3 STEM Holiday Activities to Spark Your Child’s Inner Scientist
The holidays are a perfect time to nurture creativity and curiosity in kids, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) activities offer a fun way to learn by doing. Here’s a list of activities for kids aged 8-14 that keep them engaged, challenged, and excited to explore science and technology in fresh ways. These hands-on ideas will encourage problem-solving, tinkering, and inventive thinking—all while providing a great alternative to screen time. Plus, they’re all easy on the wallet!
1. The Royal Institution Holiday Lectures
Activity Description: The Royal Institution’s Holiday Lectures are a long-standing holiday tradition in the UK, featuring engaging science topics presented by top researchers and scientists. These lectures are designed for young audiences and cover exciting scientific concepts with demonstrations, experiments, and engaging storytelling. You can attend these lectures in person, and they are also available to stream for free on the RI website.
STEM Skills: Broad science understanding, critical thinking, and exposure to real-world applications of scientific principles.
Cost: Starting free, workshops up to £40
Link: View their events calendar here.
2. Visit a Local Repair Cafe
What You Need: Any broken household item your child is interested in learning how to fix.
Activity Description: Repair cafés are community spaces where volunteers help people fix broken items like electronics, small appliances, clothing, and bikes. These cafés provide a hands-on way for kids to learn about the inner workings of everyday objects while promoting sustainability. Kids can watch, learn from, or even participate as skilled repairers diagnose and fix items, giving them practical experience in problem-solving and sustainable practices. Check local listings for a café near you!
STEM Skills: Electronics, mechanical engineering, troubleshooting, and environmental responsibility.
Cost: Usually free or by donation.
Link: Find your nearest repair cafe here.
3. Learn Repair at Home with Team Repair Kits!
What You Get: Quarterly subscription to hands-on repair kits containing real gadgets with faults designed into them. Sign up now to arriving just in time for the holidays.
Activity Description: Team Repair’s kits are designed for young tinkerers ready to dive into the world of electronics and see science come to life. Each repair kit contains a broken gadget along with guides and all the tools needed to repair it. Kids learn the fundamentals of how these devices work, gain valuable repair skills, and experience the satisfaction of fixing something themselves. Designed by engineers, this is how we wish we had been taught science growing up!
STEM Skills: Electronics, engineering basics, troubleshooting, and environmental responsibility.
Cost: As low as £30 per kit for a quarterly rental.
Link: Explore what plans we offer here.
The holidays are an ideal time to inspire curiosity and hands-on learning, and these STEM activities bring excitement to science and technology in ways that go beyond the classroom. Whether it's attending engaging lectures, diving into repair projects, exploring interactive lessons, or experimenting with new concepts at home, each of these activities opens doors to creative problem-solving and practical skills. Why not give these ideas a try and make this holiday season a memorable, educational adventure for the whole family?
