Super Bouncy Balls Recipe
If there’s a craft guaranteed to light up a kid’s eyes (and let’s be honest, most grownups’ eyes too), it’s making your very own Super Bouncy Balls. This wildly fun DIY project is a whirlwind of color and energy, mixing science, art, and a bit of delightful mess! You’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients to whip up bouncy balls that can be custom-colored and played with right away. Whether you’re chasing rainy day boredom or setting up a playful learning activity, Super Bouncy Balls promise pure hands-on entertainment you’ll want to repeat again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Borax Solution:
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon borax powder
Glue Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons white school glue (like Elmer’s)
- 2 drops food coloring (optional)
How to Make Super Bouncy Balls
Step 1: Dissolve the Borax
Start by pouring the warm water into a small cup and stirring in the borax powder until it’s completely dissolved. This creates a colorless solution that’s the magic ingredient for turning glue into something science-lab spectacular. Make sure it’s all the way mixed—no gritty powder left!
Step 2: Mix the Glue, Cornstarch, and Color
In a separate cup, squeeze in the white school glue and sprinkle in the cornstarch. If you want your Super Bouncy Balls to be colorful, add a couple of drops of your chosen food coloring right now. Stir this mixture thoroughly—it should look thick and even.
Step 3: Combine the Solutions and Let the Science Happen
Pour the clear borax solution into the cup with your glue mixture. Don’t stir it just yet! Let it sit for about 15 seconds; you’ll see some wiggly changes as the chemical reaction kicks in and things start to solidify. Pretty cool, right?
Step 4: Stir and Bring It Together
Now, give it a good stir. The mixture will thicken rapidly and start clumping toward the center. Scrape all that bouncy mass out of the cup—it will be sticky at first, but that’s what you want!
Step 5: Shape Your Bouncy Ball
Pick up the sticky blob and roll it between your palms. Keep rolling and pressing it into a ball shape—the more you work it, the smoother and firmer it gets. In just a minute or so, you’ll have a perfectly round, Super Bouncy Ball ready for action. Try bouncing it on a hard surface and watch it come to life!
How to Serve Super Bouncy Balls

Garnishes
You can jazz up your Super Bouncy Balls by rolling them in glitter, metallic powder, or even tiny confetti before they’re completely set. This adds extra sparkle and makes each ball one-of-a-kind—just be sure to shake off any loose bits before you start playing!
Side Dishes
Pair your bouncing creations with a lineup of other homemade crafts, like DIY slime or shrink art keychains. Hosting a playdate or party? A “make your own Super Bouncy Balls” station alongside a craft snack table keeps everyone entertained (and their creative engines running).
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your finished bouncy balls in a clear jar, bright gift bag, or tiny cupcake liners for a fun party favor setup. For a science-themed birthday, pop a Super Bouncy Ball into each goody bag with a colorful recipe card attached—instant hit! They also make a dazzling addition to classroom science displays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After all that fun, simply pop leftover Super Bouncy Balls into a sealed plastic bag or airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and keeps your creations bouncy for as long as possible—though, be warned, homemade versions do lose their spring the next day or so.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for Super Bouncy Balls; the materials can dry out or become brittle. For best results, enjoy them fresh and lively within the first day or two after making them.
Reheating
If your Super Bouncy Balls start to lose their bounce or feel stiff, there’s really no way to “reheat” or return them to their original state. It’s best to whip up a fresh batch—it just gives you another excuse to repeat the fun!
FAQs
Are Super Bouncy Balls safe to use?
They’re safe for older children and adults, but keep them far from curious mouths—these are not edible! Always supervise little ones and wash hands after playing, especially if you’ve rolled the balls on the floor or used glittery garnishes.
Can I make Super Bouncy Balls with clear glue instead of white?
Absolutely! Clear glue works beautifully, creating a more translucent, gem-like look. The bounce will be similar, but the finished color and clarity can be especially cool for customizing your creations.
What should I do if my bouncy ball is too sticky?
If your ball feels too sticky, keep rolling it between your palms—it often firms up with a little extra kneading. If it stays tacky, gently roll it in a pinch more cornstarch until smooth.
How many Super Bouncy Balls does this recipe make?
This simple recipe typically yields two bouncy balls just the right size for little hands (or for you to share with a friend). Scale up the ingredients for a whole batch if you want a rainbow’s worth!
Why did my bouncy ball go flat overnight?
Homemade Super Bouncy Balls are best played with right after making them. Over time, the materials can dry out or lose elasticity, causing the balls to flatten or stiffen. For bounciest results, enjoy them on day one!
Final Thoughts
Making your own Super Bouncy Balls is more than a craft—it’s a burst of creativity, curiosity, and laughter. I hope you try this recipe next time you need a quick dose of fun or a mesmerizing science experiment. Dive in, experiment with colors, and bounce away—the memories made just might outlast the balls themselves!
Print
Super Bouncy Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 bouncy balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make homemade super bouncy balls with this fun and easy craft recipe. These DIY bouncy balls are a perfect kids’ activity and provide hours of entertainment.
Ingredients
Borax Solution:
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon borax powder
Glue Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons white school glue (like Elmer’s)
- 2 drops food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Borax Solution: Stir warm water and borax in a small cup until fully dissolved.
- Mix Glue: In a separate cup, combine glue, cornstarch, and food coloring.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour borax solution into the glue mixture and stir.
- Form the Ball: Let it sit briefly, then hand-roll the mixture into a smooth ball.
- Enjoy: Bounce the ball on a hard surface and store in a sealed bag when not in use.
Notes
- These bouncy balls are for play and not for consumption.
- Best used immediately for optimal bounciness.
- Experiment with different food coloring for a variety of colorful balls.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Craft, DIY Kids Activity
- Method: Mixing, Hand-Rolling
- Cuisine: Not Applicable
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Ball
- Calories: Not Applicable
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg