyways, aside from the abundance of “experiment messes” around the house, I really love that Macy has been crazy about science for a few years now. This was a super fun party theme to work on with TONS of room for creativity – especially in the treats department. (Hello, Petri Dish Jello and Radioactive Punch!) 🥳

Science Party Printables

My Mad Science printables are available in our store! Use them to add instant style and personalized details to your party. 🙌 You can edit the custom text yourself – right on the website – whenever (and as often as) you need to! Click here to buy this collection.

Science Party Printables

THE ELEMENTS OF FUN

science party baking soda balloons

1. Hands-on Experiments

Set up stations with simple experiments that kids can try themselves, like baking soda & vinegar balloons.

We saved small Gatorade bottles for this activity and pre-filled them with vinegar. The balloons were also pre-filled with baking soda, so kids could just grab a balloon and put it on a bottle, then watch the balloon *magically* inflate. Using balloons with design on them – like these polka dot and marbled balloons – makes this activity even more fun to look at!

science party activity ideas

Candy molecule building is another super easy activity that doesn’t make a huge mess. 🙌 Set out trays of “squishy” candy (like spice dots, marshmallows, etc) + toothpicks and let kids build their own candy molecules! It’s a good idea to set out a some pre-built models for them to copy, and there are lots of great examples available if you do a goole image search for “candy molecules”.

mad scientist decoration - door sign

2. The Mad Scientist

From crazy hair to a giant mustache, bring in signature “mad scientist” details for a touch of zany flair. I loved the idea of greeting guests at the door with a giant, playful nod to our mad scientist! We also had colorful “safety glasses” for all of the guests to wear.

science party dessert table ideas

3. Laboratory Treats

This is where things can REALLY get creative! We served up science-inspired treats like “Petri Dish Jello”, gummy frog “Specimens”
white chocolate “Lab Rats” (made using this candy mouse mold), and rock candy stick “Geodes”.

I especially love how the petri dish jello dessert turned out:

petri dish jello science party treat

This scientific and gross-in-a-good-way treat is easy to make! Just pour liquid jello into Petri dishes (about halfway full). If you’re using gummy worms or other big gummies, you can then add them in now.

Refrigerate for about an hour, then add some sprinkles and continue to refrigerate until serving. The sprinkles will kind of bloat and “bleed” out into the jello after a while, resembling “bacteria” that’s growing! I also added a strip of washi tape to “package” the treat.

mad science party printables

4. Printable Fun

Printables are my favorite quick & easy way to play up any theme! I designed a bright and colorful science inspired collection for this party featuring playful (and yes, maybe a little bit nerdy 🤓) science puns like “Of QUARTZ, Geology ROCKS” and “DISCOVER something fun”!

science party printables and rock candy sticks

science party light bulb decor and favors

5. Bright Ideas

Fill plastic light bulb containers with colorful candy for party favors with creative *spark*!

I used a mix of regular and pastel M&Ms to fill these light bulbs… and yes we DID pick out all the pieces that didn’t match the party’s palette. Looking at you brown and orange! 😜 It’s less expensive to buy bags of regular M&Ms and remove certain colors than to buy the specialty packs that are all one color.

(P.S. The giant plastic lightbulb decoration above was also an Amazon purchase!)

science party light bulb favors

DIY Molecule and Atom party decorations

6. Giant Atoms and Molecules (DIY Decor)

This was probably my favorite decoration – possibly because I just love anything that you can hang overhead! These giant “atom & molecule” decorations are made from embroidery hoops (spray painted silver), colorful “ball pit” balls, and wooden skewers. I used fishing wire to hang them for a “floating” effect.

Mad Science Sacramento Party Entertainers

7. Mad Science Show

Live demos are always a hit with the kids! We hired a pro from Mad Science of Sacramento to put on a cool science show that was centered around gases, chemical reactions, and “things that go pop and fizz”. She also led the kids in a bouncy ball making activity and explained the science behind cotton candy making… while making it. And then of course the kids scarfed it down!

kids eating pink cotton candy

easy science party decorations

8. “Experimental” Decor

These science-inspired decoration ideas are quick, stylish, and won’t break the bank!

  • Colorful Chemistry
    This is as easy as it gets! Just fill glass beakers with water and food coloring. We also dropped dry ice into them a few times – especially when guests were first arriving. However, just a heads up that the dry ice doesn’t last very long with the small pieces that you have to use in order for them to fit inside the narrow mouth beakers.
  • Petri Dish Specimens
    For these, I printed scientific-looking patterns out on transparency paper and cut them to fit inside large Petri dishes. A plastic insect or butterfly was placed on top, then covered with the petri dish lid. Done!
  • Biohazard Caution Tape
    This bright yellow tape is a great way to make a big impact on your space without spending much at all. Doors, fences, etc… it makes an easy photo backdrop too!
  • Test Tube Insects
    To make these, just stick plastic bugs and butterflies into clear test tube containers (I used these large plastic ones) and fill them with water. It’s actually best when the fit is a little snug, because the insects get suspended in the tube, making things look all the more “science-y”.

science party bug specimen decorations

The acrylic stand I’m using here is actually an ice cream cone holder! I bought this one probably 10 years ago, but you can find similar ones here and on Amazon.

I hope some of these ideas help you plan your own *explosively fun* Mad Science Party! 😉🧪🥼🔬🧫

science party activity ideas

Science Party Printables

Printables are my favorite *secret weapon* for adding unique style to any celebration! Click here to customize my Mad Science collection for your own party – instantly, online. 🤗

Science Party Printables

76 Comments

  1. Priyanka Sharma November 26, 2018 at 3:45 am

    Hi,

    I came across your blog while looking up science themed parties. My son is absolutely thrilled to have a science themed party and I am in love with your design. I am taking the liberty to reach out and request you to Kindly share the details of how can I get the design. I would be much obliged and grateful.

    Regards
    From : India
    Mommy to a super thrilled boy looking forward to his birthday!

    • jenn s. November 27, 2018 at 7:14 am

      Just emailed you. :)

      • Krystin August 13, 2019 at 6:57 pm

        I’m a teacher and wondering how I could get your bright ideas poster. Love it!

      • Karla October 3, 2019 at 2:04 pm

        Hi Jenn,

        Do you still have these printables available? Would love to get for my son’s birthday.

        Thank you!

  2. Thezam December 3, 2018 at 3:39 pm

    Hello! This is so so so good! I’m in love. I’ve been following you for years now and you inspired me so much. I would love to have these printables. Thank you so much for sharing your creativity.

  3. Jason N Cunard December 5, 2018 at 9:36 am

    You can rent a cotton candy machine from us if you’re in the Jacksonville FL area! Find us at https://www.bounceitoutparty.com/jacksonville-fl/

  4. Judith Moore January 12, 2019 at 2:09 am

    Hi there,
    I’m hosting a birthday party at home for the first time and I’ve decided to do little science experiments with my son’s 6 year-old friends. I would be so grateful if you could share your fabulous printables with me.
    Judith xx

  5. Chris January 30, 2019 at 4:03 am

    What an amazing article. I really loved the insects in test tubes. I was a total science nerd at high school so I really need to do this for my son’s 9th birthday. It is not really for this age group but I also came across a science party game for adults. It was called Chemical Catastrophe and I found it at Chemical Catastrophe Murder Mystery Party.

    Do you think I could get the test tubes on eBay? Thanks so much.

  6. G L February 7, 2019 at 8:21 pm

    Pucker powder is good to eat and can make a good science project to see what color make different colors.
    This also has different flavors too

  7. jenn s. February 17, 2019 at 4:04 pm

    Hi Lisa! Just sent them to you via email. :)

  8. Donna W February 22, 2019 at 11:05 am

    Hi Jenn

    You did a phenomenal job. Love your printables.

    • Adi November 16, 2019 at 7:53 am

      Hi Jenn
      These are awesome ideas …I am planning for a science theme party for my son

  9. Heather Powell March 1, 2019 at 4:26 am

    I love these ideas and want to use them for an upcoming party. Do you have a template for the mad scientist on your front door?
    Thank you! Heather

  10. Erin March 1, 2019 at 7:35 pm

    Your party looks fantastic and like so much fun! I would love to know how I can get your printables. Please and thank you!!

  11. Shubha March 8, 2019 at 7:15 pm

    Hello,

    Thanks for this amazing post with ideas and explaination.i am planning a mad science party for my son… was wo dering of u can share the peintables with me??

    Thank u

  12. Raelene March 25, 2019 at 12:30 am

    This party looks so great!

  13. Laticha Lovato April 17, 2019 at 7:31 pm

    Love your work and I would likr to inquire about your printable party as well!! Can you please share more info???

  14. Veronica April 18, 2019 at 7:44 pm

    This was an amazing job I am planning my sisters Science themed baby shower and would love information on the printables. Would you mind sharing the details with me.

  15. Kaki April 21, 2019 at 10:01 pm

    Hi!

    Thank you for sharing these cute ideas! I love them and feel inspired for my daughter’s 7th birthday. I love the door decorations as well as some of the displays!

    Thank you!

    Kaki

  16. Kimberley April 26, 2019 at 3:03 pm

    Hello! This is such a great theme and you’ve done a wonderful job! Are you please able to share the template for the door decoration if you have it? Also do you have a link or know where I can purchase the little sign holder things? Sorry I don’t know what they’re called! I’m planning a science party for my almost 6 year old thank you, Kimberley

    • jenn s. April 28, 2019 at 2:58 pm

      Just emailed you :)

    • Linda September 19, 2019 at 3:08 pm

      Good evening I am Linda and I am teaching science in 4th grade for the first time…. I would love to create my own atoms and molecules decor

      • jenn s. September 20, 2019 at 6:07 am

        Hi Linda – They’re really easy to make! I just bought cheap wooden embroidery hoops and fit them snugly together, then secured with hot glue. The balls were purchased on Amazon. Here’s the link. For some of the balls I just used a sharp tool to pierce them first, then inserted the wooden skewers. For others I just added a dab of hot glue to the top of them to secure fishing wire. Hope that helps and good luck! :)

  17. Rachel May 5, 2019 at 9:21 am

    Hi!
    I love this theme. I am thinking of doing a Mad Scientist party for my End of Year party with my second graders.

  18. Gator Jump Kansas City May 21, 2019 at 5:05 pm

    Such a cute idea! This is the perfect party theme for my 6 year old daughters upcoming birthday party, such a fresh idea! Thanks so much for sharing! :)

  19. Summer May 23, 2019 at 1:14 pm

    Love this! I’m interested in how that punch was made. Can you share the recipe?

    Thanks so much!!

    Best,

    Summer

    • jenn s. May 25, 2019 at 2:57 pm

      Hi Summer! The punch is just Green Hawaiian Punch (1 jug) + a large can of pineapple juice (46 oz) + ginger ale (2L bottle). Then I added a little dry ice right when the party started for the “wow factor”. ;)

  20. Jennifer May 28, 2019 at 9:17 pm

    Hi there! Love these ideas, thanks for sharing. I was planning on doing a Mad Science Party for my son :).

  21. Erika Weeks May 30, 2019 at 6:27 am

    Awesome inspiration and printables! Would you mind sharing with me for my daughter’s birthday?!
    Erika

  22. Camille Stein June 4, 2019 at 4:56 am

    Love the decorations, especially the door! Would you be willing to share? I am doing a “mad scientist” theme for a camp at my preschool and would love to use these. Such a cute idea; Thank you for sharing.

  23. Betsy June 10, 2019 at 5:38 pm

    Where did you get the large lightbulb??! It’s fantastic and I’m in love with the whole theme! So many great ideas!

    • jenn s. June 11, 2019 at 12:49 pm

      Thank you, Betsy! Regarding the light bulb lamp, I bought it on Amazon, but it looks like the company either doesn’t make it anymore or it’s out of stock. :( Here’s the link just in case. Sorry I can’t be of more help!

  24. CJ June 11, 2019 at 9:37 am

    Omgosh this party is so cute! Is there a way to get the printables?!

    • jenn s. June 11, 2019 at 12:50 pm

      just emailed you :)

  25. Elmarie June 16, 2019 at 12:52 am

    Hi Jenn! Absolutely love your party ideas!!! I just want to have a party every single day! Please could you send me the printables for this science party?

    • jenn s. June 17, 2019 at 9:50 am

      Thank you for the kind words! I’ve emailed them to you. :)

  26. Jen June 18, 2019 at 6:43 pm

    Hi! Are the printables available? Thanks for sharing this great party!

  27. Maria June 20, 2019 at 2:03 am

    Hi Jenn!!! Love your creativity, each picture shows how much effort you have put into the party. I am planning a birthday for my 8 & 4 year old and your printables can be of great help.

    • jenn s. June 24, 2019 at 6:33 am

      Thank you, Maria! I’ve emailed them to you :)

  28. L June 21, 2019 at 9:04 am

    Please can you share with me the printable shaving a science party for my soon to be 6year.

    Great looking party looks like they all had fun.

    Regards

    • jenn s. June 24, 2019 at 6:34 am

      Just emailed them to you :) Good luck with your science party!

  29. Rushita June 24, 2019 at 11:03 am

    Great decorations and party ideas.
    Thanks

  30. Christine June 25, 2019 at 4:27 pm

    I’d love the printables! We are having a mad scientist party for our8 year old in a few weeks.

  31. Daisy July 17, 2019 at 9:45 am

    I love all of this ideas! I’m interest on the mad scientist door printables.

  32. Lynette July 19, 2019 at 11:05 am

    I love your creativity! My soon to be 8 year old will love this. She’s been asking for years.
    Thank you!!

    • jenn s. July 20, 2019 at 7:30 am

      just emailed you! :)

  33. Julia T July 21, 2019 at 12:16 pm

    This is an awesome idea! I was wondering where you got your Mad Scientist door decoration file from? If you could share that would be fantastic! Thanks.

    • jenn s. July 22, 2019 at 6:51 am

      Hi Julia – The door decoration is a printable I put together myself, so it’s more of a DIY project. I just emailed you the file. You can print it somewhere like Staples or FedEx office (it’s a large format size) and then just cut the pieces out. Takes a little effort but worth it in my opinion… our party guests all loved being greeted that way at least. ;)

  34. Jennifer July 23, 2019 at 6:55 pm

    I love everything about this!

  35. Samantha Velosky July 29, 2019 at 8:30 am

    Hi,
    My name is Samantha Velosky! I would love to know how to get the printables?
    I am on the board of PTA at my children’s school and we are planning a Mad Scientist Membership Drive.

  36. Jontea July 29, 2019 at 5:44 pm

    I love the door, I am a biology teacher and I would love to print this for my door!

    Would you share the cut out with me?

    I would be so excited because that is awesome!

  37. Ashley Nettles August 12, 2019 at 8:19 pm

    Hi, I am planning my sons 8th birthday and I would love these printables. They are adorable and exactly what I had in mind.

  38. VILDENE DUMOND August 15, 2019 at 7:39 am

    Hi Jenn!

    I’m planning a science party for my daughter! can you please share the printables?

  39. Angela August 17, 2019 at 8:22 am

    Hello could you please share where your fabulous printable are from?? Love to do this for my son’s party

    • jenn s. August 17, 2019 at 12:20 pm

      Just emailed you. :)

      • Leah September 29, 2019 at 5:42 am

        LOVE this super cute party!!

      • jenn s. October 1, 2019 at 10:15 am

        Thank you! Just emailed you :)

  40. Lili perdomo August 19, 2019 at 4:07 pm

    Hi ! I’m so in love with this theme . Can you please share where I can find the printables and the the door decoration ?

  41. Leah Petrey September 28, 2019 at 8:32 pm

    Hi! I’m drooling over this party and wanting to do something similar for my twins 6th birthday! Can you tell me how to get the printable resources? Or the adorable door hanger?

  42. Linda September 30, 2019 at 2:23 am

    Good morning I am a 4th grade science teacher I love your decoration ideas for your daughter party… I going to set up my classroom with the flowing molecules and science lad station . Let you know how it turn out but where did you get the balls from. Thanks for sharing….

  43. jenn s. October 1, 2019 at 10:16 am

    Just emailed you. :)

  44. Andrea October 3, 2019 at 7:30 pm

    Hello! I love the printables for the science party! I’m planning one for my girl and quickly realizing that I could use more cute ideas:) Thanks!

  45. Elizabeth Sutherland October 5, 2019 at 10:01 am

    Throwing my son a scientists birthday party next weekend and I would love to know where I can get those printabls…they would be perfect. What did you make for them to drink? Looks green and sciencey?

    • jenn s. October 7, 2019 at 3:43 am

      Just emailed you. :) And The green punch was just made from Green Berry Rush Hawaiian Punch and Sprite… and then we added some dry ice at the beginning of the party. The dry ice doesn’t last super long, but it sure looks fun while it does! :)

  46. Brenda Sanchez October 10, 2019 at 7:35 pm

    Hello, I love everything about this party!!! Im so interested in the templates.. is there any way you can share those with me? Or how do we buy?? We are excited about our upcoming Science Party!

    Brenda

  47. Maggie Gillespie October 11, 2019 at 3:50 pm

    Bravo!!! I’d also love the files to print these awesome designs! I especially love the door scientist!! My daughters birthday part is on the October 26…hopefully you see this in time!

  48. Angel Rice November 14, 2019 at 10:27 am

    Omg!!!! I’m helping my sister throw her son’s 8th birthday party (her first time hosting)…she’s soo stressed out. Just shared you ideas with her…she absolutely loved everything!!!

    • jenn s. November 14, 2019 at 12:49 pm

      Just emailed you! :)

  49. Andrea November 15, 2019 at 8:44 am

    What an awesome party! I was stressing over a “favor” idea and you have inspired me! Thanks !!

  50. Erin February 16, 2020 at 7:10 pm

    I love your science party ideas and wonderful printables! I am also curious where you found the stand for the test tubes with the bugs inside. Thanks so much!

    • jenn s. February 17, 2020 at 7:17 am

      Hi Erin – Thanks for the kind words! The stands I used for the “test tube bugs” are actually acrylic ice cream cone holders. :) You can find a similar ones on Amazon right here – or at places like Displays2Go.

      Regarding the printables – they’re now included with Design Hero, which is a new creative platform I launched, so I’m not able to give them away for free anymore. But the new ones are fully editable (the other ones I used to share weren’t), which means you can put your child’s name in the signs, put your own food names in the tent cards, etc. And there’s even an invitation and additional designs included now.:) You can take a closer look at everything here: https://www.hwtm.com/printables/mad-science-birthday-party/

      Hope that helps, and good luck with the party!

  51. Kristofer Van Wagner February 21, 2020 at 11:37 pm

    My wife and I have been scratching our heads trying to choose a theme for our son’s birthday party next month. I like that you mentioned a science-themed birthday party will allow the kids to participate in hands-on experiments like baking powder and vinegar balloons. I will survey for party planners that had previously done a science party and will propose the idea to my wife.

  52. Shweta February 26, 2020 at 10:44 am

    This is awesome and perfect for my little one’s big day! Thank you :)

    • jenn s. February 26, 2020 at 6:00 pm

      Hi Shweta – Thank you for the kind words! These printables are now available with a Design Hero Membership – and you can even customize them instantly online! You can find this collection right here: https://www.hwtm.com/printables/mad-science-birthday-party/ Please let me know if you have any questions! :)

  53. Scarlet | Family Focus Blog February 27, 2020 at 6:57 am

    What a fun party theme! My daughter loves science and doing experiments. She will flip for this!

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