Bubbling Potions and Fizzy Formulas: Hands-On Chemistry Day Camp for Kids – Novi, MI
Bubbling Potions and Fizzy Formulas is a one-day chemistry camp for kids in grades K–5, hosted at Mad Science of Detroit’s lab in Novi, Michigan. Over the course of a full day, campers work through a series of guided experiments — making mini lava lamps, mixing slime, creating bouncy balls, and exploring molecular behavior — all built around the theme of chemical reactions and physical changes.
No prior science experience is needed. The camp is designed to feel more like play than instruction, with each activity grounded in real chemistry concepts.
Program Details
Status: Available
Last reviewed by Michigan STEAM Kids: April 6, 2026
Program name: Bubbling Potions and Fizzy Formulas
Ages served: 5-11 (Grades K–5)
Program type: One-day chemistry day camp
Focus areas: Chemistry, chemical reactions, physical changes, scientific observation, hands-on experimentation
Format: In-person
Pricing: $90.00
Date and time: June 30, 2026 (Tuesday) | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (7 hours)
Location:
Mad Science of Detroit
24371 Catherine Industrial Drive
Suite 207
Novi, MI 48375
Program Overview
This camp is structured as a full day of chemistry experiments, each designed to produce a visible, tactile result that kids can see, touch, and sometimes take home. Mad Science of Detroit lists specific activities: campers make a potion that creates a mini lava lamp, mix a batch of Slippery Slime, blend ingredients to form a bouncy ball, test molecular speed, and construct a bubble galaxy.
Rather than cycling through a grab bag of unrelated science demonstrations, the day is organized around a single theme: what happens when substances combine and change. Each experiment reinforces the same core concepts (mixing, reacting, observing) at a level that’s appropriate for kids as young as kindergarten while still holding the interest of older elementary students.
The camp takes place at Mad Science of Detroit’s own lab space, not a rented venue, which means the facility is set up for exactly this kind of hands-on, messy work. Campers should bring a water bottle, snacks, and a peanut-free lunch.
Learning Focus & Skills Developed
Chemical reactions and physical changes (mixing, dissolving, foaming)
Cause-and-effect reasoning through observation
Following multi-step experimental procedures
Hands-on material science (slime, polymers, bouncy balls)
Scientific vocabulary in a low-pressure, playful context
Who This Program Is Best For
Kids who love messy, hands-on experiments
Elementary students curious about how materials react and change
Children looking for a single-day summer activity (not a full-week commitment)
Families in Novi or western Metro Detroit seeking nearby STEM enrichment
About the Provider
Mad Science of Detroit is a franchised branch of Mad Science Group, an international organization that delivers hands-on STEM programming for children ages 3–12. The franchise operates across southeast Michigan, running camps, after-school programs, birthday parties, school assemblies, and special events. Programs are led by trained instructors and built around proprietary curriculum that emphasizes interactive, experiment-based learning.
The Detroit franchise operates its own dedicated lab space in Novi, which serves as the home base for day camps, no-school-day programs, and birthday parties. This distinguishes it from many competitors that rely entirely on partner venues.
Program Location & Local Context
The Mad Science Lab sits in a light-industrial complex on Catherine Industrial Drive in Novi, just off Grand River Avenue near the Novi/Wixom border. It’s a purpose-built space for children’s science programming — not a converted office or rented classroom. For families in Novi, Northville, Wixom, South Lyon, or Farmington Hills, the location is a relatively central option that avoids the congestion of downtown Detroit venues.
Mad Science of Detroit runs single-day camps throughout the year on school holidays, teacher professional development days, and during summer break. Bubbling Potions and Fizzy Formulas is one of several rotating themes, which means families can return for different content without repeating the same experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific experiments will kids do?
Mad Science of Detroit lists five activities: making a mini lava lamp, mixing Slippery Slime, creating a bouncy ball, testing molecular speed, and building a bubble galaxy. All are chemistry-themed and hands-on.
Does my child need prior science experience?
No. The program is designed for beginners and is appropriate for kids as young as kindergarten.
What should my child bring?
A water bottle, snacks, and a peanut-free lunch. The camp runs the full day from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Is this the same program that ran in February 2026?
Yes, same theme and format. Mad Science of Detroit runs Bubbling Potions and Fizzy Formulas as a recurring offering throughout the year.
How much does it cost?
$90.00 for the full day. Registration closes July 1, 2026.
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