Bubble snakes are one of those magic activities that look impressive but cost almost nothing to make. With a puff of air you can send a long, wobbly snake of foamy bubbles tumbling out of a bottle, and children are completely captivated by it. It is perfect for the garden on a warm day.
The bubble snake machine could not be simpler. Cut the bottom off an empty plastic bottle, then stretch an old sock over the cut end and hold it in place. A bottle with a sports cap works especially well, as it gives your child something clear to blow through. Pour a little bubble mixture into a shallow bowl, dip the sock end in, and you are ready to go.
It is hard to believe such a quick little machine can work, but one gentle puff of air through the bottle is all it takes. The air pushes through the soapy sock and a long snake of tiny bubbles streams out of the other end. Blowing steadily rather than hard makes the longest snakes, which is a lovely bit of breath control for little ones to practice.
Once the bubbles start flowing, the fun really begins. Children love watching the snake grow longer and longer, catching the foam, popping the bubbles, and racing to make the biggest snake. A drop of food coloring on the sock adds a splash of color to the bubbles if you want to take it a step further.
What you need
- An empty plastic bottle, ideally with a sports cap
- An old sock
- A little bubble mixture in a shallow bowl
- An elastic band to hold the sock, if needed
This works well for toddlers and preschoolers, roughly ages 2 to 5, and it is best done outside where the bubbles can go everywhere. For more messy play fun, take a look at this paint splat, and for a quieter session these summer coloring pages are lovely too.