It's always been a bit surprising to me that our bubble bath toy car wash is by far — by far — the most popular indoor kid activity on this blog. It's so simple, right? Yet, oh-so-effective at keeping my boys occupied and out of my hair for a spell.
Today I'm sharing a twist on our activity: an exploding car wash using baking soda and vinegar.
Okay.
So it doesn't actually explode. But when I told my boys we were making an exploding car wash it sure got their attention.
The plan is simple: Your kids select some toy vehicles (or animals, or tiny people - whatever!). Dump baking soda in a tray or bucket. We went ahead and poured in the entire box (we like to live on the edge). Make sure you let your kids play around with the plain soda for a while — no need to rush things, after all, you've got an entire day to fill.
My boys pretended it was snow and enjoyed making tracks.
When their attention starts to wander, it's time for the vinegar. (Make sure to buy the gallon size!) You can either pour it from a measuring cup or straight from the jug.
There will be fizzzing. And sizzing. And bubbles. And overflowing (do not forget the towel). And "whoa-ing."
Feel free to pour in more soda and vinegar once the bubbles subside, but the soggy left-over soda in the tray also provides some good sensory entertainment.
We did this inside. Long time readers (you are the best) know I'm not afraid of making a mess, but if you have a porch or yard, more power to you: take it outside.
Are your kids as into toy cars as mine? Check these out!
Elle Carter Neal says
Oooh, I think this would be a great idea to do in the shower and sneak in a little bit of grout scrubbing at the same time... 😉
Erica MomandKiddo says
Excellent plan, Elle. Always a good idea to get the kids to do the chores for you. 🙂
Veens @ Our Ordinary Life says
Whoa! I am sure I will have a lot of "Whoas" from my boy too 🙂
Erica MomandKiddo says
Yes, indeed!
Jennifer Fischer says
Love it! I will definitely be doing this with my boys. I have pinned to my Things That GO! Board and shared through G+ too.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks, Jennifer. I hope the boys have fun with it.
Megan says
SUPER FUN!!!! I cannot wait to set this up!!!
PragmaticMom says
Oh my, that looks like fun!!!
Trisha @ Inspiration Laboratories says
My son loves anything to do with baking soda and vinegar. Adding cars is a great idea {especially the waiting on the vinegar part}. Off to check out your other sure-to-be-brilliant car ideas!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks, Trisha. My kids love playing with soda and vinegar. Little scientists at work!
Suzanne says
I think this is spectacular. I don't know why we have never washed the small cars, just the big ones outside. And the vinegar and baking soda, that's genius. Pinning!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks, Suzanne. We just did this again, today!
Kimberly @ FireDancer Designs says
This is fantastic! Thank you so much! My five year old son saw it over my shoulder today and had to do it immediately even though we only had a small amount of baking soda on hand... guess I have something add to the grocery list! Thanks again!
Erica MomandKiddo says
It's a good think Baking soda and vinegar is cheap, Kimberly, because we have been going through tons of it! I hope you have fun!
The JJ Project (Cassidi Lundell) says
I just wrote a blog about the five easiest pinterest activities for toddlers and tested them all. Yours made the list and we really enjoyed it!! It was my favorite and I gave it A+! Check it out!
Debs says
Thanks for linking this fun idea to Tuesday Tots. I've featured it this week 🙂
OneMommy says
Fun! My son loves cars and vinegar and baking soda are always a hit! Pinning to our vehicle board!
Alyssa says
This is such a fun idea! I just wanted to let you know that I am adding this to my Transporation activity roundup at Simply Creative Kids if you don't mind.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks, Alyssa!
Samar says
Love it! Love the snow part of it. My son is plowing it with his car snow plow and my girl digs this also, thanks!