Glow In The Dark Bathtime

Since my youngest was old enough to move, and kick his hands and feet, bath time has been his absolute, all-time favorite part of any day. As he’s aged and grown, this hasn’t changed a bit. Partly because of that, and because clean-up is easier, we do a lot of crafts and activities in the tub around bath time. A glow in the dark bath was definitely on my to-do list. This was a huge hit with the boy. So much so, that he built up an entire back story about how he was exploring in space and had found this plant on his rocket ship. It was a ‘blast’ (pun intended). Simple to do, easy to clean up, and provides endless, thought-provoking entertainment. My son’s ‘glowing’ reactions were confirmation enough that this activity was a total success.

Glow In The Dark Bath-time

• 1-2 yellow highlighters (I bought a 3-pack at the Dollar Tree)
• black light
• bathwater 

Directions

1. Break open the yellow highlighter, removing the cylinder ink pad. 
2. Soak the ink pad, or pads, in bath water for about an hour, or until the pad loses its color.
3. Note: You can dilute this A LOT and it will still glow; however, the more water you’re trying to color, the longer it may take the ink to disperse evenly throughout.
4. To activate the ‘glow’, aim your black light at wherever the water is located and turn it on.
5. Prepare to watch your children’s amazement!

Homemade Gak

How many others remember Nickelodeon, both their TV shows and their products, vividly from their childhood? Gak was one of my favorites. I vividly remember the ‘fart’ noises it made when squished, and the way my parents cringed at the thought. It stretched, it squished, it oozed. Remembering all the fun I had had as a child, I really enjoy bringing some of these toys back for my own kids to play with and enjoy today. Being a mother to 4 boys, I knew I couldn’t go wrong with any toy, or substance, that emits any noise slightly resembling flatulence. I found this recipe from Lil Luna. My boys, young and old, literally spent hours playing with the stretchy, gooey gelatinous substance. Even my teenager traded the iPod in for some good old-fashioned hands on fun with something ‘yuck’. I’m especially fond of any toys, activities, or crafts that get all four playing together. They actually cooperated, shared, and just got to enjoy each other’s company. Our first batch was yellow, but yours can be any color your heart desires. Mix and match your food coloring. Experiment, but most of all have fun!

Homemade Gak

• 2, 4 oz, bottles of Elmer’s Glue
• 1 tsp borax
• water
• food coloring

Directions

1. Empty both bottles of glue into a bowl. 
2. Fill bottles with warm water, recap, shake, and then empty into the bowl.
3. Add a few drops of food coloring. Stir and set aside.
4. To another bowl, add 1/2 cup of warm water. Add in the borax and stir until dissolved.
5. Pour the borax mixture into the glue bowl.
6. Begin by stirring with a spoon. Once it becomes super stringy, begin mixing and squishing by hand. It should be pretty gelatinous by this point.
7. Let the kids play with it for a few minutes and it will become the perfect gooey consistency.

Even better, when you’re done, your Gak can be stored for play at a later date.