Make Frozen Bubbles with Frost Patterns

Frost patterns form on bubbles you freeze outdoors.
Frost patterns form on bubbles you freeze outdoors. 10kPhotography, Getty Images
By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Updated on October 01, 2018

Is it really cold outside? If so, it's the perfect time to go outdoors and blow bubbles! All you need is bubble solution, a bubble wand, and really cold (well-below freezing) temperatures. It helps if you blow the bubbles close to a cold surface, so they don't freeze in the air and break upon landing. You can catch bubbles on mittens/gloves or on snow or ice. A frost pattern forms on the bubble surface. The bubbles will eventually pop, but with a bit of practice you should be able to pick them up and examine them first.

Close-Up Of Frozen Bubble Outdoors During Winter
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Make Frozen Bubbles
By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

Any bubble solution will work. You can make your own detergent and water solution or make stronger bubbles using glycerin or corn syrup.

If you don't have seriously cold winter, your other option is to blow bubbles over dry ice.

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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Make Frozen Bubbles with Frost Patterns." ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/frozen-bubbles-with-frost-patterns-603928. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2023, April 5). Make Frozen Bubbles with Frost Patterns. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/frozen-bubbles-with-frost-patterns-603928 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Make Frozen Bubbles with Frost Patterns." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/frozen-bubbles-with-frost-patterns-603928 (accessed April 19, 2024).