Looking for an easy backyard activity? Learn how to make giant bubbles with dish soap using simple household items for hours of outdoor fun with kids.
Updated May 2026: This post has been refreshed with updated backyard play ideas, outdoor activity tips, and modern SEO optimization.
How To Make Giant Bubbles With Dish Soap
Some of the best childhood memories come from the simplest activities. And honestly? Giant bubbles are still magical no matter how old you are.
This easy bubble activity became one of our favorite backyard staycation ideas when my girls were little. All it took was dish soap, a few leftover bubble wands, and a sunny afternoon.
The result? Hours of outdoor fun, rainbow bubbles everywhere, and extremely happy kids.
At the time, we were looking for simple ways to entertain the girls at home without needing expensive toys or complicated activities. Backyard bubble play turned out to be one of the easiest and most fun ideas ever.
Why Giant Bubbles Are So Fun For Kids
Bubbles are one of those activities that somehow never get old.
Kids love:
- Running after them
- Popping them
- Watching rainbow colors form
- Creating giant bubbles
- Playing outside with water
And parents love that it keeps children entertained for a surprisingly long time.
Honestly, we ended up joining the fun ourselves because once you start blowing bubbles, your inner child immediately comes out.
How To Make Giant Bubbles
The process could not be easier.
What You Need
- Dish soap
- Shallow bowl or container
- Bubble wands
- Cookie cutters or kitchen tools with openings
- Sunny weather
How To Make Them
- Pour dish soap into a shallow bowl.
- Dip bubble wands or cookie cutters directly into the soap.
- Blow gently or wave through the air.
- Watch giant bubbles form instantly.
One thing we discovered quickly was that using the soap directly without adding water created much bigger and stronger bubbles.
The sunlight reflecting through the bubbles created beautiful rainbow colors that the girls absolutely loved.
Backyard Staycation Ideas For Kids
This activity became part of our favorite backyard staycation weekends.
If you are trying to keep kids entertained at home, here are a few simple backyard ideas:
- Bubble stations
- Water balloon games
- Sprinklers
- Outdoor movie nights
- Backyard camping
- Sidewalk chalk
- Obstacle courses
- Popsicle afternoons
Sometimes children do not need elaborate entertainment. They just need time outside to run, play, and make memories.
Water Play After Bubble Time
Once the bubble activity ended, the girls immediately turned the patio into a giant water play zone using the hose.
At that point, the backyard became slippery, soapy, chaotic, loud, and honestly… pretty hilarious.
Meanwhile, the patio somehow ended up cleaner than before, which felt like an unexpected parenting bonus.
Tips For Bubble Activities With Kids
- Use washable swimsuits or play clothes
- Apply sunscreen before outdoor play
- Play on grass or non-slippery surfaces
- Keep towels nearby
- Use shallow containers for younger kids
- Always supervise water activities
And yes, after two hours of bubbles and hose play, it absolutely counts as bath time.
Simple Activities Create The Best Memories
Years later, this remains one of my favorite “simple mom moments.”
No expensive outing. No complicated planning. Just sunshine, bubbles, laughter, and happy kids running barefoot outside.
Those are honestly the moments children remember most.
If you try this giant bubble activity with your kids, tag @LivingSweetMoments. I would love to see your backyard fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make bubbles with dish soap?
Yes. Dish soap works very well for homemade bubbles and giant bubble activities.
Do you need to add water to make bubbles?
For this activity, using the soap directly created larger and stronger bubbles.
What can kids use as bubble wands?
Cookie cutters, leftover bubble wands, kitchen tools, and even pipe cleaners can work.
What age is this activity good for?
This activity works well for toddlers, preschoolers, and older children with supervision.
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Love this ideas, lo happy kids and clean patio #score #client
Thank you Daily!!
Looks like so much fun! If I run out of bubbles I’ll have a quick and easy solution! Love this!
You should reconsider the picture of your daughter lying on the ground.
Great idea. Thanks for sharing!
You’re very welcome!