Glow In The Dark Slime: A Summer STEM Favorite for Kids

When summer hits, parents and teachers alike are often on the lookout for fun, hands-on activities that balance entertainment with education. If that sounds like you, this Glow In The Dark Slime activity checks every box. It’s low-mess, kid-approved, and secretly packed with STEM learning.

Whether you’re running a summer camp, planning an indoor afternoon activity for your child, or organizing a playdate with a purpose, this glowing slime recipe is a guaranteed hit. With just a few household ingredients and a little light charging, you’ll have a stretchy, gooey, glowing concoction that’s as fun to play with as it is to make.

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Supplies You’ll Need

½ cup clear glue
2–3 drops of yellow food coloring
2 teaspoons glow-in-the-dark paint (non-toxic, washable)
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon contact lens solution (must contain boric acid)
Mixing bowl
Spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

Tip: You can find glow-in-the-dark paint in most craft stores or online. Look for the kind that’s safe for kids and designed for crafts, not walls.

Directions

1. Set up your workspace
Gather all supplies and set up on a table or counter. Cover your surface with newspaper or a reusable craft mat to make cleanup even easier.

2. Combine glue and color
Pour ½ cup of clear glue into a mixing bowl. Add 2–3 drops of yellow food coloring and stir until evenly combined.

3. Add the glow
Stir in 2 teaspoons of glow-in-the-dark paint. Mix well to ensure the glow is distributed throughout the slime.

4. Mix in baking soda
Add ½ teaspoon of baking soda and stir. This helps give the slime structure.

5. Activate the slime
Add 1 tablespoon of contact lens solution and stir. As the slime begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl, you’ll see it take shape. If it still feels sticky, knead it with your hands until smooth and stretchy.

6. Charge the glow
Let the slime sit in direct sunlight or under a bright light for 10–15 minutes to “charge” the glow effect. Then, turn out the lights and watch it shine!

Why This Activity Is More Than Just Fun

Slime is an ideal sensory play material, and this glow-in-the-dark version takes it to the next level. It introduces kids to the basics of chemical reactions, light energy, and non-Newtonian fluids in a way that feels like play. It also supports:

Fine motor skill development through mixing and kneading
Problem-solving and critical thinking (What happens if it’s too sticky? How can we fix it?)
Science learning with a practical application of mixing ingredients and observing transformations
Calming sensory input, making it a great downtime or transition activity

This project is easy enough for preschoolers (with supervision) and engaging enough for elementary-aged kids. It works beautifully in small groups or one-on-one.

Book Pairings to Keep the Theme Going

Want to make it a full experience? Pair your slime-making with a themed storytime. Here are a few glow- or science-related books that go perfectly with this activity and require zero prep:

“Ada Twist, Scientist” by Andrea Beaty – A fantastic book about curiosity, experimentation, and discovery. Perfect for inspiring your little scientists.
“What Makes a Shadow?” by Clyde Robert Bulla – A simple, beautifully illustrated introduction to light and shadow.
“Night Light” by Nicholas Blechman – A counting book that explores glowing lights in everyday settings, from fireflies to headlights.
“Oscar and the Moth: A Book About Light and Dark” by Geoff Waring – A beginner-friendly science book that teaches about light sources and energy.

These books support literacy while reinforcing the themes of light, energy, and exploration. They’re especially great for teachers looking to tie the activity into a science or reading block.

No-Prep, Glow-Themed Extensions

If your kids are still energized after slime play, or you want to make it into a full activity session, here are a few no-prep ideas to build on the theme:

1. Glow Stick Hide-and-Seek
Hide glow sticks around a dark room or backyard and let kids hunt them down. A great energy-burner before bedtime.

2. Flashlight Tag (Indoor or Outdoor)
Use a flashlight to “tag” other players. This is a great way to get the wiggles out and encourage teamwork.

3. DIY Light Show
Turn on some soft music and let kids dance with glow sticks or flashlights in a darkened room. They can take turns being the “light conductor.”

4. Glowing Object Sort
Provide several glowing and non-glowing items and let kids sort them into groups. Talk about why some glow and others don’t.

All of these activities are mess-free and require little to no planning or cleanup.

Storage Tips

Store your glow slime in an airtight container or zip-lock bag. It should last for about a week, although you may need to knead it slightly after each use to bring it back to life. If it gets too sticky or stiff, toss it and make a fresh batch—half the fun is in the process.

Final Thoughts

This Glow In The Dark Slime isn’t just a trendy craft—it’s a sensory-rich, science-infused experience that’s perfect for summer learning and fun. Whether you’re a mom looking to fill an afternoon or a teacher planning a thematic unit or camp activity, this project offers a perfect balance of hands-on exploration and glowing excitement.

So grab your glue, charge up that paint, and get ready to glow!