Create your own moon sand with this easy DIY recipe! Perfect for sensory play, it’s soft, moldable, and safe for kids. Fun and educational for all ages!
Skills Required: None. This is safe for any age and the children don’t need any prior crafting experience.
Today I’m so excited to share a fun (and science-y!) project that both kids and adults will love: homemade moon sand. If you haven’t heard of moon sand yet, you’re in for a treat.
This recipe makes a cool play sand that is soft and moldable, with a texture and appearance resemble the fine, powdery surface of the moon. It’s so easy to make for kids of any age, and has many benefits for children’s development. And guess what?
You only need two simple ingredients to start: cornstarch and coconut oil. Ready to embark on a sensory adventure? Let’s explore why making this moon sand recipe is such a fantastic activity!
This fantastic sand has a unique, almost otherworldly feel. It’s also easy to clean up, and provides endless hours of imaginative play.
Kids can create anything from simple shapes to elaborate sandcastles right in the comfort of their own home. Playing with moon sand can help children improve their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creativity.
One of the best things about this recipe is how it engages all the senses. The soft texture is soothing to touch, and the gentle scent of coconut oil is calming. Plus if you add a few drops of food coloring, the visual interest is hard to resist.
Making this sand is also an excellent educational opportunity. It introduces basic concepts of measurement and mixing, which can spark an interest in science and cooking. As kids measure out the cornstarch and coconut oil, they’re practicing math skills.
Not to mention, moon sand is a great way to encourage independent play. Once it’s is ready, children can spend hours exploring and creating on their own. This playtime is crucial for developing problem-solving skills and nurturing creativity.
And let’s not forget the added bonus to parents of keeping kids’ busy. Which isn’t always easy when the children are bored. Trust me that this one keeps them occupied!
So, gather your cornstarch, coconut oil, and food coloring (if you choose), and get ready to visit the magical world of moon sand.
Scroll down to find our easy-to-follow recipe and start creating your own batch of this amazing sensory play material. Trust us, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! Let the fun begin!
Ingredients
- 16 oz cornstarch
- 3/4 C coconut oil (melted)
- 4-5 drops of food coloring (optional)
Tools
- Medium bowl
- Spoon
Tips and Thoughts on This Project
You can substitute the cornstarch with 2 cups of flour. You can also substitute the coconut with vegetable oil, canola oil, and baby oil. I’ve seen people have success with all of those.
If you use one of these other oils and want some scent, you can use a few drops essential oils. Make sure to choose something safe for children.
Note that food coloring is water based so it doesn’t mix completely with the oil based sand. Instead you will see dark and light areas where it colors the cornstarch. I think you’ll like the effect!
Keep water away from your sand as it can dissolve the cornstarch and ruin the texture. If water accidentally gets in, you may need to start over with a new batch.
Store your sand in an air-tight container to prevent it from drying out. Mason jars, plastic storage containers with tight-fitting lids, or resealable ziplock bags work well.
Get the printable step by step below:
Moon Sand
Make your own moon sand with two ingredients! Perfect for sensory play, it's soft, moldable, and easy to create at home.
Materials
- 16 oz cornstarch or flour
- 3/4 C coconut oil (melted) - or baby, canola, vegetable
- 4-5 drops of food coloring (optional)
Tools
- Medium bowl
- Spoon
Instructions
- Place the coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup. Microwave for 30 seconds to melt.
- In a medium size bowl add all the ingredients (including food coloring if using).
- Carefully mix the ingredients. If it becomes too difficult to mix with the spoon, knead with your hands until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- If too dry, add a small amount of oil and continue to mix. If too wet, add more cornstarch and mix until the desired texture is met.
If you enjoyed making this 2 ingredient moon sand, let me know in the comments! Plus I’d love for you to check out these other related posts: