I thought experimenting with mixing household chemicals was just ordinary. When we were kids we were encouraged to be interested in chemistry. Back then we had these things called "chemistry sets" for kids that contained actual chemicals.

Looking at the modern ones http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=i%3Aaps%2C... it doesn't look like chemistry sets come with much more than stuff to make pH measurements (if you supply the vinegar).