Now that it is officially summer in Tallahassee, we can expect the usual forecast: high temperatures with scattered thunderstorms throughout the day. While rain can be nice, it does mean more time stuck inside. If you are looking for new ways for your family to spend the next rain delay, try one of these weather-themed crafts or activities!
If you are interested in discovering some more weather-related resources, keep an eye out for the new PBS KIDS series Weather Hunters in September 2025. Designed by meteorologist Al Roker, Weather Hunters educates kids about all things meteorology and Earth science. For an early glimpse at the show, be sure to attend SCIturday on July 12th at the Challenger Learning Center. Episodes will be shown on the hour and WFSU will be there with interactive weather activities, alongside other community vendors.
Weather Matching Game
First up is a printable weather card-matching game from PBS KIDS. Spend time coloring and cutting out each card, and then set up to play. This game can be played individually or with others, and involves identifying types of weather and matching the same cards.
Weather Chart
A fun printable that you can use throughout the season is this weather chart from Nature Cat. Use the chart to track how the forecast in your neighborhood changes daily and discover patterns in the weather.
DIY Rain Gauge
Another way to track the weather in your area is by crafting a rain gauge out of a recycled plastic bottle. Using scissors, a ruler, markers, and rocks for weight, you can transform the bottle into a tool to collect and measure the rainfall in your area. You can find the full craft instructions with pictures here.
Tornado in a Jar
For a hands-on activity, try making a tornado in a jar. All you need is cold water, 2-3 pumps of dish soap, and a capful of vinegar. Combine in a jar, seal it tightly, then give it a shake and a swirl. A tiny tornado will form in the jar!
Water Cycle in a Bag
Also in the theme of miniature weather is this water cycle in a bag. Using just water, a ziploc and a sharpie, you can create a model water cycle to hang in your window. As the sun slowly heats the water, evaporation takes place, setting off the whole cycle of events. Feel free to decorate the bag with markers or add coloring to the water for a creative touch.
Interactive Weather at Home
Finally, you can find more engaging weather experiments in this PBS Learning Media video hosted by Liz McDonald. After explaining the science behind weather phenomena, Liz gives step-by-step instructions on how to use common household items to experiment with precipitation, ice, and tornadoes.
