DIY Swirl Glowing Bouncy Balls for Kids

A Fun Space-Themed Science Craft for Curious Kids

Looking for a hands-on science activity that feels a little bit magical? These DIY swirl glowing bouncy balls are a fun way for kids to mix, roll, test, and play while learning about how simple materials can change when combined.

With just a few craft supplies, kids can create colorful galaxy-inspired balls that glow under the lights and gently bounce on hard surfaces. It is part craft, part science experiment, and part sensory play — which makes it perfect for a rainy afternoon, homeschool science lesson, space-themed party, or screen-free family fun.

At Little Dreamers Club, we love activities that help kids Create. Play. Learn. This one is a perfect fit.

Why Kids Will Love This Activity

There is something exciting about making your own toy — especially one that glows!

Kids will love this project because they get to:

• Mix simple ingredients together
• Watch the texture change as the mixture reacts
• Add glow powder, color, or glitter
• Roll the mixture into a ball
• Charge it under bright light
• Test how it bounces
• Pretend their creation is a planet, moon rock, or galaxy ball

It is a playful way to bring science to life.

What Kids Can Learn

This activity is a wonderful introduction to simple chemistry and materials science.

As kids mix and shape their bouncy balls, they can explore:

Cause and effect: What happens when the glue mixture touches the borax solution?

Texture changes: How does the mixture feel before and after it starts to clump?

Observation: What makes the ball smoother, firmer, or stretchier?

Light and glow: What happens when glow powder or glow paint is charged under bright light?

Testing and experimenting: Does the ball bounce higher on tile, wood, or carpet?

These small moments help children practice curiosity, problem-solving, and creative thinking.

Supplies You’ll Need

To make one glow-in-the-dark bouncy ball, gather:

• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon borax powder
• 1 tablespoon white school glue
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Glow-in-the-dark powder or glow-in-the-dark paint
• Food coloring, optional
• Fine glitter, optional
• 2 small bowls
• Spoon or craft stick
• Measuring spoons
• Paper towels
• Airtight container for storage

Parent note: Borax should be handled by an adult or with close adult supervision. This activity is not for children who may put craft materials in their mouths. Wash hands after play.

How to Make Swirl Glowing Bouncy Balls

Step 1: Make the Borax Solution

In a small bowl, mix:

1/2 cup warm water
1 tablespoon borax powder

Stir until the borax is mostly dissolved.

This will be your activating solution. It helps turn the glue mixture into a firmer, rubbery material.

Step 2: Mix the Galaxy Base

In a second bowl, add:

1 tablespoon white school glue
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Glow-in-the-dark powder or glow paint

Stir the mixture until it starts to come together.

If you want a colorful galaxy look, add a tiny drop of food coloring. Purple, blue, pink, and teal work beautifully for a space theme.

Step 3: Create the Swirl

For a swirled galaxy effect, add 1–2 small drops of food coloring without fully mixing them in.

Gently fold the color through the glue mixture just a few times. Try not to overmix. The less you stir, the more marbled and swirly the finished ball will look.

You can also sprinkle in a tiny bit of glitter for a starry effect.

Step 4: Combine the Mixtures

Carefully pour the glue mixture into the borax solution.

Let it sit for about 10–15 seconds.

You should start to see the mixture clump together.

Step 5: Stir and Form a Clump

Use a spoon or craft stick to gently stir the mixture.

As it reacts, it will become thicker and start pulling together into a soft clump. Once it looks like it can be picked up, remove it from the liquid.

It may feel sticky at first — that is normal.

Step 6: Roll It Into a Ball

Roll the clump between your hands to form a ball.

At first, it may feel slippery or sticky. Keep rolling. After a minute or two, it should become smoother and firmer.

If it is still too sticky, dip it briefly back into the borax solution, then keep rolling.

If it becomes too firm or crumbly, try making another batch with slightly less borax exposure.

Step 7: Charge the Glow

Place your bouncy ball under a bright light for several minutes.

Then turn off the lights and watch it glow!

The brighter the light and the longer the ball charges, the stronger the glow will usually be.

Step 8: Test the Bounce

Try gently bouncing the ball on a hard surface.

Tile, wood, or a smooth table usually works better than carpet.

Homemade bouncy balls will not bounce exactly like store-bought rubber balls, but they are fun to test, compare, and experiment with.

Fun Science Questions to Ask Kids

Turn this craft into a simple science conversation by asking:

• What happened when the glue mixture touched the borax solution?
• How did the texture change as you rolled it?
• What made the ball glow?
• Which surface made it bounce the highest?
• What happened when we added more color?
• Did the ball bounce better when it was smaller or larger?
• What would you change next time?

These questions help kids think like scientists while still having fun.

Galaxy Ball Play Ideas

Once the balls are made, kids can use them for imaginative space play.

They can pretend their glowing bouncy balls are:

• Tiny planets
• Galaxy gems
• Moon rocks
• Meteor balls
• Alien treasures
• Space explorer samples
• Glowing asteroids

You can also create a simple “space lab” with flashlights, black paper, star stickers, toy astronauts, or a cardboard rocket ship.

Tips for Success

For best results:

• Use white school glue, not clear glue
• Add food coloring sparingly
• Do not overmix if you want a swirl effect
• Roll the ball longer to make it smoother
• Make smaller balls for better bouncing
• Bounce gently on hard surfaces
• Store in an airtight container when not in use
• Wash hands after play

This activity can take a little trial and error, which is part of the fun. Every batch may turn out slightly different.

Safety Note for Parents

This craft uses borax, so adult supervision is important.

Please remind children:

• Do not eat the materials
• Do not put the ball near the mouth
• Wash hands after playing
• Keep the mixture away from eyes
• Store finished balls safely when not in use

For younger children, this is best as a supervised family activity rather than independent play.

Storage Tips

Store your glow bouncy ball in a small airtight container or resealable bag.

Homemade bouncy balls may flatten, dry out, or lose bounce over time. If that happens, try rolling them again or make a fresh batch and compare the results.

That is real hands-on learning!

Keep the Space Fun Going

Activities like this remind us that learning does not have to feel complicated. With a few simple supplies, kids can explore science, creativity, movement, and imagination all at once.

If your child loves space crafts, science experiments, and hands-on projects, Little Dreamers Club's Solar System Craft Box for Ages 6–8 makes creative learning easy with themed crafts, a storybook, activity pages, and supplies delivered right to your door. Want to explore more? Browse all our Science & Discovery Craft Boxes.

Because kids learn best when they Create. Play. Learn.

Craft Inspiration

This activity was inspired by a kid-friendly glow-in-the-dark bouncy ball science craft shared on social media. Recipe adapted and rewritten for Little Dreamers Club.