Homemade Bouncy Balls made with Borax
When my son was 3, his absolute favorite toy was a simple bouncy ball. Every time we passed bouncy balls in the store or in a change machine, we would have to stop and buy one. Most kids LOVE to play with bouncy balls, so I’m sharing a recipe so you can make your own rubber bouncy ball. These homemade bouncy balls with borax would be a fun hands-on activity (with adult supervision, of course!)
This recipe makes the bouncy balls using borax, and that really is the best way to make them. This could also be a simple learning science experiment, giving the kids a chance to learn about polymers. We have many fun crafts for kids ideas!
How to Make a Rubber Bouncy Ball
These homemade bouncy balls are made with borax may and may not bounce quite like the store-bought ones, but they do provide tons of kid-approved satisfaction. Creating your own fun theme bouncy balls is the perfect anytime activity, group project, simple science experiment, or classroom demonstration.
HOW TO MAKE A BOUNCY BALL WITH BORAX
Important:
Borax is not edible. This is not intended for children under 3 years old. Adult supervision required. Gloves are recommended for those with sensitive skin. Wash hands after playing. Glitter glue can also be used.
Ingredients for Bouncy Balls with Borax:
- 1⁄2 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon Borax Detergent Booster
- Glitter and/or food coloring
- 2 to 3 tablespoons Elmer’s Glue in clear
Mix together the water and borax until the borax is dissolved into the water.
Stir in glitter and/or food coloring.
Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons glue, depending on how large you want the ball to be. Stir as a thick slime begins to form. Once the glue has come together, use hands to squeeze and shape the ball.
Remove the ball from the solution and roll it in your hands, squeezing together, until the stickiness is gone and the ball is shaped. If the ball is still sticky, dip the ball back into the solution and then remove and roll in your hands until smooth.
Notes For Homemade Bouncy Balls with Borax:
If squeezed or thrown too hard, these balls will break but can be rolled and squeezed back together. To make a ball with more than one color, we tried two ways:
1. After adding the glue and before stirring, add a second color of food coloring. This method made a murky colored ball.
2. After the thick slime forms, remove the ball from the solution. Start mixing a second ball. When the thick slime forms, add the first ball to the second and press together. Continue with instructions. This yielded the best results.
Homemade Bouncy Balls with Borax
These homemade bouncy balls are made with borax may and they provide tons of kid-approved satisfaction. Creating your own bouncy balls is the perfect anytime activity, simple science experiment, or classroom demonstration.
Materials
- 1⁄2 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon Borax Detergent Booster Glitter and/or food coloring
- 2 to 3 tablespoons Elmer’s Glue in clear
Instructions
- Mix together the water and borax until the borax is dissolved into the water.
- Stir in glitter and/or food coloring.
- Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons glue, depending on how large you want the ball to be.
- Stir as a thick slime begins to form. Once the glue has come together, use hands to squeeze and shape the ball.
- Remove the ball from the solution and roll it in your hands, squeezing together, until the stickiness is gone and the ball is shaped. If the ball is still sticky, dip the ball back into the solution and then remove and roll in your hands until smooth.
Notes
IMPORTANT: Borax is not edible. This is not intended for children under 3 years old. Adult supervision required. Gloves are recommended for those with sensitive skin. Wash hands after playing. Glitter glue can also be used.
If squeezed or thrown too hard, the balls will break but can be rolled and squeezed back together.
To make a ball with more than one color, we tried two ways:
1After adding the glue and before stirring, add a second color of food coloring. This method made a murky colored ball.
After the thick slime forms, remove the ball from the solution. Start mixing a second ball. When the thick slime forms, add the first ball to the second and press together. Continue with instructions. This yielded the best results.
No matter your age or skill level, there’s something special about playing with a good old-fashioned rubber bouncy ball! Whether you’re looking for an activity to keep your kids occupied or just need some stress relief after a long day at work – bouncing around on one of these classic toys might just be the answer you’re looking for. So spend some crafting time with your kids and make these homemade bouncy balls. They will love them!
