It only takes a few simple ingredients to whip up these homemade bouncy balls — and watching them glow while you play is half the fun! Want to learn how to make glow in the dark bouncy balls at home? Let’s get started!
How to Make Glow in the Dark Bouncy Balls
Materials:
- 1/4cupBoiling water
- 1/2TablespoonBorax
- 2TablespoonsElmer’s clear glue
- 1/4teaspoonGlow in the dark pigment
Equipment:
Check Out The Video Tutorial:
Instructions:
Step 1: Find what you need
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Gather your supplies and materials.
Step 2: Make the borax solution
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Add 1/2 Tablespoon borax to 1/4 cup of boiled water.
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Stir well until the borax powder is dissolved. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Mix the glue and glow powder
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Add 2 Tablespoons of clear glue to a small bowl.
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Then add 1/4 teaspoon glow in the dark pigment to the glue.
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Stir well, until combined. Make sure to really scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl.
Step 4: Add the borax mix to the glue
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Add 1 teaspoon of the borax solution to the glue mixture and stir.
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Add another teaspoon of the borax solution and stir until the glue becomes jelly-like and too difficult to stir anymore.
Step 5: Form the bouncy ball
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Pick up the thick slime and squish it together with your hands, beginning to shape it into a ball.
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Roll the ball between your palms, kind of like a ball of cookie dough. The ball will be wet at first, and difficult to roll, but just keep going and it’ll become easier!
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Continue rolling the ball until you have a nice, round shape. You can wet your fingertips with more of the borax solution to smooth down the outside of the ball.(You can also place the ball in a round mold to give it a perfect sphere shape.)
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Your glow in the dark bouncy ball is complete! Now turn off the lights and admire your glowing creation.
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Then have fun bouncing your glow in the dark ball!If the bouncy ball goes dim, turn the lights back on for a few minutes to charge it up. You can also use a UV light to do this.
Helpful Tips:
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Wash your hands after playing: Borax can dry out or irritate the skin and should never be ingested. If you have sensitive skin or cuts on your hands, consider wearing gloves while handling the bouncy balls.
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Where to find borax: Look for it in the laundry aisle at your local grocery store, Walmart, or Target.
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One batch = multiple bouncy balls: The borax mixture in this recipe makes enough for 3 to 4 bouncy balls. Cover it when not in use, or it will quickly begin to crystallize.
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Want to dive deeper into the science? Check out our how to make a bouncy ball post for a breakdown of the science behind this fun experiment and even more helpful tips!
What makes glow in the dark bouncy balls glow?
We used glow in the dark pigment powder, which is commonly used in resin, nail art, and other craft projects. It charges under regular light and glows in the dark – no extra tools needed! However, if you want the bouncy ball to glow its brightest, hold it under a UV light for a minute first.
For a simpler option, use Elmer’s glow in the dark glue in place of regular clear glue. You won’t need to add any pigment. Just mix with the borax solution and you’re good to go!
You can also use glow in the dark paint mixed into clear glue, similar to the technique in our glow in the dark slime recipe.
How long do glow in the dark bouncy balls last?
These bouncy balls are best enjoyed the same day you make them. Since they’re formed from a soft, flexible material, they lose their bounce and shape as they dry out.
If you store your bouncy ball in a round mold inside an airtight container, you might get another day or two of fun — but for the best bounce, we recommend making a fresh batch!
Do glowing bouncy balls really bounce?
Yes, they really bounce! These homemade bouncy balls might not have the same firmness as store-bought rubber balls, but they still bounce surprisingly well, especially right after you make them.
These glowing bouncy balls are soft and super fun to play with. For the best bounce, toss them gently on a smooth surface like a tabletop or hard floor. Just remember: they won’t last forever, so enjoy the bounce while it lasts!
Why is my bouncy ball flat? Can I keep it round?
These bouncy balls are made from a thick slime-like substance, so they naturally start to flatten if left sitting. To keep them round longer, store them in a small round mold like a bath bomb mold, a mini bowl, or even a Tablespoon measuring spoon.
Is this a safe science experiment for kids?
Yes, this is a kid-friendly science craft that’s safe with proper supervision. The glow in the dark pigment we used is non-toxic and safe for skin. But like any craft involving borax, it’s important to follow basic safety tips.
Avoid contact with eyes and mouth, wash hands after handling, and keep materials out of reach of younger children. If your child has sensitive skin or a cut on their hands, consider using gloves while playing.
With a little guidance, this glowing bouncy ball activity is a safe and exciting way to learn through play!
These glow in the dark bouncy balls are such a fun way to mix science and play! Whether you’re making them for a rainy day activity, a party, or just because they’re awesome, this glowing DIY is sure to be a hit.
And the best part? These homemade glowing bouncy balls are quick to make and even more fun to bounce. Give them a try — you’ll definitely be glowing with excitement!
Here’s even more DIY toy ideas:
