Have A Blast With Bubbles! DIY Bubble Solution Recipes to Try This Summer

May 23, 2023 / By Rebecca

With summer on its way, we’re looking forward to spending lots of time playing and learning outside. There are endless ways to have fun in the sun, but one of our favorites is blowing bubbles! Have you ever tried putting some bubble chemistry to the test and experimenting with different types of bubble solutions? Discovering how various DIY bubble solution formulas make different kinds of bubbles is a fantastic way to promote gross motor skills, practice making scientific observations, engage in sensory play-based learning, and lots more! So, gather your ingredients, put on your bubble-blowing hat, head outside, and get ready to explore science that really pops! Bubble up!

Basic Bubbles

To get things started, we’ll begin with the most simple bubble solution recipe. It’s a classic for a reason!


Ingredients: 

1 cup water

2 tablespoons liquid dish soap


Instructions:

1. Carefully combine all the ingredients in a large container.

2. Stir the mixture gently.

3. Let the solution rest for about 15 minutes.

4. Dip your bubble wand in the bubble solution. 

5. Move the wand through the air slowly or gently blow on the wand’s opening to create your bubble!


Longer Lasting Bubbles 

Let’s try for a stronger, more durable bubble. 


1 cup water

2 tablespoons liquid dish soap

1 tablespoon glycerin or corn syrup


Instructions:

1. Carefully combine all the ingredients in a large container.

2. Stir the mixture gently.

3. Let the solution rest for about 1 hour.

4. Dip your bubble wand in the bubble solution. 

5. Move the wand through the air slowly or gently blow on the wand’s opening to create your bubble!



Giant Bubble Bonanza

These giant bubbles will make your jaw drop! 

Ingredients: 

5 cups water

2 cups liquid dish soap

1 cup cornstarch

½ cup baking powder

½ cup glycerin or corn syrup


Instructions:

1. Carefully combine all the ingredients in a large container.

2. Stir the mixture gently.

3. Let the solution rest for about 1 hour.

4. Dip your bubble wand in the bubble solution. 

5. Move the wand through the air slowly or gently blow on the wand’s opening to create your bubble!


Rainbow Bubble Ballet

Boost your bubbles with some color and create a vibrant bubble display!


Ingredients: 

1 cup water

2 tablespoons liquid dish soap

Liquid food coloring or washable tempera paint


Instructions:

1. In separate bowls, prepare multiple small portions of the bubble solution without the liquid food coloring or washable tempera paint

2. Add a few drops of different colors of liquid food coloring or washable tempera paint to each bowl. 

3. Stir each solution to mix the color in. 

4. Let the solution rest for about 15 minutes.

5. Dip your bubble wand in one of the bubble solutions. 

6. Move the wand through the air slowly or gently blow on the wand’s opening to create your bubble!


Scented Bubble Symphony

Add another layer to your sensory experience with a splash of your favorite scent!


Ingredients: 

1 cup water

2 tablespoons liquid dish soap

Scented essential oils or flavored extracts


Instructions:

1. Prepare the bubble solution base by combining the water and dish soap.

2. Add a few drops of the scented essential oil or flavored extract. 

3. Stir the mixture slowly to infuse the scent throughout.

4. Let the solution rest for about 15 minutes.

5. Dip your bubble wand in the bubble solution. 

6. Move the wand through the air slowly or gently blow on the wand’s opening to create your bubble!


Glow-In-The-Dark Bubble Boogie #1

Ready for a fun twist? These glow-in-the-dark bubbles make for a lot of fun at night!


Ingredients: 

1 cup water

¼ cup liquid dish soap

2 tablespoons glycerin or corn syrup

2 tablespoons water-based non-toxic glow-in-the-dark paint 

Optional: black light or black light flashlight


Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together.

2. Cover and try to let the mixture sit for 24 hours. If possible, place the solution in sunlight or other bright light source for several hours.

3. Dip your bubble wand in the bubble solution. 

4. Move the wand through the air slowly or gently blow on the wand’s opening to create your bubble!

5. When you create your bubbles, try blowing them in front of a black light for the most dramatic effect.


Glow-In-The-Dark Bubble Boogie #2

Another glow-in-the-dark bubble solution recipe!

Ingredients: 

1 cup water

¼ cup liquid dish soap

2 tablespoons glycerin or corn syrup

1 bright yellow, green, or orange non-toxic highlighter pen (red and blue doesn’t always work that well)

Black light or black light flashlight


Instructions:

1. Pull the yellow spongy ink-soaked part out of your highlighter pen (you will likely need an adult to cut it open with a knife). Put that in a bowl with 1 cup water and let sit for about half an hour.

2. Add the dish soap and glycerin. Mix all the ingredients together.

3. Cover and try to let the mixture sit for 24 hours. If possible, place the solution in sunlight or other bright light source for several hours.

4. Dip your bubble wand in the bubble solution. 

5. Move the wand through the air slowly or gently blow on the wand’s opening to create your bubble!

6. When you create your bubbles, try blowing them in front of a black light for the most dramatic effect.


There are lots of other DIY glow-in-the-dark bubble recipes online, so once you’ve tried these solutions you can always put more to the test!

If you’re curious to learn more about the inner workings of bubble science, check out our blog post on the topic here! Don’t let the fun stop there, try out our Giant Bubbles kit for more play! 


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