Colored Kinetic Sand Recipe

Kinetic sand is so much fun for kids to play with and what’s more its super easy to make your own kinetic sand at home and save! Kids love this type of play sand that moves and it works magically for a variety of ages. Now want to add in some colored sand as well? Check out how to make colored kinetic sand below. Add this DIY colorful kinetic sand recipe to your bag of sensory recipes, and you will always have something fun to whip up any time you want!

HOW TO MAKE COLORED KINETIC SAND AT HOME!

DIY COLORED KINETIC SAND

Kids love digging their hands into cool sensory textures like play dough, slime, sand foam, sand dough, and definitely this colored kinetic sand recipe we have been testing out!

My son loves to explore new textures, and it never gets old for us to pull out one of our easy to make sensory creations and whip up something for the afternoon, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating.

This kinetic sand is borax free and non-toxic for kids of all ages to enjoy! However, it is NOT edible. Be sure to check out our sand slime recipe option if you love making slime or our sand sensory bin.

THINGS TO DO WITH KINETIC SAND

Kinetic sand is an excellent addition to your preschool activities! Even a busy box or small bin with a lid filled with a batch of kinetic sand, a few small trucks, and a little container is a great idea! Transform any morning or afternoon with this activity.

Duplos are fun to stamp in kinetic sand!
Add small beach/sandcastle toys.
Use number or letter cookie cutters along with homemade kinetic sand for math and literacy. Add counters for one to one counting practice too.
Create a holiday theme such as red kinetic sand using red craft sand for Christmas. Add holiday-themed cookie cutters and plastic candy canes.
Add a handful of google eyes to the kinetic sand and a pair of kid-safe tweezers to practice fine motor skills while removing them!
Pair a favorite book such as a truck book with a batch of fresh kinetic sand, small vehicles, and rocks! Or an ocean book with a handful of seashells to identify.
TOOBS animals pair well with kinetic sand too and are perfect for exploring different habitats around the world.

WHAT IS KINETIC SAND?

Kinetic sand is a really neat material because it has a bit of movement to it. It’s still moldable and shapeable and squishable!

The cornstarch, dish soap, and glue all make this come together for a very fun activity that provides an amazing tactile experience. Although this kinetic sand is very close to the store-bought kind, it will still have its own unique texture.

Kinetic sand is an interesting texture. Have you ever made oobleck? It’s a bit similar where the mixture doesn’t quite feel like a solid or a liquid. That’s called a Non-newtonian fluid and you can read more about that here

TIP: If your sand is too dry add a bit more glue, and if it is too sticky mix in a bit more cornstarch.

COLORED KINETIC SAND RECIPE

YOU WILL NEED:

1 cup colored sand
2 tablespoons AND 2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon oil
2 teaspoons liquid dish soap
2 tablespoons glue

HOW TO MAKE COLORED KINETIC SAND

STEP 1: Stir together sand and cornstarch. The cornstarch will not mix well (white streaks will remain) but stir until evenly blended.

STEP 2: Add the oil and press the sand into the oil using the back of a spoon.

STEP 3: Then, add the liquid dish soap and press into the sand using the back of a spoon. The mixture will resemble moon sand when pressed together but will fall apart quickly.

STEP 4: Add the glue and stir (pressing if needed) until completely combined.

TIP:

Because all sands can be different, test your kinetic sand to make sure it is clingy enough without being sticky. If you desire a clingier sand, add a little more glue, combining well after each small addition.

STORAGE: Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

KINETIC SAND TIPS

Kinetic sand is much less messy than a bin of plain sand, but you can still expect some spills when your kids’ imaginations take off!

A small dustpan and brush are perfect for little spills. You can even take it outside. If you want to limit indoor mess, put down a dollar store shower curtain or old sheet first. Simply shake it out when you are done!

I recommend putting the kinetic sand in a large bin that’s not too shallow for younger kids. Older kids may enjoy playing more calmly with it on a craft tray or dollar store cookie sheet.

How about a dollar store muffin tray for making pretend cupcakes?

Keep your kinetic sand covered and it should last for several weeks. If you do store it away for a while, do check for freshness when you pull it out.

Since this sensory recipe is not made with commercial ingredients (preservatives or chemicals), it is healthier, but also not as long-lasting!

CHECK IT OUT: Sensory play activities for the whole year!