Are your kids predictably bored with their high-tech, light-up, flash-in-the-pan toys? Why not try something a little more basic, and learn how to make a bouncy ball? These simple toys can provide hours of bouncing fun for kids and adults of all ages!
In 1965, a California chemist named Norman Stingley began experimenting with rubber. Before long, the first super bouncy ball was born out of compressed bits of rubber. And with just a few simple items that you already have at home, your kids can experiment and concoct their own bouncy ball creations, too. There’s no need to tear apart your couch in a search for vending machine quarters!
Interested in learning how to make bouncy balls? Here are seven fun bouncy ball how-tos that you can try out with your kids:
- Standard Bouncy Ball
Are you a fan of the traditional bouncy ball? This recipe from The 36th Avenue will show you how to make a colorful bouncy ball in just five minutes. All you’ll need is borax and a few common household items.
- Super Bouncy Ball
Do you want a ball that bounces even higher? You can reach new heights with this how-to from Kids Activities Blog. Blogger Chrissy experimented a few times with a traditional recipe until she got a ball that bounces super high.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Bouncy Ball
Interested in taking your bouncy ball to the next level? Grab some fluorescent or glow-in-the-dark paint and follow this easy recipe from Growing a Jeweled Rose. Once you’re done, turn down the lights and enjoy the colorful show!
- Balloon Bouncy Ball
This bouncy ball from The Idea Room is cheap and easy to make. All you’ll need are a few water balloons.
- Glitter Bouncy Ball
Do you have a little one who loves glitter? Invest in some glitter glue and make a ball that sparkles and shines with this recipe from Hello Wonderful.
- Rainbow Loom Band Bouncy Ball
Dust off that forgotten rainbow loom and put it to good use again. With this homemade bouncy ball recipe from Red Ted Art, you can use your leftover rainbow loom bands to make a simple but bouncy rubber band ball.
- Felt Bouncy Ball
Yes, you read that right, you can make a bouncy ball out of felt. The instructions on Lil Blue Boo call for nothing more than some wool and soapy water. These felt bouncy balls can also be used as decorative pieces in garland, wreaths and other accessories.
Keep in mind that none of these bouncy balls will be the same as the ones you buy in the store. The consistency of the balls made with borax will be soft, and they will lose their shape when left to sit. You can store these balls in the refrigerator to keep them firm. It’s important to supervise children or have an adult handle the borax to ensure that none gets ingested.
Now that you’ve learned how to make a bouncy ball, you can try more fun DIY projects as a family. Check out 4 Fun DIY Crafts for Kids.
Shahrzad Warkentin is a mom of two and a freelance writer in Los Angeles. She can never resist the spring of a good bouncy ball.
