Want to mesmerise your kids with a glowing science experiment that’s easy, safe, and incredibly fun? These Glow-in-the-Dark Bubbles are an exciting twist on traditional bubble play, and they’re perfect for nighttime fun, parties, camping, or sensory play.

This version of glow bubbles is blacklight-activated, which means the bubbles glow vividly under a UV light, making it an ideal project for dark rooms or outdoor evening activities. And the best part? You only need a few common household items — including a highlighter and bubble mix — to make the magic happen!

Ingredients & Supplies (Makes 1–2 cups of glowing bubble solution)

✨ Blacklight-Activated Bubble Solution:

• 1 cup bubble solution (store-bought or homemade — see below)
• 1 highlighter (yellow or green works best for vibrant UV glow)
• ¼ cup warm water
• Optional: 1 small squirt of dish soap (for extra foamy bubbles)
• 1 UV blacklight or torch (required for the glow effect)

🧼 Homemade Bubble Solution (If not using store-bought):

• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tbsp dish soap (any clear or lightly coloured brand)
• 1 tbsp corn syrup or sugar (improves strength and elasticity)

How to Make Glow-in-the-Dark Bubbles – Step-by-Step :

1: Make or Prepare Your Bubble Solution

1. If using store-bought bubble solution, pour 1 cup into a bowl or jar and set aside.
2. To make your own bubble solution, mix:
   • 1 cup warm water
   • 2 tbsp dish soap
   • 1 tbsp corn syrup or sugar
3. Stir gently until fully combined — avoid too many bubbles in the mix itself.

2: Extract the Glowing Highlighter Ink

1. Choose a non-toxic highlighter, preferably in yellow or green, as these colours glow best under blacklight.
2. Remove the felt ink cartridge from the inside of the highlighter pen using scissors or pliers.
3. Place the ink core into a jar or cup with ¼ cup warm water and let it soak for 10–15 minutes.
4. Stir occasionally and gently squeeze the ink to help the colour release.
5. Once the water is deeply coloured and glowing under a blacklight, remove and discard the ink core.

3: Mix the Glow Water with Bubble Solution

1. Slowly pour the glowing highlighter water into your bubble solution, stirring gently.
2. Add a small squirt of dish soap if you want a foamy boost for bigger bubbles.
3. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes so the ingredients settle and combine well.

4: Set Up Your Glow Zone

1. These bubbles require a blacklight or UV torch to glow — so find or create a dark environment:
   • A dimmed room
   • Backyard at night
   • A covered tent or fort
2. Shine your UV light over the solution — you should see a bright fluorescent glow.

5: Blow the Bubbles!

1. Use a standard bubble wand, straw, or DIY wand (wire or pipe cleaner works well).
2. Dip into the solution and blow gently.
3. Watch the bubbles glow and shimmer under the blacklight — pure magic!

Safety Notes

• Always use non-toxic highlighters for safety.
• Supervise young children closely — while the solution is non-toxic, it’s not meant for ingestion.
• Avoid getting the liquid in eyes or on clothing — highlighter ink may stain.
• Glow is only visible under a UV light — bubbles will not glow in complete darkness without one.

Tips for Success

1. The darker the room, the better the glow — test the solution before play.
2. Use a yellow or green highlighter — they emit the strongest UV fluorescence.
3. Add a touch of glycerine or corn syrup to strengthen the bubbles.
4. Mix gently — vigorous stirring can reduce bubble quality.
5. Let the mixture rest 30 minutes before use for best results.

Storage

• Store leftover glow bubble solution in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Shake or stir before reuse — some settling is normal.
• Keep out of direct sunlight to preserve colour and effectiveness.

Variations

• Rainbow Glow: Mix separate batches with different coloured highlighters.
• Scented Bubbles: Add a drop of kid-safe essential oil like lemon or lavender for scent.
• Party Bubbles: Add a pinch of glitter to the bubble solution for sparkle under the blacklight.
• Bubble Painting: Blow bubbles onto dark paper for glowing art prints!

🧾 Time Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Play Time: Up to 30–45 minutes (or longer with refills)
• Total Time: Approx. 20 minutes (excluding setup)

FAQs

Q: Will these bubbles glow in total darkness?

A: No. They require a blacklight to fluoresce. Without UV light, the bubbles will appear like normal ones.

Q: Are glow bubbles safe for toddlers?

A: Use with adult supervision. The solution is non-toxic but should not be consumed. Always supervise bubble play for young children.

Q: Can I use glow-in-the-dark paint or powder instead of a highlighter?

A: No — most glow paints contain phosphorescent materials that don’t mix well with bubble solution. Only highlighter ink works effectively with UV light in liquid form.

Q: How long will they glow?

A: As long as the UV light is shining, the glow continues. Without it, the bubbles appear transparent.

Conclusion

These DIY Glow-in-the-Dark Bubbles are a playful fusion of science, creativity, and wonder. With just a highlighter, some bubble mix, and a UV light, you can transform a standard afternoon into a glowing, giggling adventure your kids will never forget.

They’re perfect for birthday parties, night-time backyard fun, or classroom science demos — all with a beautiful fluorescent twist. Easy to make, safe to use, and full of glowing charm, this activity is a must-try for curious kids and creative families.

So grab your blacklight and bubble wand, and let the glowing fun begin! 🫧🔦🌟

How to Make Glow-in-the-Dark Bubbles – A Magical Blacklight Activity for Kids

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• Author: Imili Johnson
•  Total Time: Approx. 20 minutes (excluding setup)

Ingredients

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Ingredients & Supplies (Makes 1–2 cups of glowing bubble solution)

✨ Blacklight-Activated Bubble Solution:

• 1 cup bubble solution (store-bought or homemade — see below)
• 1 highlighter (yellow or green works best for vibrant UV glow)
• ¼ cup warm water
• Optional: 1 small squirt of dish soap (for extra foamy bubbles)
• 1 UV blacklight or torch (required for the glow effect)

🧼 Homemade Bubble Solution (If not using store-bought):

• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tbsp dish soap (any clear or lightly coloured brand)
• 1 tbsp corn syrup or sugar (improves strength and elasticity)

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Instructions

How to Make Glow-in-the-Dark Bubbles – Step-by-Step :

1: Make or Prepare Your Bubble Solution

1. If using store-bought bubble solution, pour 1 cup into a bowl or jar and set aside.
2. To make your own bubble solution, mix:
   • 1 cup warm water
   • 2 tbsp dish soap
   • 1 tbsp corn syrup or sugar
3. Stir gently until fully combined — avoid too many bubbles in the mix itself.

2: Extract the Glowing Highlighter Ink

1. Choose a non-toxic highlighter, preferably in yellow or green, as these colours glow best under blacklight.
2. Remove the felt ink cartridge from the inside of the highlighter pen using scissors or pliers.
3. Place the ink core into a jar or cup with ¼ cup warm water and let it soak for 10–15 minutes.
4. Stir occasionally and gently squeeze the ink to help the colour release.
5. Once the water is deeply coloured and glowing under a blacklight, remove and discard the ink core.

3: Mix the Glow Water with Bubble Solution

1. Slowly pour the glowing highlighter water into your bubble solution, stirring gently.
2. Add a small squirt of dish soap if you want a foamy boost for bigger bubbles.
3. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes so the ingredients settle and combine well.

4: Set Up Your Glow Zone

1. These bubbles require a blacklight or UV torch to glow — so find or create a dark environment:
   • A dimmed room
   • Backyard at night
   • A covered tent or fort
2. Shine your UV light over the solution — you should see a bright fluorescent glow.

5: Blow the Bubbles!

1. Use a standard bubble wand, straw, or DIY wand (wire or pipe cleaner works well).
2. Dip into the solution and blow gently.
3. Watch the bubbles glow and shimmer under the blacklight — pure magic!