Learn how to make kinetic sand at home with our easy recipe! Perfect for fun, sensory play with kids. Only 4 ingredients needed. Let’s get started!
Skills Required: None. You’re mixing ingredients in a container, and no crafting skills are required for this project.
Who says sand is only for the beach? Today I’m bringing a little bit of that sandy fun indoors – no sunscreen required! If you haven’t jumped on the kinetic sand bandwagon yet, let me be the first to welcome you. It’s the coolest, squishiest, most satisfying kids’ craft around.
Now, if you’re scratching your head wondering what in the world kinetic sand is, let me fill you in. This magical, moldable material looks like wet sand but feels so much more satisfying.
It’s soft, stretchy, and perfect for building a sand castle, creating shapes with cookie cutters, or just letting it ooze through your fingers. It’s the ultimate sensory play experience for kids.
Kinetic sand gets its name from the word “kinetic,” which means movement. Unlike regular beach sand, this magic sand has a unique ability to flow and move almost like a liquid while still holding its shape when molded.
This fascinating property is due to its special mixture of sand and a binding agent, usually a type of silicone oil. When you play with it, you’ll notice it has a slightly sticky, almost dough-like consistency. This allows it to stick to itself but not to your hands.
This also makes it incredibly easy to shape, mold, and manipulate, giving you endless possibilities for creative play. It’s all about movement and the fun, dynamic experience it offers!
The best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune on those fancy store bought packs. Homemade kinetic sand is super easy and incredibly fun.
You’ll need just a few simple ingredients: some decorative sand (the prettier, the better), corn starch, water, and a splash of dish soap. That’s it! This recipe is so simple, even the littlest of helpers can get involved in the process.
So, grab your supplies and let’s get started. Trust me, this is one DIY you won’t want to miss. Not only will your kids love playing with it, but you’ll also get to enjoy some quality time together, creating memories and a bit of mess – but hey, that’s what makes it fun!
Scroll down for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions. Let’s get our hands sandy and our hearts happy!
Gather These Supplies
- 1 cup play sand or decorative sand (any color)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp corn starch
- 1 Tbsp water
- 3 tsp dish soap
Tools
- Medium bowl
- Spoon or spatula
Tips and Thoughts for This Craft
Store your sand in an airtight container or baggie. If your sand gets dry and/or hard, you can try to add a little water to soften and reactivate it.
I can’t wait to see what you think of it! And how much fun your kids will have.
Get the recipe for this cool sand below:
Kinetic Sand
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Spoon or spatula
Materials
- 1 cup play sand or decorative sand any color
- 1 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp water
- 3 tsp dish soap
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a medium-sized bowl. Stir with a spoon or spatula to mix all the ingredients.
- Let the sand sit for 5 minutes before using.
Notes
- Use different colors of decorative sand to create a vibrant, multi-colored batch.
- Add a few drops of essential oils for a pleasant scent or glitter for extra sparkle.
Did you enjoy this project? Let me know in the comments! I’d also love for you to check out these other cool ideas for kids:
Blow Painting • Borax Crystals • Cloud Dough • Food Coloring Art • Glow in the Dark Playdough • Homemade Playdough • Jello Play Dough • Moon Sand • Sidewalk Chalk Paint • Spin Art • Weaving for Kids