Get Summer Ready with Bubbles

By Meghan Roach, MA | June 09, 2023 

Summer-Themed Activities with Bubbles

As a Child and Family therapist, I love incorporating bubbles and a mixture of art interventions into sessions whenever possible. I have found that bubbles are a huge hit when working with kids, and there are many therapeutic benefits to using bubbles as well. Bubbles can help with impulse control, practice breathing skills as well as regulating the nervous system. Adding art with bubbles can awaken a child’s imagination and creativity as well as increase regulation and bring about a sense of calmness.

Bubble painting activity picture

Popped Bubble Art Activity

You will need

  • Bubble liquid
  • Food Coloring – Any colors
  • 5 x 11 White paper – I recommend using larger paper ex. 11 x 17 or 8.5 x 14 if you want this to be a sibling activity. You can also use smaller size paper as well.
  • Medium to large bubble wands
  • Small bowls – The amount depends on how many colors you want to use
  • Something to stir the colors

Instructions:

  • Pour approximately 1 tablespoon of bubble liquid in a bowl.
  • Add 2 or 3 drops of food coloring into the bubble mixture and stir.
  • Blow the bubbles onto the paper. As the bubbles hit the paper and pop, they will leave fun patterns and designs. Repeat these steps with other colors.

Helpful Hints!

  • The deeper the belly breaths, the bigger the bubble will be, and the more regulating it will be for your child. I recommend teaching them to take big breaths and smaller breaths to help them recognize the different size bubbles it makes and the differences it feels in their bodies!
  • Food color will stain surfaces, clothes and skin, so make sure to wear appropriate clothes. I also recommend trying this outside.
  • This activity can be tricky and frustrating when it’s windy!
Popped bubble art activity picture

Bubble Painting Activity

You will need

  • Bubble liquid
  • Food Coloring – any colors
  • Straws
  • Paper or card stock
  • Plastic cups or bowls for the different colors
  • Painters Tape (Optional)

Instructions:

  • Add a bit bubble liquid into a bowl and 4- 5 drops of food coloring. Repeat this with different colors.
  • Dip the end of the straw into the bubble solution and aim it towards the paper and blow!
  • (Optional) Another creative strategy is to use painters’ tape to map out designs. Make sure the tape is pressed firmly or else bubbles will sneak under. Make sure the picture is completely dry before removing the tape.

Helpful Hints!

  • Make sure this activity is supervised by an adult, especially with younger children. Remind them to blow on the straw and not sip!
  • I recommend card stock as it does a better job holding up liquid than regular printing paper. Printing paper still works, but it may take longer to dry.
  • The more drops of food color the more vibrant and brighter the bubbles will be!

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Summer-Themed Activities with Bubbles

As a Child and Family therapist, I love incorporating bubbles and a mixture of art interventions into sessions whenever possible. I have found that bubbles are a huge hit when working with kids, and there are many therapeutic benefits to using bubbles as well. Bubbles can help with impulse control, practice breathing skills as well as regulating the nervous system. Adding art with bubbles can awaken a child’s imagination and creativity as well as increase regulation and bring about a sense of calmness.

Bubble painting activity picture

Popped Bubble Art Activity

You will need

  • Bubble liquid
  • Food Coloring – Any colors
  • 5 x 11 White paper – I recommend using larger paper ex. 11 x 17 or 8.5 x 14 if you want this to be a sibling activity. You can also use smaller size paper as well.
  • Medium to large bubble wands
  • Small bowls – The amount depends on how many colors you want to use
  • Something to stir the colors

Instructions:

  • Pour approximately 1 tablespoon of bubble liquid in a bowl.
  • Add 2 or 3 drops of food coloring into the bubble mixture and stir.
  • Blow the bubbles onto the paper. As the bubbles hit the paper and pop, they will leave fun patterns and designs. Repeat these steps with other colors.

Helpful Hints!

  • The deeper the belly breaths, the bigger the bubble will be, and the more regulating it will be for your child. I recommend teaching them to take big breaths and smaller breaths to help them recognize the different size bubbles it makes and the differences it feels in their bodies!
  • Food color will stain surfaces, clothes and skin, so make sure to wear appropriate clothes. I also recommend trying this outside.
  • This activity can be tricky and frustrating when it’s windy!
Popped bubble art activity picture

Bubble Painting Activity

You will need

  • Bubble liquid
  • Food Coloring – any colors
  • Straws
  • Paper or card stock
  • Plastic cups or bowls for the different colors
  • Painters Tape (Optional)

Instructions:

  • Add a bit bubble liquid into a bowl and 4- 5 drops of food coloring. Repeat this with different colors.
  • Dip the end of the straw into the bubble solution and aim it towards the paper and blow!
  • (Optional) Another creative strategy is to use painters’ tape to map out designs. Make sure the tape is pressed firmly or else bubbles will sneak under. Make sure the picture is completely dry before removing the tape.

Helpful Hints!

  • Make sure this activity is supervised by an adult, especially with younger children. Remind them to blow on the straw and not sip!
  • I recommend card stock as it does a better job holding up liquid than regular printing paper. Printing paper still works, but it may take longer to dry.
  • The more drops of food color the more vibrant and brighter the bubbles will be!

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