Go Back

DIY Bouncy Balls

Remember those super fun, brightly colored bouncy balls you could get from vending machines? There's something so satisfying about watching them zip around, isn't there? Well, get ready to relive that childhood joy because today, we're making our own DIY Bouncy Balls right in our kitchens! This recipe is ridiculously easy, uses common household items, and the result is pure, bouncy fun. You can make them in all sorts of colors and even give them as little homemade gifts. Seriously, your friends and family will be amazed you made these yourself!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 6 balls
Course: Craft, Kids
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bouncy Balls
  • 1 tablespoon white school glue (PVA glue)
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/2 teaspoon borax powder
  • 1/2 cup warm water
Optional Additions
  • 1-2 drops food coloring for color
  • pinch fine glitter for sparkle
  • glow-in-the-dark paint or powder optional

Equipment

  • Small bowl
  • Another Bowl

Method
 

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the white school glue and 1 tablespoon of water. Give it a good stir until everything is nice and blended. This is our base!
  2. Step 2: Grab another bowl and pour in the 1/2 cup of warm water. Sprinkle in the borax powder and stir until it’s completely dissolved. It might look cloudy at first, but keep stirring!
  3. Step 3: Now for the magic! Slowly pour the borax solution into the glue mixture, stirring continuously. You'll start to see it thicken up almost immediately and form a blob. It’s like science in action!
  4. Step 4: Once the mixture starts to clump together, carefully scoop it out and start kneading it with your hands. It might be a little sticky at first, but keep working it until it’s smooth and feels like a proper bouncy ball. Make sure all the ingredients are well incorporated for the best bounce.
  5. Step 5: Let your newly formed bouncy ball sit for a few minutes to dry out a little. This helps it achieve maximum bounciness. Then, it’s ready for playtime!

Notes

Want to jazz up your bouncy balls? Here are some ideas: Color Power: Add a drop or two of food coloring to the glue mixture (step 1) before adding the borax solution for vibrant colors. Glitterific Fun: Toss in some fine glitter with the glue mixture for extra sparkle! I love doing this for holiday-themed balls. Multiple Balls: You can easily double or triple the recipe to make a whole batch of different colored bouncy balls. Glow-in-the-Dark: For an extra special treat, try adding a touch of glow-in-the-dark paint or powder to the glue mixture. Check out this awesome DIY Glow in the Dark Bouncy Balls Slime Craft for more inspiration!
A few pointers to make sure your bouncy balls are perfectly bouncy: Don't Over-Knead: While kneading helps incorporate everything, over-kneading can make the ball tough and less bouncy. Aim for smooth and pliable. Measure Carefully: The ratios of ingredients are important for the best texture. Stick to the measurements for your first try. Adult Supervision: While this is a fun craft for kids, borax should be handled with adult supervision. Prep Ahead: You can mix the glue and water (step 1) and the borax solution (step 2) ahead of time. Just keep them separate until you’re ready to combine them for maximum fun!
These bouncy balls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to store them, just keep them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. They might lose a little bit of their bounce over time, but they'll still be fun to play with! I find they last a good week or two if kept sealed.