Learn how to make a homemade Bath Bomb! This recipe for DIY Bath Bombs is luxurious, fragrant and super easy to make. There are instructions on how to include a trinket or small toy inside them, too. Kids will love making these and using them at bathtime.

Bath bombs displayed on a stand and table.

Move aside rubber duckies — bath time just got way more fun with these super cool DIY bath bombs for kids! What isn’t fun about a fizzy bath ball that changes the color of the bath water AND has a fun surprise inside? This fun recipe is a great way to have arts and craft time with a final product that can be used later on! It’s like a science experiment, craft, and helpful tool all-in-one.

Bath bombs really are so much fun, but they can be kind of expensive to purchase. However, learning how to make your own bath bombs is much more cost efficient and way cooler anyway! We love science experiment activities. From making homemade rock candy to fluffy slime, to these fizzy bath bombs, there’s no shortage of cool science activities around here. But these bath bombs have proven to be the most useful! There’s no more arguments about taking a bath when a cool bath bomb is in the picture. And in every parent’s mind, that is a win!

Make one for yourself too! I’m sure you can use a little relaxation in your life. Just think: a nice relaxing bath with one of these easy homemade bath bombs!

Why You’ll Love DIY Bath Bombs

These are the perfect way to appease the kiddos who don’t like bath-time. If they can help make something fun for their bath time, they may be much more excited!
You can make your own DIY bath bombs for kids in less than a half hour. Just let them set for 24 hours and then they’re ready to go. Makes a great homemade Christmas present!
This recipe to learn how to make bath bombs for kids is so easy to follow. It may seem difficult to make these bath fizzies, but it’s actually quite simple!

Overhead Image of the DIY Bath Bombs Supplies

Ingredients for Homemade Bath Bombs

Baking soda – Baking soda is one of the ingredients that will help to create the fizz of each bath bomb.
Citric acid – Citric acid will react with baking soda to make the bath bombs perfectly fizzy and bubbly!
Bath bomb molds – There are many different types of molds that you can use. Silicone, metal, plastic, etc. Just choose whatever you can easily find, they’ll all work!
Cornstarch – Cornstarch will act as a binder for all of the ingredients to come together in a moldable form.
Epsom salt – Epsom salt is fantastic for baths. It helps to relax the body and soothe skin.
Water – You’ll need just a little bit of water to help the food coloring mix into the bath bomb ingredients.
Coconut oil – Coconut oil is a great way to add moisture to the dry ingredients without causing them to fizz.
Food coloring – Use whatever colors that you want! Any will do.
Small toys – Little toys like plastic duckies, fake rings, fake coins, and other fun small objects are the perfect “treasure” to hide in a bath bomb. This is optional, but it’s really fun to do.

Helpful Tools

How to Make Homemade Bath Bombs for Kids

Choose some small waterproof toys or trinkets, wash them well and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch and Epsom salt. Whisk well to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly combined and there are no clumps.

In a separate bowl, mix together melted coconut oil, water and a few drops of the food coloring that you want to use.

Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring continuously. Be careful not to stir too quickly or the mixture will begin fizzing.

Once mixed, the bath bomb mixture should have a crumbly texture that holds together when squeezed. If you find that it is too dry, slowly add a bit more water.

Combine the baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch and epsom salt in a large bowl. Mix together, make sure there are no lumps.

Mix the coconut oil and water together. add a few drops of food coloring if you'd like.

Scoop a heaping amount of the mixture into one of the bath bomb molds. Add a small toy in the center, ensuring it does not touch the outside of the molds. Top with more of the mixture.

Fill the other half of the mold and then squeeze the two sides firmly together to pack the bath bomb down.

Gently remove the DIY bath bombs from the molds and place them on a flat surface to set for at least 24 hours.

When they are ready to be used, drop a bath bomb into a warm bath and watch the fizzy fun!

Place a spoon full of the mixture in the molds.

Add a toy or trinket into one side of the mold.

How to Store DIY Bath Bombs

The great thing about bath bombs is that they have a long shelf life when stored properly. Place them into an airtight container and store for up to 6 months in a cool, dry place. You can store them in plastic bags if you prefer, but they may not last as long.

Can I make this homemade bath bomb recipe without a mold?

Yes, you can still make bath bombs without a mold! The mold really does give the best results, but if you are in a pinch, you can use a silicone ice cube tray, measuring cups, cookie cutters or even make shapes with your hands! A silicone muffin pan or baking cups will work really well, too.

Can I add scent to my homemade bath bombs?

Easily add scent to these fizzy creations with a few drops of an essential oil of your choice. Lavender, eucalyptus, orange, vanilla, peppermint and chamomile are always favorite scents, but you can use anything that you want!

Why is my bath bomb not fizzing?

If you end up having a few duds and the homemade bath bombs aren’t fizzing, you may not have used enough citric acid. Try making a new batch and ensure that you measure each ingredient properly so that the correct chemical reaction can occur to make the fizz.

It is also possible that you’ve just stored it away for too long! If you notice the color starting to fade away, it is likely that the bath bomb is a little bit old and it probably won’t fizz much anymore. I recommend using your homemade bath bombs within 6 months.

Pro Tips for the Best DIY Bath Bombs for Kids

Have fun making tons of different colors! You can divide the dry mixture into different bowls once it’s mixed together and then make different colored bath boombs. Then you can use two colors on one bath bomb, or make multiple different ones in a variety of fun colors.
Make sure that you allow these homemade creations to set well before using. After carefully removing them from the molds, allow to set for a minimum of 24 hours before using.
These bath bombs are perfect gifts! Wrap individually in cellophane bags, or you can wrap the tightly in plastic wrap and place in a pretty drawstring bag.

DIY bath bombs for kids are a blast to make, and even more fun to use! Here’s to successful and fun bath times everywhere!

More Science Activities You’ll Love!

Learn How to Make Oobleck for the most slimy and goopy fun. A blast of an activity!
This Ice Painting is a really easy science experiment and craft in one for younger kids.
Homemade Slime is way better than the store-bought stuff and is so cool to make!
While Cloud Dough isn’t exactly of a science experiment, it is still really cool to make and watch how the ingredients form such a fluffy toy to play with.

Homemade Bath Bombs

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 1

Total Time: 1 5

Ingredients

Bath bomb molds
1 cup baking soda
½ cup citric acid
½ cup corn starch
½ cup Epsom salt
2 Tablespoons coconut oil melted
1 Tablespoon water
Food coloring optional
Small toys or trinkets make sure they are waterproof and safe for the bath

Instructions

Choose small toys or trinkets that are waterproof and safe for the bath. Wash and dry the toys thoroughly. Set aside.
Combine the baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, and Epsom salt in a large bowl. Mix the dry ingredients well, ensuring there are no lumps.
Mix the melted coconut oil, water, and a few drops of food coloring, if desired, in a separate small bowl.
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously. Be careful not to add too much liquid at once to avoid premature fizzing.
Take a small amount of the mixture and squeeze it in your hand. It should stick together without crumbling. If it is too dry, add a little more water.
Place a heaping amount of the mixture into the bath bomb mold.
Add a small toy or trinket in the center, ensuring it’s centered and doesn’t touch the sides of the mold. Top the mold with more of the mixture. Fill the other side of the mold with another heaping amount of the mix. Squeeze the 2 molds together firmly to pack the bath bomb.
Gently remove the bombs from the molds and place them on a flat surface to dry for at least 24 hours.
Drop one of your DIY bath bombs into a warm bath and watch it fizz. The surprise toy inside will make bath time even more enjoyable for the kids!