When it comes to wholesome, fun activities, blowing bubbles in the park or the backyard can’t be beat. There is something timeless and magical about this activity, and kids and dogs alike are always up for it. Just like a backyard water park, tire swing, or pool, this is something that will keep the kids outside and off the couch when the weather gets nice.
Giant soap bubbles are even more exciting and are sure to keep kids occupied. However, you might be worried about whether these giant bubbles are safe. With so many different ingredients in soap, and kids’ preoccupation with putting things in their mouths, it can be difficult to know whether making giant soap bubbles is a safe activity.
In this article, we have laid out some of the safety considerations for making giant soap bubbles. We have also provided a way you can make DIY soap bubbles so you can be sure everyone is safe while enjoying this classic outdoor activity.
Start with Safety
The first thing to think about when considering giant soap bubbles is whether the solution is safe. Kids love to put things in their mouths, even things that they shouldn’t, and dogs will often eat whatever they can find. For this reason, it is important to know what is in your soap bubble solution. This way, you can be certain that everyone will have a good time without making themselves sick in the process.
Most soap bubbles are made from standard dish soap and water. While dish soap usually isn’t toxic, it can contain chemicals like parabens, chlorine, and sulfates. These compounds should not be eaten and should always be kept out of the eyes, which can be a challenge.
Related Topic: How to Create Your Own Backyard Waterpark That’s Used Frequently
Make a Kid and Pet Safe Solution
Instead of using standard dish soap, try making your own, kid-friendly bubble solution. To ensure that your bubbles are safe for kids and pets, lower the amount of dish soap used in your solution. This recipe is a great alternative to the heavily-concentrated solution that is more common:
- 6 cups of water
- ½ cup of corn starch
- ½ cup natural dish detergent
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp glycerine
To make the soap bubble solution, simply dissolve the cornstarch into the water and stir it. Then, mix in the rest of the ingredients and stir vigorously without making a froth. After everything has been mixed together, let it sit for at least an hour. Diluting the solution in this way ensures it is kid and pet safe. You won’t have to worry about them getting sick or the bubbles irritating their eyes.
Make the Wand
One of the most important pieces of equipment for making giant soap bubbles is the wand. Luckily, you do not need anything special to make it and it doesn’t have to be perfect. The cornstarch will hold your bubble solution together well enough that you can make bubbles with practically anything.
For example, you can create a wand by running some yarn through two straws and looping it together to create handles and a large, rectangular ring. This will allow for an ample amount of bubble solution on the wand, which should create some large bubbles.
Prep Your Backyard for Fun
Before you set the kids free with their bubble solution and wand, you should be sure to get your backyard prepared. Make sure that there is sufficient shade and hydration for the kids and pets to keep cool. If you want to get the kids involved in helping to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your backyard, try a game of Puddle Hunt. To keep the fun in all your outdoor activities, call Mosquito Joe.
