This activity was so cheap and easy to do, but the results were awesome and the kids LOVED it. For the homemade bubble recipe, see the end of this post.

Materials:

• plastic straws
• cotton string (similar material should work)

• bubble solution (see end of post for the recipe)
• shallow container

Instructions

1. Start with two straws. Mine were really long, so I cut them down to about 6″.
2. Thread a length of string through the straws, end to end, as though you were stringing beads. The length of your string determines the size of your bubbles. Mine was about 30″ long and was a nice, manageable size for the kids. (TIP: If you’re having problems threading the string through the straw, insert the string into one end and suck on the other end. You might end up with a mouthful of string, but it pulls it right through!)
3. Tie the ends of the string to form a large loop. Then, move the knot so it’s inside one of the straws.
4. Take two more straws and insert them to form handles. (I actually had two different sized straws, but if you pinch the ends, you can still push in the straws for handles.)
5. Pour your bubble solution into the shallow container. Submerge the string and straws, then slowly lift up by the handles. Gently pull apart the handles until the strings are taut and then let the wind or your movement help a big bubble take shape. It took a few tries to get the hang of it, but the kids loved perfecting their techniques.

Here are two homemade bubble recipes that you can use to make your own batch of bubbles!

Recipe 1:

1 gallon hot water
1/4 cup glycerin (available in many pharmacies and craft stores)
1 cup dishwashing liquid

Gently mix all ingredients together. This seems to work best if you allow it to sit overnight in an open container before using for the first time.

Recipe 2:

2 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup dishwashing liquid

Put water and corn syrup in a bowl and microwave for 3-4 minutes. Stir to combine. Gently mix in dishwashing liquid.