Fun With Rockets

Few things capture the imagination of children (or adults!) quite like launching a rocket into the sky. Rockets introduce young learners to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through fun, hands-on experiences. From simple air stomp rockets to more advanced water and model rockets with engines, children can engage with physics in an unforgettable way, sparking a lifelong love for learning.

Boy in a blue shirt launching a red air-powered stomp rocket

Before you and your young scientist begin shooting off rockets there’s a bit of learning about why rockets work you need to be familiar with. I’m a language arts person so I had The Engineer explain the basics to me.

How Rockets Work

Rockets operate on a fundamental principle known as Newton’s Third Law of Motion, which states: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In simple terms, when a force pushes something out of the back of a rocket, the rocket moves in the opposite direction (otherwise known as forward or up!) Your kids have seen this principle in basic rockets, like an inflated balloon flying across a room when they release it!

A rocket needs thrust, which propels it upward, overcoming gravity. In larger rockets like those used for space exploration, this thrust is provided by burning fuel. For kids’ rockets, thrust can come from air pressure, water, or solid rocket engines.

This can be demonstrated by having your child hold their hand out palm down with your hand under theirs, palm up. Your hand represents thrust. Your young scientist presses down because they are gravity while you push up as thrust. This is what happens when a rocket takes off! Thrust is greater than the force of gravity holding the rocket down.

As children explore rocketry, they’ll also encounter concepts like aerodynamics (how air flows around the rocket) and stability (ensuring the rocket flies straight). Think about fan shapes or streamer from bike handles. Stability can easily be experimented with using paper airplanes.

Black and white photo of Robert Goddard with an early rocket

Robert Goddard, the father of modern rocketry, with one of his early rockets.

A Brief History of Rocketry

The idea of rockets has ancient roots. The earliest known rockets were invented in China in the 13th century, where people attached gunpowder-filled tubes to arrows. Over time, the technology evolved for both military and entertainment purposes (think fireworks!).

What we think of as modern rocketry began in the early 20th century with pioneers like Robert H. Goddard, who launched the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket in 1926. Rockets would go on to power the exploration of space, leading to monumental achievements like the Apollo moon landings and today’s missions to Mars.

Today, model rocketry is an accessible way to teach children and hobbyists about space science on a smaller scale. But if you ever have the opportunity to see an actual rocket launch I highly recommend it. “Awesome” doesn’t begin to do the experience justice!

Red foam rocket on a blue stand and air hose and yellow air stomp pad

Air Stomp Rockets: Simple and Fun for Young Children

Air stomp rockets like this are a great introduction to rocketry for younger kids because they are safe, easy to use, and require no additional supplies beyond air and a little muscle power. These rockets consist of a lightweight foam or plastic rocket attached to a launch tube connected to an air bladder or stomp pad.

When a child stomps on the air bladder, compressed air rushes through the tube and propels the rocket into the sky. Stomp rockets provide an excellent way for children to explore concepts like force, pressure, and trajectory. They can experiment with how hard they stomp, the angle of launch, or the size of the air bladder to see how high the rocket will go.

Best of all, air stomp rockets are usually reusable and can be flown dozens of times, making them an economical choice for families. They are perfect for outdoor play and can be enjoyed at parks, in backyards, or at school events.

Water rocket with red plastic body, yellow nose cone and white fins

Water Rockets with Pressurized Air: Hands-On Physics in Action

Water rockets introduce children to air pressure and thrust mechanics in an exciting and wet way! These rockets are often made from empty two-liter soda bottles that are partially filled with water. The launch system adds air pressure to the bottle, and when released, the water shoots out, providing the thrust needed to launch the rocket skyward.

This type of rocket is a wonderful way to teach children about mass and propulsion, as they can experiment with how much water to use or how much air pressure to build up. Water rockets fly impressively high—sometimes over 100 feet—and provide endless opportunities for scientific discovery. Children can also get creative by adding fins, parachutes, or nose cones to their rockets to improve stability and performance.

Because of the mess involved, water rockets are best launched outdoors in an open area. It’s also essential to use a reliable launch system for safety. Parents can encourage children to hypothesize about their rocket’s flight path and test different variables, like changing the amount of water, making this activity an interactive introduction to the scientific method.

Solid fuel model rocket with white body, blue nose cone and blue fins on a red launch stand

Model Rockets with Estes-Type Engines: The Next Step in Rocketry

For older elementary-aged children ready to take rocketry to the next level, model rockets with Estes-type engines provide a thrilling challenge. These rockets use solid fuel engines that ignite and propel the rocket high into the air, often reaching altitudes of several hundred feet. Model rockets also introduce children to more advanced concepts like drag, thrust-to-weight ratios, and recovery systems (such as parachutes that help the rocket land safely).

Building a model rocket requires more preparation than stomp or water rockets. Kids typically assemble the rocket by attaching fins, installing a nose cone, and inserting the engine. Once built, they place the rocket on a launch pad and use an electrical ignition system to ignite the engine. Watching the rocket launch and coast gracefully back to Earth under its parachute is a rewarding experience that fosters excitement about physics and engineering.

Parents can find model rocket kits in various sizes and complexity levels, making them suitable for children with different abilities. The model rocket we chose came preassembled and was ready to fly with the exception of attaching the parachute.

Supervision is crucial during launches, as these rockets involve small pyrotechnic engines. If these rockets seem a little more than you’re comfortable doing with your child you might consider participating in a model rocket club where you can attend launch events (where someone else is doing the actual launching!)

There you and your children can meet other enthusiasts and learn more about the hobby.

Encouraging Lifelong Learning through Rocketry

Rockets, in all their forms, provide children with opportunities to experiment, solve problems, and make discoveries. Whether your child is stomping on an air bladder, launching a water rocket, or building a model rocket from scratch, each experience reinforces important STEM concepts and fosters critical thinking.

Rocketry is also a social activity. Launch days encourage teamwork and collaboration, as children and parents discuss designs, predict outcomes, and celebrate successful flights. Parents can enlarge the educational experience by incorporating simple lessons on space exploration, aerodynamics, and rocket history into playtime.

Model Rocket Safety: Launching with Care

And now a word about safety. Model rockets are an exciting way to explore science and engineering, but safety is essential to ensure every launch is a positive experience for you and your kiddos. Always follow the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) safety code and launch rockets in open areas, away from buildings, trees, and people.

Make sure children are closely supervised during assembly and launch, and only use manufacturer-approved engines. Keep a safe distance from the launch pad (at least 15 feet for smaller rockets) and conduct launches under calm weather conditions to prevent rockets from veering off course. Never attempt to modify engines, and wait for any misfired rockets to cool before approaching (at least 60 seconds to disconnect the battery).

With the right precautions, model rocketry becomes a fun and secure activity for kids to explore STEM concepts safely. I realize this sounds a bit scary, but really it’s all just common sense safety precautions to make sure everyone stays safe and has a great time.

Final Thoughts: Preparing for Liftoff

Exploring rockets is a journey that starts with a simple stomp rocket and can grow into a lifelong passion for science. Whether your child is intrigued by the mysteries of space or just loves watching things soar, rocketry offers a fun, engaging way to learn.

Start small with air-powered rockets, move on to water rockets for hands-on physics experiments, and eventually explore the exciting world of model rocketry with solid engines. Whichever type of rocket you choose, one thing is certain—your child will be hooked from the first launch!

With the right tools and guidance, your backyard can become the launchpad for a future scientist, engineer, or even astronaut. So, gather your supplies, step outside, and prepare for liftoff!