Summer is in full swing and I am on the hunt for fun activities for kids that involve a little outside play time.
I have been wanting to make a homemade bubble recipe for a while. My boys LOVE to play with bubbles! What about your kiddos?
This morning we made these bubbles really quickly and easily. I bet you’ve got the items on hand to make them.
This version makes a little over 4 cups of bubble solution.
By noon it was too hot to play outside much, but this will be a perfect morning or late evening family activity.
Ready for the simple recipe?
Ingredients:
- 4 c hot water (just use tap)
- 2 T glycerin (pantry staple alternative at the end of the post)
- 1 c hand soap or dish soap
- 3 drops of your favorite essential oil (totally optional, but this adds a happy scent!)
How to Make Homemade Bubbles
You will also want a large jar and spoon for mixing as well as bubble wands.
Add the hot water to a large jar that you can mix the bubbles up in.
Add the glycerin and the soap. (I have alternatives below for glycerin.)
Add a couple of drops of Joy essential oil, this is totally optional, but it certainly makes for a happy smell! Here is where I buy essential oils online.
Use a spoon to gently stir. Minimize making lots of foam at the top.
Grab your bubble wands and you’re ready to go.
I found a packet of 12 online for a pretty reasonable price and free shipping.
The kids had lots of fun until they got too hot.
There are so many fun things you can do while making bubbles. See who can make the biggest bubble!
My husband and I had even more fun than the kids.
He was home for lunch and we made bubbles in the front yard.
Any idea how hard it is to get good pictures of bubbles? They are translucent do they are hard for the camera to focus on. Not to mention the wind blows them away fast.
The glycerin in the recipe will help make the bubbles thicker.
This will prevent them from popping so quickly.
See all of the things you can create using different shaped wands.
Who can create the most bubbles at one time?
This bubble was MASSIVE!
Such a fun activity to do as a family.
When was the last time you played with bubbles?
Have you ever considered making them homemade? It really is super easy!
Enjoy!
What Can I Use Instead of Glycerin for Bubbles
If you do not have glycerin on hand, you can substitute it for the same amount of light corn syrup.
How Do You Make a Bubble Wand Out of Pipe Cleaners
No wands on hand and can’t get an Amazon order? Grab a pipe cleaner. Take one end of the pipe cleaner and form it into a circle about the size of a quarter. Use this to dip into your jar of bubble solution!

How Do You Make a Bubble Wand with Straws?
Grab about 10-15 straws and put a rubber band around them. Dip them into your bubble solution and use them as a wand. Super fun!
How to Use a Plastic Cup to Blow Bubbles
Pop a hole in the bottom of the disposable plastic cup. Dip the bottom of the cut into the bubble solution. Blow into the cup and bubbles will come out the end! Easy Peasy!
MORE HOMEMADE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
Here are more ways to use essential oils in your home.