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 on 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!
More Fun Ideas
- Printable Summer Bucket List
- Printable Summer Scavenger Hunts
- Recycled Plastic Bottle Wind Spinner
- Friendship Bracelets
- Sponge Toss Water Game
I love to create and share my projects with you! I know it’s hard to remember to come back and search, so I’ve made it easy for you with my weekly newsletter! You can subscribe for free and I’ll send you fun crafts and delicious recipes every week right to your email.
Glow in the Dark Bowling with Water Bottles
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.
- How to Make a Pom Pom - January 20, 2026
- Foam Cup Snowmen - January 16, 2026
- Great Big Button Tree Art - January 14, 2026
carol says
great choice using for my childcare thanks
Adrian says
Does the ball glow and if so , what did you use to make it glow?
Amanda Formaro says
That was a glow in the dark ball that you place under light for a few minutes to activate it. Here’s one that would work! https://amzn.to/2OwKxas
Katrina Cullom says
I seen no instructions as to how to make the glow in the dark water bottles nor what you used for the bowling ball.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Katrina. The post has been updated and you should be able to see everything now :)
Deanna says
Hello! I’m going to do this for a company event. I’m not crafty. This looks easy. Want to make sure I buy the right glow product to put in the water. Thanks in advance!
Amanda Formaro says
Any glue sticks are fine! Walmart, dollar store, etc.
Jj says
What ball are you using to tip over these water bottles?
Amanda Formaro says
We’ve used a soccer ball and a dodgeball, but a basketball would work well too!
Tammy Elrod says
Love this idea. Can’t wait to play.
Amanda Formaro says
Totally fun for summer or an indoor birthday party!
Rohit Bhal says
Great one,, I really enjoyed. keep it up
Adam Singer says
Absolutely love this idea. My kids are 4 and 6 and I can’t wait to try it out with them. With your permission, I would like to include this image and a link to your website in a blog post on a client’s website (http://Tidewaterusa.com). If you are uncomfortable for any reason, I am happy to take it down.
All the best,
Adam
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Adam. That would be fine as long as you are linking directly to this post. Thanks so much for sharing!
MYT CR8TiV says
If you carefully cut open to glowsticks and pour the liquid into the water it will glow brighter and you can keep it glowing afterwards by placing the water bottles into the freezer. It will last a couple days.
emii says
How cool is that!! Am planning a sleepover for my dgts & friends and this would be one of the PERFECT activities to do! Thanks for not making me rack my brain cells too hard! ;-D And BIG congrats on your work with Kix!!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Emil! Hope they have fun!
Jodi says
WOW Amanda! Totally awesome!! And what fun this is! Congratulations!!!
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Jodi!