Looking for a fun summer game the kids can play while you sit around the fire pit? Make this easy set of glow in the dark water bottle bowling pins with glow sticks!
Why this project is a hit
Glow in the dark water bottle bowling is a great activity for kids, but the grown-ups will love joining in the fun as well. While there are plenty of fun DIY games like sponge toss water game and scavenger hunts to do during the day, it can be hard to find things to keep the kids busy once the sun goes down.
We love bringing this game with us when we go camping because it’s portable and reusable, just be sure to bring a fresh batch of glow sticks for the following night!
Craft supplies you will need
Aside from some plastic water bottles and glow sticks, you’ll need a good sturdy ball, like a soccer ball, to bowl down your glow-in-the-dark pins. You can find glow sticks in the party aisle at discount department stores, or check your local dollar store.
Helpful Project Information:
- Age Level: 4 and up
- Mess Factor: Low (water)
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Time to Complete: 5-10 minutes
- Cost Estimate: Less than $15.00
How to Make Your Own Glow in the Dark Bowling Game
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this project. Please scroll down to simply print out the instructions!
- Remove any labels from your water bottles. If the bottles are empty, fill them with tap water to 3/4 full.
- Crack the glow sticks to activate them (according to package directions) and drop one glow stick in each bottle.
- Replace the lid on the bottle securely.
- Line bottles up like bowling pins. The back row should have 4 pins, the next row will have 3, next 2, and finally 1 at the front.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- To keep the game fair, especially if you have a range of ages playing, set a distance for each age group. Smaller children are allowed to stand closer to the pins while older kids that need more of a challenge should stand farther back.
- If water bottles are new and still contain water, pour out a little off the top to allow some room for the glow stick you’ll be adding.
- No need to reserve this glowing game for summer, it’s great for indoor fun as well. Are you hosting a slumber party or having a few friends over to spend the night? Turn off all the lights and enjoy a game of indoor bowling!
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Glow in the Dark Bowling with Water Bottles
Great for slumber parties, camping, or any indoor or outdoor activity, glow in the dark bowling is fun for kids and adults alike!
Supplies
- 10 water bottles
- 10 glow sticks in a variety of colors
- Soccer ball or kickball
Instructions
-
Remove any labels from your water bottles. If water bottles are new and still contain water, pour out a little off the top to allow for the glow stick you’ll be adding.
-
Crack the glow sticks to activate them (according to package directions) and drop one glow stick in each bottle. Replace the lid on the bottle securely.
-
Line bottles up like bowling pins. The back row should have 4 pins, the next row will have 3, next 2, and finally 1 at the front.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- To keep the game fair, especially if you have a range of ages playing, set a distance for each age group. Smaller children are allowed to stand closer to the pins while older kids that need more of a challenge should stand farther back.
- If water bottles are new and still contain water, pour out a little off the top to allow for the glow stick you’ll be adding.
- No need to reserve this fun glowing game for summer, it’s great for indoor fun as well. Are you hosting a slumber party or having a few friends over to spend the night? Turn off all the lights and enjoy a fun game of indoor bowling!
I originally created this project for Kix Cereal in July of 2013.
