Bubbles and summertime fun go hand in hand. And, blowing bubbles is a great activity for practicing some deep breathing. So, why not have a bubble party and practice some deep breathing at the same time? I have three easy and fun bubble party ideas for you to try this summer.
But first, head over to review the three simple steps to deep breathing if you need a refresher. This way, you can offer reminders about the proper technique to your kids in between all of the bubble party fun.
Then, head over to the Mindfulness Library to get your copy of the free Bubble Fun Guide.
Bubble Party Idea #1- Bubble Snakes
Here’s what you need:
- Clean, empty bottle from the recycling bin
- Scissors
- Sock or face cloth
- Rubber band or duct tape
- Dish soap and water or your choice of bubble solution
- Food coloring, optional but fun
Here’s what you do:
- Using the scissors, cut of the bottom of the bottle
- Attach the sock or the face cloth to the cut end using the rubber band or duct tape
- Mix dish soap and some water (or add your bubble solution) in a shallow pan
- Dip the sock in the solution and blow through the neck of the bottle.
- A bubble snake will form from the other end.
- You can add drops of food coloring to the cloth for colored bubble snakes.
You can use these bubble snakes as a way to practice deep breathing. Have your kids take a deep breath in and then blow out slowly for as long as they can and see how long they can make the snake grow with one blow.
A word of caution- If your kids inhale with the bottle tip still in their mouths, they will get a mouthful of soapy water! So, it’s important to give reminders about removing the bottles to inhale and if they are practicing proper deep breathing, they should be inhaling through their nose anyway. You know your kids best, don’t do this activity if it will be dangerous for them.
Bubble Party idea #2- Fun bubble wands
here's what you need:
- Pipe cleaners
- Beads, different shapes, sizes, and colors
- Bubble solution
Here's what you do:
- Bend one pipe cleaner into a shape- a circle, triangle, star, etc.
- Wrap the ends together, and cut of any extra pipe cleaner.
- Take a second pipe cleaner and have the children add beads leaving an inch or so at the top and the bottom. This will be the handle of the wand.
- At the bottom end, wrap the pipe cleaner onto itself and roll it up to the bottom bead so the beads stay secure on the pipe cleaner.
- Wrap the top end around the pipe cleaner shape from step 1. Wrap it around the shape a few times and then wrap it around itself so the shape is attached securely.
- Use a sturdy bubble solution and have fun practicing your deep breathing.
Here's some inspiration:
Your kids can choose a theme for their bubble wands and then choose the colors of the pipe cleaners and beads based on the theme.
- Favorite sports team
- Fairy princess
- Wizard
- Patterns using favorite colors
- 4th of July- red, white, and blue
- Other holiday colors
bubble party idea #3- everyday wands
Why not experiment with things you already have around the house? Grab your favorite bubble solution and try using some unconventional bubble wands.
Here are some ideas:
- a slotted spoon
- fly swatter
- cut the wide end of a water bottle
- cookie cutters
- straw
- use a rubber band to form a bundle of straws
- a funnel
Don't forget to grab your Bubble Fun Guide if you haven't already. It's waiting for you in the Mindfulness Library.
So, go ahead and have some summertime, bubble fun. And, don’t forget to send me some pics.
~ Dawn
