Fun & Fizzy: How to Make Simple Fizzy Potions at Home
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Looking for a fun, educational, and mess-free (well, mostly!) activity to do with your children? Making fizzy potions at home is a fantastic way to blend science, creativity, and play. These simple recipes use everyday household items.
If you’d prefer me to make a potion kit for you (that won’t smell of vinegar) check out my Potion Kits HERE.
These DIY recipes are safe, budget-friendly, and perfect for children of all ages.
Why Fizzy Potions Are a Hit with Children
Fizzy potions combine the thrill of a chemical reaction with the wonder of imaginative play. The bubbling and fizzing captivate children while teaching them basic science concepts like acids and bases. Whether it’s a rainy day or a birthday party, these potions are a surefire way to keep little witches and wizards entertained.
Also check out my blog post The Benefits of Potion Play.
Here are 2 easy potion recipes you can make today!
POTION 1: Classic Bicarbonate of Soda & Vinegar Volcano
Ingredients:
• ½ cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons bicarbonate of soda (baking soda in the USA)
• Food colouring (optional, for a magical touch)
• A small container or cup
• A tray or plate (to catch the fizz)
Instructions:
1. Place the container on the tray to contain spills.
2. Add a few drops of food colouring to the vinegar for a colourful eruption.
3. Pour the vinegar into the container.
4. Add the baking soda and watch the potion fizz and bubble like a volcano!
5. Pro Tip: Let kids decorate the container like a wizard’s cauldron with stickers or paint for extra fun.
Why It Works: The vinegar (an acid) reacts with the bicarbonate of soda/baking soda (a base) to release carbon dioxide gas, creating the fizzy effect. It’s a mini science lesson disguised as play!
POTION 2: Sparkling Citrus Potion
Ingredients:
• ½ cup lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
• 1 tablespoon bicarbonate of soda/baking soda
• 1 teaspoon washing-up liquid/dish soap (for extra bubbles)
• Glitter (optional, for sparkle)
• A tall glass or jar
Instructions:
1. Pour the lemon juice into the glass.
2. Add a few drops of dish soap and a pinch of glitter for a magical shimmer.
3. Slowly stir in the bicarbonate of soda/baking soda and watch the potion foam up with sparkly bubbles.
4. Pro Tip: Have kids name their potion (e.g., “Dragon’s Breath”) and create a backstory for it!
Why It Works: Lemon juice’s citric acid reacts with baking soda, and the washing-up liquid traps the gas to create longer-lasting foam. Glitter adds a fun, magical vibe without affecting the reaction.
Safety Tips for Parents
• Always supervise children, especially when handling ingredients
• Use food-safe ingredients to avoid skin irritation.
• Keep potions away from eyes and mouths, and wash hands after playing.
• Place a tray or towel under your workspace for easy cleanup.
Make It Extra Magical
• Themed Props: Give children wands, capes, or potion bottles to enhance the role-play.
• Storytelling: Encourage children to invent a potion’s purpose (e.g., “Invisibility Elixir” or “Giggle Juice”).
• Science Talk: Explain the reactions in simple terms to spark curiosity about chemistry.
Why Parents Love This Activity
Fizzy potions are affordable, quick to set up, and endlessly customisable. They encourage creativity, teach basic science, and provide a screen-free activity that children adore. Plus, you likely have most ingredients in your kitchen cupboards already!
Ready to get started? Gather your supplies and let the potion-making begin!
Want the magic but not the hassle?
Let me do the work for you! At Cherry Bumbles we have lots themed Potion Kits to choose from: Rainbow, Space, Mermaid, Dinosaur themes and more! Our Potion Kits include safe, vibrant, scented potion ingredients that fizz, foam, bubble and shimmer! All you need to do is add water (no vinegar needed with our Potion Kits, the magic is activated by water).
Whether you make your own or use our ready-made Potion Play Kits, we'd love to see your bubbling brews! Share your fizzy creations with us on social media @cherry.bumbles