DIY Lava Lamp: A Bubbling, Colorful Science Experiment You Can Do at Home

Before we get into the fizz and flow of this easy, mesmerizing experiment—thank you for being here. Seriously. Whether you’re a curious kiddo, a parent planning a rainy-day activity, or a teacher looking for a hands-on science lesson, you’ve just stumbled into one of the most magical and low-mess experiments out there. This DIY Lava Lamp is equal parts science, art, and pure wonder.

💌 Want more creative science experiments like this sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe here and I’ll deliver all the fizzy, colorful fun right to you!

What Is a DIY Lava Lamp?

This fun little experiment recreates the look of a lava lamp using household ingredients. It’s a visual masterpiece that works through a simple chemical reaction—when antacid tablets hit water and oil, bubbles form and float like lava! It’s safe, fascinating, and totally addictive to watch.

Why You’ll Love Making Lava Lamps

• 🧪 A science experiment and art project in one

• 🎨 Customizable with your favorite colors

• 💸 Budget-friendly and uses common ingredients

• 👀 Soothing and satisfying to watch

• 🧠 Teaches chemistry in a way kids actually understand

What It Looks Like

Once you drop that tablet in, get ready for rising, dancing bubbles that catch the colored water and bring it swirling up through the oil in hypnotic motion. The result? A dreamy, bubbling effect that totally mimics a real lava lamp—but without the heat or the plug.

Educational Benefits

• Introduces density and immiscibility (why oil and water don’t mix!)

• Demonstrates chemical reactions (CO₂ from the antacid)

• Sparks curiosity and encourages exploration

• Builds fine motor skills as kids pour, squeeze, and mix

• Great for solo play, classroom science demos, or group experiments

🧂 Ingredients

• 2 empty plastic bottles (water bottles or Gatorade bottles work well)

• Vegetable or canola oil (enough to fill each bottle ¾ full)

• Water

• Food coloring (2 or more colors)

• Antacid tablets (like Alka-Seltzer)

savorysplash

DIY Lava Lamp

Create your own lava lamp at home using simple ingredients like oil, water, and antacid tablets. This fizzy science experiment is colorful, calming, and fun for all ages!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 2 lava bottles

Course: Science Activity

Cuisine: Fizz & Color Fun

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 2 empty water bottles or Gatorade bottles
• vegetable or canola oil
• antacid tablets (like Alka Seltzer)
• food coloring (2 colors)
• water

See also  Crayon Star Sun Catchers: A Colorful DIY Project for Sunny Windows

Equipment

• empty bottles clean and dry
• funnel optional for easier pouring
• measuring cup to control water amount
• spray shield or tray optional for containing fizz

Method

 

1. Start by taking your empty bottles. Ensure they are clean and dry.
2. Fill each bottle about 3/4 full with vegetable or canola oil.
3. Carefully pour water into the bottles, leaving about 2 inches at the top.
4. Add 4–5 drops of food coloring to each bottle. Use different colors if desired.
5. Drop one antacid tablet into each bottle and watch the bubbles rise and dance.
6. Once the reaction slows, add another tablet to keep the show going!

Notes

Leave space at the top of the bottle to avoid overflow during fizzing. Use different colors and tablet sizes for variations. Repeat the bubbling effect by adding new tablets anytime!

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

🛠️ Tools You’ll Need

• Measuring cup (optional, for pouring water)

• Funnel (helpful but not required)

• Towels or tray (to catch spills if kids are helping)

🎬 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Clean & Prep Your Bottles

Make sure your plastic bottles are clean and dry. Remove any labels for better viewing.

2. Add the Oil

Fill each bottle about ¾ full with vegetable or canola oil.

3. Add Water

Carefully pour water into each bottle until it’s nearly full, leaving about 2 inches of space at the top. The water will sink below the oil—this is part of the fun!

4. Add Food Coloring

Drop in 4–5 drops of food coloring into each bottle. Pick two different colors for a bolder effect!

5. Add the Magic—Antacid Tablets!

Break an antacid tablet in half and drop it into the bottle. Then… watch the magic happen. Bubbles will rise and fall, carrying bursts of color with them.

6. Keep the Fun Going

Once the bubbling slows, add another tablet to keep the “lava” flowing!