Backyard Weather Station for Preschoolers
Set up a simple weather station with a rain gauge, wind sock, and thermometer — then check it daily and record observations on a chart.
What You'll Need
- 1Clear jar for rain gauge
- 2Ruler and tape
- 3Paper towel tube
- 4Tissue paper streamers
- 5String
- 6Outdoor thermometer
- 7Paper and markers for weather chart
What You'll Need
A clear jar and ruler with tape for a rain gauge
A paper towel tube, tissue paper streamers, and string for a wind sock
An outdoor thermometer
Paper and markers for a weather chart
How to Play
Build your rain gauge together. Place a clear jar in an open area (away from trees or roof overhangs). Tape a ruler to the side so you can measure how much rain collects.
Make a wind sock. Tape tissue paper streamers to one end of a paper towel tube. Tie string to the other end and hang it from a branch or fence post where wind can catch it.
Mount an outdoor thermometer where your child can see it — on a fence post or wall, not in direct sunlight (that gives false readings).
Create a simple chart with columns: Date, Temperature, Rain (how much), Wind (calm, breezy, windy), Sky (sunny, cloudy, partly cloudy, rainy).
Every morning, visit the weather station together. Read the thermometer (help with numbers). Check the rain gauge. Watch the wind sock. Look at the sky.
Record your findings on the chart. Your child can draw weather symbols and help write numbers.
Tips
The magic of this activity is the daily routine. A one-time check is interesting; a two-week streak reveals patterns. "It's been cloudy three days in a row!"
Hang the chart near the back door as a visual reminder to check the station each morning.
If you don't have a thermometer, skip it. The rain gauge and wind sock alone provide plenty of observation material.
After a week, look at the chart together. "What day was the warmest? Did it rain more at the beginning or end of the week?" This is data analysis for preschoolers.
Age Adaptation Tips
Preschoolers can follow multi-step instructions. Ask open-ended questions and encourage them to predict what will happen next.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 30 min, with 15 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: clear jar for rain gauge, ruler and tape, paper towel tube, tissue paper streamers, string, and 2 more items.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 3-5 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors or outdoors?
This activity works great both indoors and outdoors, giving you flexibility based on the weather or your space.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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