Most children in recent times spend significant time on the internet to keep themselves entertained. If your child is one such kind, having them learn some easy kinetic sand recipes for kids may help keep them active and boost their creative spirits. Kinetic sand is a special type of sand made for playing or making toys. Keep reading to explore a few awesome kinetic sand recipes that you and your little one could enjoy making at home.
What Is Kinetic Sand?
Kinetic sand is squeezable sand that is made of larger grains of regular sand and coated with special ingredients that give it a soft and crumbly texture. Even the tiniest of hands can have fun with kinetic sand because it is neither too dry nor too wet and can be easily grasped and molded into different shapes. So, is kinetic sand moon sand? You might ask. No, kinetic sand is not the same as moon sand. Kinetic sand has this amazing unique property that keeps the sand in a slight movement.
Why Should You Let Your Child Play With Kinetic Sand?
Sensory play at a young age will greatly help improve your child’s fine motor skills. And allowing your child to indulge in activities that advance their motor skills can help them gain strength and perform more complex activities in the long run. Kinetic sand activities also offer an all-round sensory experience. The texture of kinetic sand can help improve your child’s sense of touch, while the different colors can be a treat to their eyes. Moreover, the relaxing sounds it produces when it is crushed or cut are soothing to the ears. You can also add scented oils. And guess what! One of the recipes in this list is even edible (But of course, we are not saying you can snack on regular Kinetic Sand).
Types Of Sand Used To Make Kinetic Sand
Play sand or craft sand is the best type of sand that is used to make kinetic sand. These grains are usually more coarse than regular sand and do not contain finer grains. Although tan sand by itself is perfect, you might want to use white craft sand if you want to make colored kinetic sand. Dyes stick better to white sand.
DIY Kinetic Sand Recipes That Actually Work
Here are some of the best and easy-to-make kinetic sand recipes.
1. The Basic Kinetic Sand
This is one of the most basic recipes for home-made kinetic sand using corn starch. Although this recipe is foolproof, we recommend you try out a small batch first and then go on to make larger ones. What you need:
A large mixing bowl 5 to 7 cups of play sand 1 to 1½ cups of corn starch A tablespoon of dish soap A cup of water A few drops of tea tree oil
Steps to follow:
2. DIY Colored Kinetic Sand
This recipe tells you how to color kinetic sand. So, save some of your food dyes. Your children will love this as they indulge in imaginative play with sandcastles. The bright color will attract children and keep them occupied with it for hours. What you need:
3 to 5 cups of white craft sand 2 tablespoons of corn starch 2 tablespoons of dish soap A cup of water Your favorite food color!
Steps to follow:
3. Kinetic Sand With Liquid Starch
This recipe is simple, less messy, and much cheaper than the others. Although it may not be the perfect kinetic sand for your child, it is slimy—and kids love slime, don’t they? If it does not work, try grains of varied sizes. Keep in mind to add the liquid starch in small proportions and slowly. What you need:
A large mixing bowl 5 to 7 cups of play sand 100g of clear glue 1 cup of liquid starch
Steps to follow:
4. Moldable Play Sand
If you want soft-textured, ductile sand, try this moldable kinetic sand recipe with flour. It feels wet when it really isn’t and can be easily molded. The play sand is free of chemicals and can be stored in any suitable container. What you need:
5 cups of play sand 3 cups of all-purpose flour 1 cup of vegetable oil (coconut oil would work too)
Step to follow:
5. Shaving Cream Sand Foam
This is the best kinetic sand for kids if you are looking to heighten their senses. The kinetic sand foam includes just two ingredients. It may not produce the softest sand but gives a great sensory experience. Your child will definitely love the foamy texture. What you need:
3 cups of play sand 1 can of shaving cream, about 250g
Steps to follow:
6. Edible Cornmeal Kinetic Sand
Does your child like playing with food and putting things in their mouth? Here’s your savior—an edible kinetic sand recipe without any sand! It is completely non-toxic and appears like beach sand. What you need:
½ a cup of flour ½ a cup of cornmeal 1 tablespoon of corn syrup 1 tablespoon of oil, of any kind
Steps to follow:
7. Kinetic Sand With Baking Soda
Wondering how else to make kinetic sand without sand? Here’s one more recipe for you. Note: It should be made under adult supervision. What you need:
1 cup of baking powder 2 cups of baking soda 1 cup of dish washing liquid
Steps to follow:
8. Kinetic Sand With Hair Conditioner
No, we are not out of ideas for home-made kinetic sand just yet! If you are looking for an easy-to-make recipe, here’s one that needs just two ingredients, which you probably already have at home. Note: It should be made under adult supervision. What you need:
3 cups of baking soda ½ a cup of hair conditioner Coloring agent (optional)
Steps to follow:
9. Kinetic Sand Slime
You’ve probably been waiting for this while wondering how to make slime with kinetic sand. This sand slime recipe is mesmerizing to watch and play with, especially when colored. What you need:
1 cup of play sand or craft sand 1 cup of white school glue 1 cup of foamy shaving cream (about 170g) ½ a cup of liquid starch Food coloring (optional)
Steps to follow:
10. Rainbow And Unicorn Kinetic Sand
Adding colors to kinetic sensory sand would all the more intrigue children. Try making a batch of each of the bright rainbow colors — the more the merrier! You would soon have them knowing the primary colors and experimenting with the secondary colors. What you need:
Freshly prepared kinetic sand Different food colors Glitter and sprinkles
Steps to follow: Besides paddling through the pool or gardening, children love playing with sand, whether on the beach or in a sandbox. You could fill the sand into a large tray or a basin while playing. Pop some race cars and a Hot Wheels track in there, lend your child some safe cutting and molding tools, and watch them create building blocks, make geometric shapes, and build sandcastles.
