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2-3 years20-30 minEasy

Bubble Painting

An adult uses a bubble wand to make bubbles from a washable paint mixture for children to observe or print. Children do not blow through straws or handle the soap mixture.

Age Safety Note

Do not use straws for this activity. An adult prepares and controls the soap-and-paint mixture and makes bubbles; children should not put the wand or mixture in their mouths. Follow the paint and bubble-solution product labels, supervise closely, and stop if mouthing cannot be prevented.

What This Activity Offers

An adult-made bubble can leave a round mark when it lands on or is captured by paper. Children can compare colors and overlapping marks without blowing through a straw or handling the soap mixture.

Materials Needed

  • Shallow containers

    Small bowls or cups work well. One per color.

  • Dish soap

    A few drops per container creates the bubble solution.

  • Washable paint

    Tempera or craft paint. One color per container.

  • Water

    About 2 tablespoons per container—just enough to thin the paint.

  • Commercial bubble wand (adult-held)

    An adult makes the bubbles; do not have children blow through a straw.

  • Paper

    Thick paper or cardstock works best for holding the paint bubbles.

Prep Tips (Before You Start)

  • 1An adult prepares the mixture according to product labels and keeps it out of the child's mouth.
  • 2Mix paint, water, and a few drops of dish soap in each container. Test bubble-ability before presenting.
  • 3Cover the work surface—this activity can splatter.
  • 4Do not invite children to blow through straws for this activity.
  • 5Set up near a sink for easy cleanup of painted faces and hands.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1An adult uses a bubble wand to make bubbles without putting the wand or mixture in the child's mouth.
  2. 2Hold paper over the bubbles and let them pop onto the surface, leaving colorful circles.
  3. 3Let the child watch the adult-made bubbles and place paper near them to capture marks; the child should not blow or handle the mixture.
  4. 4Cheer for bubbles! 'Look at all those bubbles! Now they're popping onto your paper!'
  5. 5Use multiple colors, letting bubbles from each container pop onto the same paper for a layered effect.
  6. 6If bubbles aren't forming, add more dish soap. If they're too frothy, add more water.
  7. 7Let artwork dry completely—bubble paintings are wet! Drying time is about 30-60 minutes.

Fun Variations to Try

  • •Use the bubble mixture as regular bubbles too—wave the wand over paper and let bubbles land.
  • •Fold paper in half before painting for symmetrical 'butterfly' prints.
  • •Add glitter to the bubble mixture for sparkly artwork (supervise carefully).
  • •Create greeting cards by bubble painting on folded cardstock.

Cleanup Tips

  • Let leftover bubble mixture dry out in containers rather than pouring down the drain—prevents clogs.
  • Wash the bubble wand and containers according to product directions, and store the mixture out of children's reach.
  • Soap in the paint makes it wash off skin and clothes easily.
  • Wipe down the table while paint is still wet—dried bubble paint is stickier.

Additional Tips

  • Thinner paint makes better bubbles. Add water gradually until you get the right consistency.
  • If your child can't blow yet, wave the bubble wand over the paper—popping bubbles still make prints.
  • Bubble paintings make beautiful gift wrap—make extra for wrapping presents.
  • A photo can record the process if the caregiver wants to keep one.

References & Further Reading

General background resources for readers. They do not verify or test any specific activity, material, or setup described on this site.

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