Some of my kids’ favorite books, toys, and clothing choices all have something in common; they glow in the dark. Glow in the dark stars- we have ’em! We even have a glow in the dark party every 4th of July!
We are fascinated by the science of things that glow in the dark. How does glow in the dark stuff work? Why does light affect the glowing property? What a perfect way to brainstorm and form a hypothesis!
Glow in the Dark
Looking for some fun glow-in-the-dark activities for preschoolers?
Check out these 10+ fun glow in the dark activities ideas for kids!
Fun Glow-in-the-Dark Slime
Glow in the dark stem activities
Turn off the lights and check out that neon glow!
Slime is already a hit with kiddos. Add in some glow activator and you have a neon party that can stimulate the senses and get young children excited about science experiments.
Recommended Grade Level:
Glow in the Dark Slime Supplies:
- 1 (5oz.) bottle of glow in the dark glue
- ½ tbsp. Baking soda
- 1 tbsp. Contact solution
- Glow in the dark stars
- Mixing bowl
- Mixing spoon
- Plastic mat
Homemade Glow-in-the-Dark Paint
fun activities for kids!
Glowing Acrylic Paint!
Create a masterpiece that’s visible when the lights are on and off. Glow in the dark products are fascinating for all ages and can inspire little scientists everywhere to dive into some STEM activities!
Recommended Grade Level:
Glow in the Dark Slime Supplies:
- Small mason jars or other containers for mixing
- Craft sticks for stirring
- Paper for painting (other options are endless: paper plates, cardboard, wood, beads, ceramic tiles, etc.)
- Acrylic paints or water-based paints, 3-4 teaspoons each per color desired
- Phosphorescent glow powder, 1-2 teaspoons each per color desired
Glow-in-the-Dark Lava Lamp
light up the night!
When the sun starts to set and the children aren’t ready for bed yet, help them create a fun glow in the dark lava lamp.
This activity is a great way to incorporate science, senses, and math!
Recommended Grade Level:
Glow in the Dark Lava Lamp Supplies:
- Glass beakers
- Vitamin B-12 powder
- Black light
- Vegetable oil
- Alka-Seltzer tablets
More Easy Glow in the Dark Activities for Kids
Glow in the Dark Neon Rice
Growingajeweledrose.com has such an easy and fun way to create neon glowing rice. The rainbow colors can be activated with a black light and provide tons of sensory play!
Nighttime Sensory Bin
Funlearningforkids.com created a nighttime sensory bin that glows and reinforces letters and literacy. What a great way to heighten senses and practice the alphabet.
Glow in the Dark Building Activity
Innerchildfun.com has a boredom buster that is simple and fun for all ages. This STEM activity uses cardboard tubes (paper towel and toilet paper) along with glow sticks.
Glow in the Dark Bath Bomb
Steampoweredfamily.com provides a fun science experiment that also doubles as a bath bomb with a fun surprise inside!
Glow in the Dark Bowling Game
Passionforsavings.com came up with a glow in the dark bowling game that can be perfect for a glow party in the classroom or paired game between friends.
Glow in the Dark Learning Activities
Kinderbrations.com has multiple learning activities that incorporate glow in the dark objects. From writing sight words with glow sticks to write the room with black lights, you are sure to find the perfect learning activities for your little ones.
Glow in the Dark Bubbles
Growingajeweledrose.com shares a fun way to create glow in the dark bubbles. The materials are minimal but the fun that could be had outside with glowing bubbles is contagious!
Glow in the Dark Galaxy Jar
Momdot.com has a universe glow jar that is super simple to make with glow in the dark fabric paint. Fun to make and this could make a beautiful night light in a child’s room.
Glow in the Dark Bouncy Balls
The website Growingajeweledrose.com has a homemade recipe to make glow in the dark bouncy balls. Not only are you looking at the science of how glow in the dark works, but also how to make something bounce!
Glow in the Dark Sensory Bottle
Another great opportunity to include literacy and science is the glow in the dark sensory bottle by Whereimaginationgrows.com. Children can use this activity as an I Spy game to reinforce letter recognition.