There’s something purely magical about watching bubbles float through the air, but glow-in-the-dark bubbles? That takes the fun to a whole new, luminous level! Perfect for nighttime parties, glow games, science fun, or just making backyard memories, this easy project combines creativity, science, and a little blacklight magic. 🌙✨
And the best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients at home!
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Why You’ll Love These Glow-in-the-Dark Bubbles
- Super easy and safe with adult supervision
- No glow sticks needed—just a highlighter and a blacklight
- Incredible for parties, playdates, or glow games
- Science + fun = win!
- Works indoors or outdoors, as long as you have a UV blacklight
What You’ll Need
Basic Glow Bubble Ingredients
- 1 cup bubble solution (store-bought or homemade, see below)
- 1 highlighter (yellow or green works best for glowing under blacklight)
- 1/4 cup warm water
- Optional: a small squirt of dish soap to enhance bubbles
- UV blacklight (handheld or plug-in)
Homemade Bubble Solution (If You Don’t Have Store-Bought)
Mix together:
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons dish soap
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup or sugar (for stronger, longer-lasting bubbles)
How to Make Glow-in-the-Dark Bubbles
Step 1: Extract the Glow
🧤 Wear gloves!
- Carefully cut open the highlighter and remove the felt ink tube.
- Soak it in 1/4 cup warm water for 10–15 minutes until the water turns bright yellow or green.
- This creates your glowing “ink water.”
🔒 Tip: Always supervise children when handling highlighters. Do not ingest the ink or let it touch skin or eyes.
Step 2: Mix Your Glowing Bubble Solution
- Combine the glowing highlighter water with 1 cup of bubble solution.
- Stir gently so you don’t create too much foam.
- Add a tiny squirt of dish soap if you want more bubbles.
Step 3: Time to Blow Some Bubbles!
- Grab a bubble wand, straw, or DIY wand (pipe cleaner works great).
- Head into a dark room or wait until night.
- Turn on your UV blacklight and shine it on the bubbles as you blow them.
- Watch the glowing orbs float and shimmer like magic!
Safety Notes
- This project is meant for blacklight use only—the bubbles won’t glow in complete darkness without it.
- Always supervise children when using highlighters and bubble mixtures.
- Avoid contact with eyes and mouth, and wash hands after playing.
Fun Tips & Variations
- Try different highlighter colors—yellow and green glow best!
- Use glow-themed music and set up a bubble dance party.
- Add glow-in-the-dark face paint for a full experience!
- Experiment with different wands for different bubble sizes.
FAQ
Will the bubbles glow in total darkness?
Not exactly. They don’t glow on their own—they glow under a blacklight. The UV light excites the fluorescent ink in the highlighter water, creating the glowing effect.
Can I use glow stick liquid instead?
It’s not recommended—glow stick chemicals can be hazardous. Highlighters are a safer and easier alternative when used carefully.
Can I store leftover bubble mix?
Yes, store it in a tightly sealed jar for up to a week. Just shake gently before use.
Final Glow-Up
These Glow-in-the-Dark Bubbles are more than just a craft—they’re a moment. They’re shrieks of delight in the dark, science disguised as fun, and a sprinkle of wonder that floats into the night sky. 🌌🫧
Whether you’re making summer memories or adding a spark to an indoor playdate, you’ll love how simple (and stunning) these little glowing orbs can be.
More Glowy DIY Fun to Try
- Glow-in-the-Dark Slime
- UV-Painted Rocks & Shells
- Neon Sidewalk Chalk
- Blacklight Lemonade Bar (yep, it glows too!)
Share Your Glow! ✨
Tried this project?
📸 Tag your creations on Pinterest or drop a comment—I’d love to see how your glow night turned out!
💬 Got a fun twist on the recipe? Share your ideas below!
Want a printable version of this recipe or a glow-party checklist? Just ask!
Glow-in-the-Dark Bubbles
Ingredients
Method
- Wear gloves!
- Carefully cut open the highlighter and remove the felt ink tube.
- Soak it in 1/4 cup warm water for 10–15 minutes until the water turns bright yellow or green.
- This creates your glowing 'ink water.'
- Tip: Always supervise children when handling highlighters. Do not ingest the ink or let it touch skin or eyes.
- Combine the glowing highlighter water with 1 cup of bubble solution.
- Stir gently so you don’t create too much foam.
- Add a tiny squirt of dish soap if you want more bubbles.
- Grab a bubble wand, straw, or DIY wand (pipe cleaner works great).
- Head into a dark room or wait until night.
- Turn on your UV blacklight and shine it on the bubbles as you blow them.
- Watch the glowing orbs float and shimmer like magic!
Notes
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Please send printable!
Sherrie.jacobs@gmail.com
Thanks!
Fantastic! I am going to try this. Just purchased a blk light.
I would like to have the printer version of the glowing bubbles
I’m curious if you could use the inside of a glow stick? Would just last for one night..