Holidays » 4th of July » Glow in the Dark Bubbles

Glow in the Dark Bubbles

fb iconpinterest iconpinterest iconlinkedin iconbuffer icon

Waiting for the fireworks to begin during various celebrations can be a difficult time for the little ones. Since age is a factor in deciding whether or not to let them play with sparklers, why not spark their interest with something a bit safer and just as fun- glow in the dark bubbles that Bounce!
fireworks-bubbles-glow-in-the-dark-bubble-recipe

Below we’ll share several different recipes for glow in the dark bubbles, some require a blacklight to see them really glow brightly! Our kids loved these inexpensive blacklight flashlights we found on amazon.

Glow in the Dark Bubbles

You’ll Need:

* 1 cup Distilled water
* 1 Tablespoon Dawn dish soap
* 1 Teaspoon of glycerin
* straw or bubble wand
* 1 clean glove (or sock) – (this is to keep the bubble from popping)
* 2 Tbs Water Based Glow in the Dark Paint

First, let me start off by saying, if you know that you have Hard or Soft water you’ll need to use Distilled water instead. If you have nice spring water that isn’t loaded with chemicals or minerals, use your tap water.

Glycerin can be found in the pharmacy section of most big box stores such as Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, etc. It’s relatively cheap and lasts forever. The point of adding it is to give the bubbles strength, elasticity and helps to make them even bigger!

How To Make Colored Glowing Bubbles

Mix water, Dish soap and glycerin in a jar until well combined, divide in half into 2 jars. Add 1 Tbs Water Based Glow paint to each jar (to make 2 different colors!), mix well.

Cover and let jars sit for 24 hours before using it.

Place the jar in the sunlight if possible several hours before blowing bubbles.

For BEST Results, blow them around a black light and they’ll REALLY Glow brightly.

fireworks-bubbles-glow-in-the-dark-bubble-recipe

Alternate Recipe Using a Highlighter

(This won’t glow without a Black Light):
* 1 cup water
* 2 Tablespoons Dawn dish soap
* 1/2 tsp Glycerin
* 1 Bright Yellow Highlighter
* straw or bubble wand

Pull the end cap off a highlighter and pull out the yellow spongy middle containing the ink. Place it in a bowl with 1 cup of water, soak it for about 30 minutes to remove as much of the ink as possible.
Add 2 tablespoons of Dawn Dish soap and 1/2 tsp glycerin, mixing well. Bubbles made with this solution will only glow under a black light.

Alternate Recipe Using a Glow Stick

(These don’t glow without a blacklight ):

(Please note, it’s not recommended to break open glow sticks as they can contain small pieces of broken glass, so if you’re using this one, ensure the kids aren’t sticking their fingers into the solution!)

* 1 cup water
* 2 Tablespoons Dawn dish soap
* 1 Teaspoon of glycerin
* 1 Glow Stick
* straw or bubble wand

Mix water, Dish soap and glycerin in a jar until well combined. Cover the jar and let sit 24 hours. Just prior to use activate a glow stick, carefully cut the end off and pour it into the bubble mixture. Stir well & Blow Bubbles! The glow will last about 10 minutes using this method.

Learn how to make Patriotic Bubble Blowers

© Can Stock Photo Inc. / 72soul

View More Independence Day Ideas

View More Holiday Ideas

12 thoughts on “Glow in the Dark Bubbles”

  1. my 6 year old and I made these today and I followed the recipe with paint exactly, and they are too thin to make bubbles, any suggestions?

    Reply
    • My 6 year old and I made these today and I followed the recipe with paint exactly, and they are too thin to make bubbles, any suggestions?

      As it says in the directions, Cover and let jars set for 24 hours before using.

      Reply
    • My 6 year old and I made these today and I followed the recipe with paint exactly, and they are too thin to make bubbles, any suggestions?

      Could it be not enough soap. ?? The other recipes say 2 tablespoons of soap but the first one only has 1.

      Reply
  2. Can bubbles that have been purchased, be used instead of homemaking them (+water based glow paint)?? If so, how much paint for “x” amount of fluid ounces of bubbles? (Do you know amounts needed of paint to bubbles?
    Thanks!!

    Reply

Leave a Comment