Aquaponics for Kids: Fun & Educational Family Activities
Fun & Educational Aquaponics Activities for Kids and Families
Aquaponics is a fantastic way to grow fresh food while teaching children about nature, science, and sustainability.
Unlike traditional gardening, aquaponics offers an interactive experience where kids can see the direct relationship between fish, plants, and bacteria.
It’s hands-on, fun, and full of learning opportunities!
In this guide, we’ll explore some engaging ways to involve kids in aquaponics and help them develop a love for growing their own food.
Why Aquaponics Is Perfect for Kids and Families
Aquaponics provides an excellent mix of education and entertainment. Children naturally enjoy watching fish swim, planting seeds, and observing how plants grow. It also offers valuable lessons in:
Science & Biology – Understanding ecosystems, the nitrogen cycle, and plant growth.
Responsibility – Feeding fish, checking water levels, and caring for plants.
Sustainability – Learning how to grow food with minimal resources.
Problem-Solving – Observing changes and figuring out what the system needs.
By involving kids in aquaponics, you create a natural learning environment where they develop important skills while having fun.
Fun and Educational Aquaponics Activities for Kids
Before we dive in, check out my video on how to build an aquaponics system for a school project:
1. Feeding the Fish: A Fun First Step for Kids
One of the simplest and most exciting activities for kids is feeding the fish. They’ll love watching the fish eat while also learning about:
The role fish play in providing nutrients for plants.
How to feed the right amount and not overfeed.
Different types of fish food and their impact on growth.
Learning Extension: Have kids keep a feeding log and note any changes in fish behaviour or plant health.
2. Tracking Plant Growth: Teach Scientific Observation
Encourage kids to become little scientists by tracking plant growth over time.
Let them measure plant height and count leaves each week.
Record changes in colour, texture, or new sprouts.
Take photos to compare growth over time.
Learning Extension: Teach kids about different plant parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers) and their functions in the aquaponic system.
If you’re just getting started, this Beginner’s Guide to Aquaponics is a great place to start.
Want to get your Eyes and Hands on the FREE Online Aquaponics Essentials Course?
This is a great free resource to really understand how aquaponics is a sustainable ecosystem that will grow your organic food is a productive way.
You learn how all the 'parts' make up the 'whole', and helps to give you the foundations of understanding aquaponics.
Sign up HERE
3. Water Testing Activities for Aquaponics Learning
Water quality is essential in aquaponics, and kids can help monitor it using test kits.
Measure pH levels and discuss what’s best for fish and plants.
Check ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels to understand the nitrogen cycle.
Observe how changes in fish feeding or plant growth affect water quality.
Learning Extension: Use a color-coded chart to help kids understand what different water readings mean.
Understanding water balance starts with cycling, read more in our Mini Aquaponics Tips for Success.
4. Germinate Seeds & Transplant: Growing from Scratch
Teach kids how to start their own plants by germinating seeds before placing them in the aquaponics system.
Use seed trays, paper towels, or coconut coir to sprout seeds.
Let them observe how roots and shoots develop before transplanting.
Explain why some plants need more support than others in aquaponics.
Learning Extension: Discuss the importance of choosing plants that grow well in aquaponics, such as lettuce, basil, and strawberries.
5. Visualize the Nitrogen Cycle: A Key Aquaponics Lesson
The nitrogen cycle is at the heart of aquaponics, and kids can learn how fish waste turns into plant food.
Draw a simple diagram showing fish producing ammonia, bacteria converting it to nitrates, and plants absorbing nutrients.
Use a hands-on approach by demonstrating with real-life examples in the system.
Explain how bacteria are helpful, breaking down waste to keep water clean.
Learning Extension: Create a fun quiz or game where kids match different steps of the nitrogen cycle to their role in the system.
Learn More About Aquaponics
Check out the COURSES page to learn how you can get started with aquaponics now. Click HERE.
6. Harvesting Homegrown Food: From Garden to Table
One of the most rewarding parts of aquaponics is harvesting fresh food! Let kids take part in:
Picking lettuce, herbs, or strawberries they helped grow.
Washing and preparing food for meals.
Learning about healthy eating and where food comes from.
Learning Extension: Plan a small “garden-to-table” meal where kids get to prepare and taste their own harvest.
7. Aquaponics Arts & Stories: Creative Learning for Kids
Encourage creativity by having kids draw, paint, or write about their aquaponics system.
Draw a picture of the fish and plants.
Make up a story about a little fish and its plant friends.
Build a mini aquaponics model with recycled materials.
Learning Extension: Host a “show and tell” where kids explain their project and what they’ve learned.
Aquaponics as a Fun Family Learning Tool
Aquaponics is more than just a way to grow food—it’s an opportunity to engage kids in meaningful, hands-on learning.
Whether they’re feeding fish, tracking plant growth, or testing water, children gain valuable skills while having fun. By making aquaponics an enjoyable family activity, you foster curiosity, responsibility, and a deeper connection to nature.
Start with simple tasks and let kids take on more responsibility as they grow.
Before long, they’ll be proud aquaponics experts, helping to care for your system and enjoying the rewards of fresh, homegrown food!
Ready to start your own system? Head to the Aquaponics Courses page for more guided help.
Want to get your Eyes and Hands on the FREE Online Aquaponics Essentials Course?
This is a great free resource to really understand how aquaponics is a sustainable ecosystem that will grow your organic food is a productive way.
You learn how all the 'parts' make up the 'whole', and helps to give you the foundations of understanding aquaponics.
Sign up HERE
Check out my YouTube Channel 'Candy The Aquaponics Lady'
Aquaponics is an ecosystem, and with anything it takes time to learn how it works. So, sit back and binge watch my 'how to' playlist and the 'Water Quality Made Simple' Playlist, and learn the next steps in your aquaponics system as you create the ecosystem.
Here are the next 2 videos I recommend you watching to create your ecosystem ~ before you add any fish
How Aquaponics Works as an Ecosystem
Why aquaponics is the best form of gardening for you
Learn More About Aquaponics
Check out the COURSES page to learn how you can get started with aquaponics now. Click HERE.
Want to get your Eyes and Hands on the FREE Online Aquaponics Essentials Course?
This is a great free resource to really understand how aquaponics is a sustainable ecosystem that will grow your organic food is a productive way.
You learn how all the 'parts' make up the 'whole', and helps to give you the foundations of understanding aquaponics.
Sign up HERE
Want to help out (donate some fish food) and Feed my Fish?? (They don't drink coffee)
Candy Alexander is a dedicated aquaponics enthusiast with a wealth of formal training in aquaculture. Over the past 15 years, Candy has been deeply immersed in both commercial and backyard aquaponics, honing her skills and expertise in this sustainable farming method.
Candy's passion lies in making aquaponics accessible to everyone. With a mission to simplify aquaponics, she believes that anyone can embark on this sustainable journey.
She encourages those new to aquaponics to "kick the tires" without a significant financial investment. Her guidance focuses on helping people start their aquaponics journey with small-scale systems, ensuring a low barrier to entry for newcomers.
Candy shares practical tips, step-by-step guides, and personal stories to inspire and guide readers on their aquaponics adventure. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or a curious beginner, Candy Alexander is your go-to source for simplifying aquaponics and fostering a sustainable gardening experience.
