Glow-in-the-dark bubbles are a fun and creative way to make any evening activity or party feel magical. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create bubbles that glow under a black light, turning ordinary bubble play into a glowing nighttime adventure. This project is perfect for outdoor parties, camping nights, or even just a fun experiment at home. The glowing effect comes from highlighter ink, which contains fluorescent dye that shines brightly when exposed to ultraviolet light. Combined with bubble solution, it creates an exciting and memorable activity that both kids and adults can enjoy.
Ingredients
1 cup bubble solution, store-bought or homemade
1 yellow or green highlighter, non-toxic only
1/4 cup warm water
UV or black light, optional but recommended for the best glow
Instructions
The first step is extracting the ink from the highlighter. Wear gloves to prevent staining your fingers. Carefully break open the highlighter and remove the spongey ink tube inside. Place this tube into a small bowl of warm water, using about a quarter cup. Allow it to soak for ten to fifteen minutes. The water will gradually turn bright fluorescent yellow or green. Once it has soaked, gently squeeze the tube to release as much ink as possible into the water, then discard the empty tube.
Next, combine the glowing liquid with your bubble solution. Pour the highlighter water into the bubble solution and stir slowly. The goal is to blend the two without creating too many bubbles or foam on top. Once mixed, pour the glowing bubble mixture into a bubble wand container or bubble gun for use.
To see the glow effect at its best, use the bubbles in a dark area with a black light or UV flashlight shining nearby. The bubbles themselves will catch the fluorescent glow and appear to light up as they float through the air. Without a UV light, the bubbles may look faintly colored, but under black light, they glow vividly and create a magical effect that is perfect for nighttime fun.
Safety is important with this project. Always use non-toxic highlighters to ensure the liquid is safe to handle. Even though the highlighter ink is labeled non-toxic, it should not be ingested. Keep the solution away from small children’s mouths and eyes, and supervise kids while they play. Gloves are recommended when handling the ink tube to avoid staining skin and clothing.
These glow-in-the-dark bubbles are not just fun for children but can also add a unique touch to parties, weddings, or other special events held at night. Imagine bubbles glowing in the air during a backyard celebration, floating through the darkness with a soft neon shine. It creates an atmosphere that is playful and unforgettable.
If you prefer to make your own bubble solution from scratch, you can easily do so with a mix of water, dish soap, and a little glycerin or corn syrup for strength. Adding the highlighter liquid to homemade solution works just as well as with store-bought. The glycerin helps the bubbles last longer in the air, giving you more time to enjoy their glowing effect.
Glow-in-the-dark bubbles are also a fun way to introduce kids to the science of fluorescence. They can learn how ultraviolet light interacts with certain substances to make them glow, and see the results firsthand in a safe and playful activity. It is a hands-on way to combine science with creativity.
Whether you are planning a glow party, a camping trip, or just looking for something different to do on a summer night, glow-in-the-dark bubbles are a simple project that delivers big fun. They require very little preparation, use inexpensive ingredients, and create a dazzling effect that surprises everyone. With their bright neon glow under black light, they transform an ordinary evening into something magical.