Maker Monday: Kids can make their own glow-in-the-dark balloons

Though the nights are getting chillier, Halloween season is a perfect time for some glow-in-the-dark outdoor fun. Kids can follow these easy instructions to make their own glow-in-the-dark balloons, which they can play with indoors or out, use to create glowing Halloween decorations, or even use as a bedside night light.

These glow-in-the-dark balloons are easy to make by following the instructions below.

As with all Maker Monday projects, kids can do this with items you may have around the house or can pick up at a dollar store. Just follow the step-by-step instructions below. (A note to kid makers: Please work with a parent or caregiver on Maker Monday projects. Though this project doesn’t involve any tools, it’s always good to have grownups make sure you’re working safely.) 

Maker Monday materials:

• regular (not mylar) balloons
• glow bracelets
• optional: string or ribbon for hanging up balloons as decorations

STEP 1: Choose three glow bracelets and snap each one along the entire length to activate, then shake.

STEP 2: One at a time, fold a bracelet in half lengthwise and slide it into a ballon. (We used three bracelets for each balloon, but you can see what you prefer.)

STEP 3: Once the bracelets are inside the balloon, blow it up and tie it off. Your glow-in-the-dark balloon is ready for showtime! You can hang it from a piece of string or ribbon as a decoration indoors or out, or play with it outside in the dark or in a room with the lights turned off or down low.

Want more at-home fun creating cool (and delicious!) stuff and making beautiful things? Check out more Maker Monday projects right here. Do you have an idea for a Maker Monday craft project? If so, please share it with Kidsburgh! Send your maker activity ideas to info@kidsburgh.org.