Looking for Easy Outdoor Crafts for Kids this Summer?
Bubbles captivate little kids and big kids alike; the magic, beauty, and fun factor all play a part. But if you want the kids to be forever blowing bubbles (i.e., you want them to be occupied for more than 5 minutes), how about incorporating some creativity and art into playtime?
Enter, my 3 easy bubble crafts for kids. Created during lockdown (please excuse the dodgy hair in the videos). These simple children’s activities are easy to do at home or in the garden. They use everyday craft supplies or items from the recycling bin that you’ll probably already have. There’s minimal prep for you and maximum fun for the kids. Yes, things might get a little messy, but it’ll be totally worth it – trust me!
Table of Contents
- Bubble Craft Idea 1: DIY Beaded Bubble Wands
- Watch the DIY Beaded Bubble Wand Making Tutorial
- Bubble Craft Idea 2: Upcycled Mega Bubble Blower
- Watch the Mega Bubble Blower Tutorial
- Bubble Craft Idea 3: Bubble Painting with Straws
- How to Create Bubble Art
- Watch the Bubble Painting Tutorial
- Stress-Free Bubble Play Tips
- Looking for More Free, Fun and Easy Summer Activities Ideas to Try?
Bubble Craft Idea 1: DIY Beaded Bubble Wands
Get creative with pipe cleaners and beads to make beautiful bubble wands! This garden craft is SO much fun to make, and kids love running around outside, blowing bubbles. It’s also the perfect photo opportunity, as the bubble wands are so pretty!
Supplies for Beaded Bubble Wand Making
- Pipe cleaners
- Beads, Hama beads or plastic straws cut up into bead-sized portions
- Washing up liquid or bubble mixture
- Small bowl or plate
- Small cookie cutters (optional)
How to Make a Beaded Bubble Wand
- Create the wand shape
Bend the pipe cleaner into a loop to form your bubble wand. Twist the ends together. - Thread your beads
Add beads onto the long end of your pipe cleaner to form a handle, leaving a little space at the end (1-2 cms). - Secure the handle
Twist the end of the pipe cleaner around the last bead to secure the handle. - Dip into the bubble mixture
Pour your bubble solution into a bowl and dip the loop in. - Blow your bubbles
Gently blow through the loop (or wave it through the air) to create bubbles.
Pipe Cleaner Bubble Wand Pro Tips
- Larger loops = bigger bubbles
- Pony beads work really well for little hands
- Great for practising fine motor skills while they thread
- Experiment with cookie cutters as a template to make different shapes (hearts, stars, squares)
Watch the DIY Beaded Bubble Wand Making Tutorial
Bubble Craft Idea 2: Upcycled Mega Bubble Blower
These wow factor, mega bubble blowers will keep the kids busy for hours. All you need is a plastic bottle, an odd sock, an elastic band and washing-up liquid. This bubble activity feels a bit like magic… and keeps them entertained WAY longer than a standard bubble wand.
Supplies for Making a Mega Bubble Blower
- An old sock
- An empty plastic water bottle (upcycling for the win)
- Elastic band or hair band
- Washing-up liquid
- Water
- Small bowl or shallow dish
- Craft or pen knife (adults only)
- Food colouring (optional)
How to Make a Bubble Blower
- Cut the bottle
With help from an adult, carefully cut the bottom off your plastic bottle. - Add the sock
Pull the sock over the cut end of the bottle so it completely covers the opening. - Secure it
Use an elastic band to hold the sock tightly in place. - Dip into the bubble mixture
Pour your bubble solution into a shallow bowl and dip the sock end in it. - Blow!
Blow through the bottle (from the mouthpiece end) and watch long “bubble snakes” appear.
Insider Secrets for Perfect Mega Bubble Blowing Fun
- Always remind kids to blow out, not suck to avoid a mouthful of bubbles!
- The more solution soaked into the sock, the better the bubbles
- Try adding a drop of food colouring for rainbow bubble snakes (messy but fun!)
- Works best outside (or somewhere you don’t mind getting a bit slippery
Watch the Mega Bubble Blower Tutorial
Bubble Craft Idea 3: Bubble Painting with Straws
This brilliant bubble art activity encourages experimentation and is so much fun. Add washing-up liquid to a bowl of paint and water, then blow bubbles with a straw. See what fun patterns and colour combos you can make on paper!
Supplies for Bubble Painting
Paint (poster paint, acrylic paint, liquid watercolours or food colouring)
White card or paper
2 – 5 Straws (one for each colour)
Small bowls or cups (One for each colour)
Bottle or jug of water
Washing-up liquid
Plastic mat to protect the floor or table (if inside)
How to Create Bubble Art
- Mix your bubble paint
Add water, a squirt of washing-up liquid and some paint into a cup. Give it a good stir. - Get your straw ready
Place the straw into the mixture (placing it near the bottom works best). - Blow bubbles
Gently blow through the straw until bubbles rise above the top of the cup. - Make your print
Carefully place your paper over the bubbles to capture the pattern. - Lift and reveal
Remove the paper to reveal your bubble artwork - Repeat and layer
Keep blowing more bubbles and printing to build up colours and patterns.
Top Tips for Awesome Bubble Art
- Always remind kids to blow, not suck
- Add more paint if the colours look too faint
- Try different colours in separate cups for a layered effect
- The more you repeat, the more interesting the patterns become
- Once dry, frame your artwork or turn it into a greeting card
Watch the Bubble Painting Tutorial
Stress-Free Bubble Play Tips
- Take it outside if you can
- Lay down a tray or mat to catch drips if you’re inside
- Wear aprons or old clothes
- Shallow trays are much easier than deep bowls
- Don’t overthink it – kids care more about the fun than the setup
Ready to Try These Easy Bubble Crafts for Kids?
You don’t have to do all three (unless you’re feeling ambitious). Even just one of these bubble activities will turn an ordinary afternoon into something memorable.
Happy crafting, and don’t forget to tag me in your photos or send me a pic of the fun in action. I’d love to see your makes. You’ll find me on socials as @madebymecraftparties.
And if you’re thinking, “this is a fun idea for a craft party, but I’d rather have someone else handle it”. You know where I am!
Looking for More Free, Fun and Easy Summer Activities Ideas to Try?
If you enjoyed these bubble activities for kids, check out my Hammered Flower Art for Children tutorial or explore my Easy Summer Crafts for Kids ideas.