If your kids are into slime and things that bounce, stretch, and glow — this magical little DIY project is going to be a total hit. These Slime-Infused Bouncy Balls are part sensory fun, part science experiment, and all-around awesome. They squish like slime, bounce like rubber, and glow like a galaxy in the dark.
The first time we made these at home, it felt like we’d unlocked a top-secret lab recipe. The bouncy ball stretched and snapped, bounced off the floor, and glowed with eerie light — the kids were absolutely hooked. And honestly? So was I.
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🔮 Why You’ll Love These Glow-in-the-Dark Bouncy Balls
These aren’t your average craft project. They’re ooey, gooey, and brilliantly bouncy. Plus, they tick all the STEAM boxes — science, art, and hands-on creativity rolled into one glowing orb.
- They GLOW in the dark — enough said!
- Stretch like slime but snap back into shape
- Bounceable, squishable, and playable for hours
- Customizable with color, glitter, and glow intensity
- Engaging science play that feels like a mini experiment
🧪 Supplies You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make your glowing bouncy balls:
- ½ cup clear school glue (or glow-in-the-dark glue for double glow!)
- ¼ cup liquid starch – helps everything bond and bounce
- 1 tbsp glow-in-the-dark paint or pigment powder – the glow factor
- ¼ cup warm water – thins out the glue
- 1 tbsp cornstarch – adds firmness and bounce
- ½ tsp baking soda – helps create the ideal slime texture
- Optional: Neon food coloring, glitter – for extra flair and fun
🛑 Note: Always supervise younger children while handling slime ingredients.
🧤 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix Glue + Water
In a medium bowl, combine the clear glue with warm water. Stir until it’s smooth and evenly blended.
2. Add Baking Soda + Cornstarch
Sprinkle in the baking soda and cornstarch. Stir again until there are no lumps — this forms the base of your bouncy texture.
3. Add Glow + Color
Stir in the glow-in-the-dark paint or pigment. If you want vibrant color, add a few drops of neon food coloring and toss in some glitter. This is the fun part — kids love watching it sparkle!
4. Activate with Liquid Starch
Slowly pour in the liquid starch while stirring constantly. The mixture will start clumping — keep mixing until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
5. Knead Until It’s a Ball
Remove the blob from the bowl and knead it with your hands. At first, it may feel slimy and soft. Keep kneading! After a few minutes, it will firm up into a stretchy but solid ball.
6. Bounce, Stretch & Glow
Now comes the fun: stretch it like slime, bounce it on the table, and turn off the lights to watch it glow! It’s like a stress ball, bouncy ball, and nightlight all rolled into one.
7. Let It Set
Place your bouncy ball on a piece of wax paper and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. This helps it settle into its final form and reduces stickiness.
🌟 Pro Tips & Variations
- Charge your bouncy ball by placing it under a bright light (or direct sunlight) for a few minutes before turning off the lights.
- Want it firmer? Add more cornstarch gradually.
- Want it stretchier? Knead in a little more glue.
- Create a collection: Mix different colors and glitter combos for rainbow bouncy ball jars!
- Holiday themes: Use red and green glitter for Christmas, pastel colors for spring, or spooky purple and orange for Halloween!
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions
How long do the bouncy balls last?
With proper storage in an airtight container or sealed bag, they’ll last about 1–2 weeks. Eventually, they may dry out or lose their bounce.
Can I use regular glue instead of clear or glow glue?
Yes! Regular white glue works, but the glow will come only from the added paint or pigment. Clear glue shows the glow and glitter more dramatically.
Can I skip the glow-in-the-dark part?
Absolutely! You’ll still get stretchy, bouncy fun — just without the glowing magic.
Is this safe for small children?
All ingredients are generally safe for sensory play, but it’s not edible. Supervise young kids, especially those still prone to tasting things.
🧼 Cleanup & Storage
- Wipe any leftover slime off surfaces immediately — it comes off best before it dries.
- Wash hands and tools with warm soapy water.
- Store finished bouncy balls in a ziplock bag or airtight container to prevent drying.
💫 In Conclusion
These Slime-Infused Bouncy Balls are more than just a craft — they’re an experience. Glowy, gooey, bouncy, and bright, they spark joy and curiosity from the first squish to the last bounce.
Whether you’re hosting a science-themed birthday, filling an afternoon with indoor fun, or just need something screen-free and engaging, these glowing bouncy balls bring the fun — and the wow factor.
📸 Show Us Your Glowing Creations!
We’d love to see your glowing bouncy balls in action! Share your photos using #GlowAndBounceBalls on Pinterest or Instagram and let us know your favorite color combo!
🌈 More DIY Science Fun to Try:
Thanks for stretching, glowing, and bouncing into fun — one squishy ball at a time! 💚🌀💫
