Make Your Own Bubble Fun

From toddlers to grandparents, bubbles sweetly charm the entire family. Don’t have any bubbles on hand? Perfect – expand the fun by stirring up a batch of homemade bubbles using one of the recipes below. Simply combine ingredients, first letting any powders dissolve in water. Use a large bowl or bucket to share the family fun. Or pour the bubble solution into small juice bottles or plastic cups for the kids to carry around. If you’re still feeling creative (or the kids need a project), get started on crafting your own bubble wands with supplies you probably already have around the house.   

Homemade Bubble Solutions Recipes

1. “Best” Homemade Bubble Solution

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons light Karo syrup or glycerin
• 4 tablespoons dishwashing liquid

2. National Wildlife Federation’s Recipe

• 1/4 cup liquid dishwashing detergent
• 3/4 cup cold water
• 5 drops of glycerin

3. Supersized Bubble Batch

• 2/3 cup dishwashing soap
• 1 gallon water
• 2 to 3 tablespoons glycerin

4. Homemade Colored Bubbles

• 1 cup granulated soap or soap powder
• 1 quart warm water
• Liquid food coloring

5. Fancy Homemade Bubbles

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons liquid detergent
• 1 tablespoon glycerin
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Homemade Bubble Wands

Start by conducting a treasure hunt around the house for implements that could already be great bubble wands. Your favorite wand might be disguised as a slotted spoon, funnel, fly swatter, silicone steaming basket, green plastic strawberry baskets, or strainer. If none of these suits your fancy, your bubble magic might require a more creative option, like one of those listed below. 

1. Wire Hangers: Straighten a wire hanger (plastic-coated work best) and bend one end into a circle. You can use a flowerpot or another round object to help. You can also wrap fabric strips or yarn around the wire to help retain more solution, resulting in bigger bubbles.

2. Pipe Cleaners: Chenille stems are smaller and a little more manageable. When bent into shapes, they create inexpensive bubble wands for safe toddler fun. To experiment with shapes, try wrapping pipe cleaners around cookie cutters.

Recipes can be found at verywell.com and apartmenttherapy.com.