When you break out the bubbles, the party begins!
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There's a line in Knocked Up when Paul Rudd's Pete says wistfully, "I wish I liked anything as much as my kids like bubbles." Young children, especially toddlers and preschoolers, go nuts for the chance to experience a storm of soap. They'll chase bubbles down and pop them with glee. Turning on a bubble machines is among the easiest of the best kids' activities and helpful for parents, because you can catch your breath while your kids go wild.
Our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute have tested more than a dozen bubble machines over the past few years, evaluating general bubble output, ease of use and quality of construction. FYI: While our tester kids reliably flipped out and danced around in front of the automatic bubble blowers, they got focused and working when we handed them a wand and told them to make bubbles on their own — so we included our favorite non-machine bubble-bucket choice as well.
After our list, we share advice for a successful bubble party from our on-staff experts who are also parents. Their number one tip: Buy plenty of extra bubble solution. We also have more lawn games, a list of fun outdoor toys and a roundup of camping activities if you're looking for more outdoor fun (because yes, bubble machines are definitely something you're going to want to bring outside!).
The six spinning wands on this practically professional bubble machine can be set for two levels of output — though, knowing kids, they're always going to want it set to the max.
It holds up to 12.5 fluid ounces of any bubble solution (not included) and can go for up to a half hour without running out. Adults use it for weddings and parties so you can imagine the high volume of bubbles that continuously stream out of this. (The brand says 18,000 bubbles per minute; it's unclear how they count those!) As of press time it's got more than 10,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.
We like that this comes with a (short) plug, so if you have an outlet near your yard, you can keep it running. If you want to take it to a park and have no outlet access, this will also run on six C-size batteries. A handle makes it easy for a grown-up to carry it around. It's not spill-proof, so talk your preschooler out of walking around with this!
One online reviewer offers this tip: Fill it between the minimum and maximum lines and to be sure not to overfill in order to get the best performance. If you're looking for the best bubble solution, we like Gazillion Bubbles.
For cheap thrills, this brand wins. The Tornado Bubble Machine claims to blow 4,500 bubbles per minute, and our testers said it does, indeed, create a ton of bubbles. (To be honest, there were too many for us to count.) The fan starts up immediately and bubbles start pouring straight up seconds after you turn it on. This is definitely an outside toy that gets a little messy!
This has a relatively low capacity compared to other bubble machines on our list. It works by taking off the bubble-solution cap and affixing the bottle upside-down on the machine; using the bottle it comes with works best. (And read the directions!)
The four-ounce bottle of bubble solution will last about 10 minutes, so you might want to pick up a 2-liter bottle of of Gazillion Bubbles and refill your little bottle from that. Also, parents should take care to clean this regularly by rinsing it with water after use.
Mostly, testers responded to the adorable dolphin design of this bubble machine, perfect for an under-the-sea themed kids' party or waterside picnic, vacation or family reunion. There's a bubble shark version, too, if you're having a shark-themed shindig.
This comes with two 8-ounce bottles of bubble solution and the dolphin can hold 6 ounces at at time, so our experts appreciated that you have enough to do a couple of rounds of bubble-making right off the bat (just don't forget to buy batteries, which are not included). The brand claims that it puts out 500 to 1,000 bubbles per minute, which is significantly less than our best overall choice and less than our value choice but which is still plenty, and a delight to small children.
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The Fubbles bubble machine holds 20 fluid ounces of bubble stuff at a time, which allows it to go for an hour before the bubbles run out — longer than any other machine on our list. But this runs on batteries, not kid power or electricity, so be sure to buy some AAs since none are included.
We like that this is sold with a generous bottle of bubble solution so at least you don't immediately have to buy that to begin the fun. Online reviewers are mixed about whether this is leaky; the brand promises "no spills," but the bubbles themselves can make a soapy mess, as seen in online reviewers' photos. For that reason it's best to use this (or really, any bubble machine!) outdoors.
The brand makes no claim as to how many bubbles are produced per minute, only that it's capable of putting out thousands of bubbles per session.
TBH, this isn't a bubble machine in that there's no batteries, plugs or motors and the kids have to do their own blowing. But if you're shying away from letting them blow their own because of the mess, this Fubbles reusable bucket has it solved.
The patented design really is spill-proof, so you can let the kids attack it or transport it in your bag or car without worry. It's age-graded from 18 months so even young toddlers can play.
This comes with three wands so three kids can be dipping into the bucket at once. But it does not come with bubble solution, which seems silly, especially since Fubbles is such a good bubble brand. Pick up a 64-ounce bottle of the bubble soap and because the bucket can hold up to 20 ounces at a time, you'll be good for a little while. We like that this brand, part of the company Little Kids, is made in the USA.
Your toddler or preschooler can imitate a grown-up with this pretend lawn mower that sends bubbles out the top. (Read more about why pretend play is so important.) The toy makes a revving sound to further foster imagination and it encourages outdoor exercise and helps with gross motor coordination.
This comes with one bottle of bubble solution which you pour into the side of the toy. Have more on hand to keep the fun going. And be sure to read the instructions; there's some light assembly for this, and the brand suggests you wash the mower out with a hose after use.
Don't expect a ton of bubbles from this — and know that your kid has to take about 15 steps to get them started — but there are definitely enough bubbles to keep encouraging a kid to push!
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Here's another container that can't spill. Though it's age-graded for ages 3 and up, if you set this up and run it for a baby, they'll be delighted. It plays music and sends out bubbles!
Specifically, it plays a part of "The Wheels on the Bus" from the CoComelon show. You can also turn off the song (it gets to be repetitive) and just use this in bubble-making mode.
You'll need three AA batteries to get this party started. We especially like that if a young baby grabs at this and even turns it upside-down, no bubble solution is lost. Some online reviewers say that the toy stopped working for them, but most have no problem. Like with other machines, it might help to occasionally rinse out the bubble basin.
The Good Housekeeping Institute evaluates hundreds of toys every year, looking at safety, construction and, ultimately, the deciding fun factor.
Toys, including these bubble machines and bubble makers, are tested in our Lab and then taken home by our staff parents and sent out to consumer panelists. We use all of the feedback plus online reviews to inform our final list. For this story, we looked at over a dozen bubble machines and they each ran for at least an hour during the initial test. We logged over 30 hours of bubble time to find the best models.
For more top toy picks, check out our annual Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards and summer-fun stories like our guides to the best swing sets and the best playhouses.
Whether you're shopping for a professional bubble machine or an old-fashioned bottles of bubbles, consider these factors before you purchase:
✔️ Age grading: Many toys are meant for kids ages 3 and up, but if you have a toddler, there are some bubble toys that are for ages 2 and up, and even some for ages 18 months and up. For maximum safety it's best to give your kids toys that are marked safe for their age. If you're running a bubble machine to delight a baby, keep it out of your baby's reach.
✔️ How the toy is powered: A battery-operated bubble machine is most portable but one that can also be plugged in will ultimately cost you less money. Our list also includes two picks that are kid-powered, and those are the most money-saving of all!
✔️ Capacity for bubble solution: The more soapy solution a bubble machine holds, the longer it can go without needing adult help for a refill.
Learn from us! Here are tips for using bubble machines and bubble blowers in a way that makes parents and kids happy.
✔️ Use bubbles outdoors. A bubble blower is releasing soap, but still, you don't want that all over the inside of your house. These are not small bubble-blowers, either. Most of the choices on our list can produce hundreds of bubbles quickly.
✔️ Buy more bubble soap than you think you need. Many bubble machines run out pretty fast, so it's best to keep plenty of extra bottles of bubble solution on hand (some of the machines don't come with solution at all, so check before purchasing).
✔️ Not all bubble solutions are the same. You would think that there can't be ineffective bubble solution, but it's out there, especially at discount places. Beware the super-cheap no-brand stuff that might be a complete waste of time and money. Our two favorites are Fubbles and Gazillion Bubbles.
✔️ Don't leave these sitting out in the yard for days. Like other outdoor toys, bubble machines can easily get gunky, which affects their performance. To make them last longer, it's wise to carefully follow instructions for cleaning and storage.
For more than 100 years our Lab scientists and seasoned experts have been reviewing consumer products and revealing what's worth your money when it comes to new tech, home appliances and more. We're also the team that brings you the 411 on everything for your kids, including the best STEM sets and stroller wagons that kids will love to ride in.
The lead testers and authors of this story are both moms. Contributing writer Jessica Hartshorn comes from Parents magazine and regularly reviews gear such as kids' tricycles. Former Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director Rachel Rothman set testing protocols and methodology for the Parenting Lab.
Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years, overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems.
Jessica (she/her) is a freelance writer with several decades of experience writing lifestyle content and evaluating home and parenting products. A mom of two teens and two cats, her previous work can be seen in American Baby and Parents.
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