How to Make a Snow Volcano Experiment

Make a volcano erupt in the snow with this easy outdoor science experiment. Perfect for winter learning or snow day fun.

Who says science has to stay inside? A snow volcano experiment is a fun, hands-on way to mix chemistry and outdoor play—perfect for winter days, snow-covered backyards, or cold-weather science lessons.

It’s safe, quick to set up, and just as exciting as the classic version… with a frosty twist.

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What You’ll Need

You don’t need much for this snowy eruption:

Fresh snow or shaved ice
A small cup or container (like a plastic cup)
Baking soda
Vinegar
Food coloring (optional but fun!)
Dish soap (optional for extra foam)
A tray (if doing indoors with shaved ice)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Scoop and shape your volcano.

Pack snow into a mound and make space in the center to fit your container.

2. Prepare your volcano.

Place the cup inside the snow volcano.

3. Add ingredients.

Add baking soda, a few drops of food coloring, and a squirt of dish soap.

4. Watch it erupt!

Pour in vinegar and watch the eruption foam up and spill into the snow.

5. Repeat as much as you like.

Just add more baking soda and vinegar—kids love doing it over and over!

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The Science Behind the Snow Volcano

Just like the classic experiment, this version works thanks to a chemical reaction between baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid). When they combine, they produce carbon dioxide gas, which causes foaming and bubbling.

The snow doesn’t change the reaction—it just cools things down and adds a fun sensory experience. You can also tie this into a lesson about volcanoes in icy places, like Iceland or undersea eruptions near polar regions.

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Tips for Parents & Teachers

Doing this at school? Try it during recess or as part of an outdoor STEM day.
No snow? Use crushed ice in a bin for the same effect indoors.
Great for Earth science lessons, weather tie-ins, or a break from inside activities.

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Customize Your Snow Volcano

Add some extra flair with these fun variations:

Use multiple colors to create rainbow lava
Add glitter for sparkling, icy eruptions
Try different cup sizes to see how it affects the eruption
Challenge kids to predict how snow changes the speed or size of the eruption

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Bring Hands-On Science to Your School

At All Things Science, we teach kids how to mix, build, and create through hands-on STEM programs during and after school. From chemical reactions like this one to robotics, rocketry, and 3D printing, we make science fun and unforgettable.

Want to bring exciting STEM programs like this to your student’s school?

Here’s how to bring All Things Science to your campus →

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