This week's fun activity...
Frozen Bubbles
Blowing bubbles in the Winter is a chance to put a fun spin
on a “warm-weather” activity.

It’s perhaps even more fun because the cold weather means we can try freezing
our bubbles as they fall!

Frozen soap bubbles look like snow globes while they freeze and there’s some incredible science happening when they do. In a bubble, there's a thin layer of water sandwiched between layers of soap – the water freezes before the soap does!

Once ice starts forming at the bottom of the bubble, tiny ice crystals move around in the water layer and help freeze the entire surface!
Materials:
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 3 Tablespoons Dish Soap
  • 3 Tablespoons Corn Syrup
  • 2 Tablespoons Sugar
  • Bowl or Cup
  • Large Straw or Bubble Wand
Step 1 - Bubble Solution

Add one cup warm water to a bowl or cup.

Mix in three tablespoons of corn syrup and two tablespoons of sugar until the mixture is clear. 

The corn syrup and sugar will provide strength to the bubble as well as help it freeze slightly faster. 

Once that is mixed, gently mix in three tablespoons of dish soap. Do not stir vigorously, as you do not want to create any bubbles or foam yet!
Step 2 – Stuff

Place your bubble solution in the refrigerator or freezer
for about 20 to 30 minutes.

If the mixture starts out at cooler temperature it helps the
formed bubbles to freeze!
Step 3 - Bubble Tool

Find a large straw or a bubble wand
to make bubbles. 

You can also make a quick bubble wand by twisting a pipe cleaner into a small circle – you can also simply use plain wire as well.

Smaller bubbles will work better to freeze, but try experimenting with larger bubbles for fun!
Step 4 – Make Bubbles

When the temperature is below freezing (32oF) head outside to make bubbles! Dip your bubble wand into the chilled bubble solution and gently blow bubbles.

In the cold air, quite a few of your bubbles may pop right away, but don’t get discouraged! 

Keep trying, some will freeze as they fall, otherwise try blowing a bubble and placing it directly on a surface. Frozen bubbles will eventually pop as they freeze, but they’re beautiful while they last!  
Step 5 – Tips

  • The colder the weather, the better for frozen bubbles. Below zero temperatures will really help bubbles freeze!

  • Doing this activity in the morning or early evening may help because that’s when the daily temperatures are usually coldest.

  • Calm air is essential. Wind, even a slight breeze, will cause the bubbles to pop. Try finding a sheltered spot outside to protect your bubbles.

  • Try using a wand instead of a straw – the warm air from your lungs when blowing a bubble makes it more likely the bubble will pop faster. Using the natural cold air through the wand may help it last slightly longer.

  • To get them to freeze mid-air – you need COLD air (below zero!) and blow them high in the air to give enough time as they fall to freeze.

  • Patience! It may take many tries to get a bubble to freeze – but once you finally get one you’ll want get more!
2021 Fun Learning with FBBG!
CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND SCHOOL GROUPS

Sign up for a walk and take home kit as a group (up to 10 people).

Each class is limited to 10 participants
  • Thursday or Friday options
  • 10 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
  • $50 per group
  • Includes take home activity
  • Masks & social distancing required

January - Winter Trees
February - Animal Tracking
March - Soil and Geology
April - Bird Migration
May - Flowers and Pollination
ADULT EDUCATION
Walks and Drive Through Options

January
Winter Tree Identification
Garden Walk
Wed., Jan. 27, 12-2pm - $5

February
Stepping Stone Make-at-home Kit
$25/member, $30/public

March
Terrarium Make-at-home Kit
$25/member, $20 public

April
How to Attract & Feed Migrating Birds Garden Walk
Wed., April 21, 12-2pm - $5

May
Fairy Garden
Make-at-home Kit - $20
TAKE-HOME KIT PICK UP TIMES ON OUR WEBSITE

MASKS & SOCIAL DISTANCING REQUIRED

Registration/information for
all walks and drive through kits here,
or by calling 414-525-5653 or 414-525-5659
FBBG Memberships:
Great All Year Round!

All FBBG members receive:

  • Unlimited access to the Gardens
  • A 10% discount in Nell's Garden Cafe'
  • Discounts on FBBG classes, special events and in our Gift Shop on select stock items.
  • Free admission to over 300 AHS gardens nationwide... Including Chicago Botanic, Arizona's Desert Botanical Garden, Illinois' Morton Arboretum and the Florida Botanical Gardens!
  • FBBG's In Season Newsletter
  • Membership Appreciation Event...and more!


MEMBER LEVELS:
Individual
$35 One Membership Admission Card & (1) One-time Guest Pass
Individual +1
$50 Two Membership Admission Cards & (2) One-time Guest Passes
Family
$65 Two Membership Admission Cards - Good for two adults and three children under 17 & (3) One-time Guest Passes
Donor level memberships are also available starting at $100. For more information, please call the FBBG office at 414-525-5653.


BOERNER BOTANICAL GARDENS UPDATE
The Gardens are now closed for the season.

The Education and Visitor Center is open.
Hours are 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
MASKS ARE REQUIRED!

Gift Shop Opening to be announced.

Be sure to watch for announcements on fun learning activities for all ages, and for updates on our classes and programs,
hosted by FBBG - all year - indoors and out!
Please continue to watch for our weekly activities... 
fun learning for ALL ages!