Make Slime With Your Friend!
Make colorful, stretchy slime with a friend using school glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution; measure, mix, and test textures with adult supervision.
About this activity
Make colorful, stretchy slime with a friend using school glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution; measure, mix, and test textures with adult supervision.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap and water.
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Step 2
Put a disposable mat or paper towel on a flat table.
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Step 3
Pour 1/2 cup of school glue into the mixing bowl.
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Step 4
Add 3 drops of food coloring to the glue.
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Step 5
Stir the glue and coloring with the spoon until the color is even.
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Step 6
Measure and add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda to the bowl.
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Step 7
Stir the baking soda into the glue until it is fully mixed.
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Step 8
Add 1 tablespoon contact lens solution to the bowl.
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Step 9
Stir the mixture for 30 to 60 seconds until it starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
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Step 10
Remove the slimy blob and knead it with clean hands for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes stretchy.
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Step 11
Play and test the slime stretch and stickiness with your friend.
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Step 12
If the slime is too sticky ask an adult to add 1/4 teaspoon contact lens solution and then knead it; if the slime is too firm ask an adult to add a pinch of baking soda and then knead it.
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Step 13
Share your finished colorful stretchy slime and a picture of your creation on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do you make slime with a friend?
Work together: each person measures 1/2 cup school glue into a bowl, add a pinch (1/4 tsp) baking soda, then stir. Add a few drops of food coloring and mix. Slowly add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon contact lens solution while stirring until the mixture starts to pull away from the bowl. Knead with clean hands until stretchy. Test textures and add tiny extra glue or solution to adjust. Always have an adult supervise and dry surfaces after playing.
What materials do I need to make slime?
You’ll need white school glue (PVA), baking soda, and contact lens solution that contains boric acid or borate. Also prepare small mixing bowls, measuring spoons, a stir stick or spatula, food coloring or washable paint, optional glitter or foam beads, paper towels, and sealed containers or zip-top bags for storage. Keep a sink nearby for handwashing and have an adult present to handle measurements and cleanup.
What ages is making slime suitable for?
Slime making is best for children about 6 years and older with adult supervision. Younger kids (4–5) can join if an adult measures and handles the chemicals, while toddlers should not take part because slime can be a choking hazard or might be put in the mouth. Adjust complexity—simple, supervised mixing for younger kids; independent measuring and experimenting for older children and teens.
What safety tips should I follow when making slime?
Always supervise and keep slime away from eyes and mouth. Use only contact lens solution labeled as safe for this recipe, and avoid borax powder unless you know the correct dilution. Wear gloves if skin is sensitive, wash hands after play, and keep ingredients out of reach of pets and very young children. Store finished slime in sealed containers and discard if it smells odd or becomes moldy. Clean surfaces and clothing promptly.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we can't find contact lens solution?
If you don't have contact lens solution, an adult can use 1 tablespoon liquid starch or a borax activator (1/4 teaspoon borax dissolved in 1 tablespoon water) instead of the 1 tablespoon contact lens solution when activating the 1/2 cup glue.
Why doesn't the slime pull away from the bowl or keeps feeling sticky?
If the mixture doesn't pull away during the 30–60 second stirring step or remains sticky after kneading, ask an adult to add an extra 1/4 teaspoon contact lens solution and knead, and if it becomes too firm ask an adult to add a pinch of baking soda and knead as the instructions suggest.
How can we change the activity for younger or older kids?
For younger kids, have an adult pour the 1/2 cup glue, add 1–2 drops of food coloring, and let them gently knead the slime on the disposable mat, while older kids can measure the 1/2 teaspoon baking soda themselves, experiment with the 30–60 second stir time, or add mix-ins during kneading to compare stretchiness.
How can we make the slime more fun or unique?
After you remove and knead the slimy blob, personalize it by mixing in glitter, foam beads, or small sequins, try combining two different colored batches before testing stretch, and then share a photo of your colorful creation on DIY.org as suggested.