How do you explain a rainbow to small children?

Answer 1

Here is a relatively simple definition that can be explained to young children older than five:

Light is made up of many different colors mixed together. When light passes through droplets of water (such as those in the atmosphere after rain) the light gets split up into the different colors of the rainbow.

Take a look at some of the Web Links to the left of this answer for some good explanations for kids.

Answer 2

A rainbow is like a colorful arch in the sky made up of different colors like red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. It happens when sunlight shines through raindrops in the sky, reflecting and bending the light to make a beautiful splash of colors for us to see. It's like nature's way of showing us a magical painting in the sky!