Learn How To Make Easy Homemade Kinetic Sand for Kids

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Kinetic Sand Recipe

In this easy recipe, you get to learn how to make a kinetic sand recipe that your kids will love. It takes regular sand to a whole new level, and adds so much fun to it that your kids will enjoy playing with the kinetic sand no matter the time of year or location in which they play with the sand. 

kinetic sand with colorful toy trucks

DIY Kinetic Sand: No Mess, Easy Clean Up, TONS of FUN!

There are just a few simple ingredients you will need in order to make your own DIY kinetic sand. This sand project is so much fun for small children to make their own kinetic sand, and enjoy playing with it. 

The best part about homemade kinetic sand is that your child can enjoy hours of sensory play with the sand all the while making minimal mess to clean up. This is a great activity to make with your kids, then allow them to continue to play with it, so that they can enjoy hours of play with the kinetic sand. 

There are many different recipes in which you can follow to make kinetic sand. In this recipe, I am excited to show you a simple way to easily make this kind of fun sand that your children can enjoy playing with. Another great thing about this recipe is that you only need three ingredients in order to enjoy this special type of sand. 

What is Kinetic Sand?

Kinetic sand is a special type of play sand that can often be purchased. The play sand is coated with silicone oil so that it can be shaped and hold its shape. In this post, you get to make your own moldable sand, with a few ingredients that you have on hand. 

Kinetic sand is a great addition to your child’s sensory bin, so that they can enjoy playing with a homemade version of wet beach sand, no matter the time of year, or your location. The kinetic sand is a great way to help your children improve their fine motor skills and encourage their imaginative play. 

Let’s get started making this homemade kinetic sand recipe, so that you and your child can give this fun play sand a try! 

trucks on sand

How to Make Kinetic Sand

Kinetic Sand Recipe Supplies

Sand

For your sand base in this craft project, you can use regular play sand purchased from your local hardware store such as Home Depot, or Lowes. Or if you prefer colored sand, you can often find this in small quantities at your local craft store, already dyed. 

If you are able, a fine grain sand is often your best option because it will be much softer for your children to play with. However, if you are not able to find fine sand, regular play sand will also work. 

Another alternative option if you are not able to use play sand, is to use a few cups of flour. All purpose flour works, or for a sandier appearance you can also use wheat bread flour. 

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is the next ingredient you will want to have on hand. This will help your sand stay together, making it better for playing with. 

If you do not have cornstarch on hand, an alternative ingredient you may use is all-purpose flour. When substituting you will want to use a little more flour than cornstarch. 

Oil

The last ingredient you will need is oil. There are a variety of oil options you can choose from. The most common ones you will likely have on hand are canola oil, vegetable oil, or baby oil. Any of these will work. 

Another ingredient option if you do not have oil is to combine dish soap with a little water. However, please note that you will likely have better results with one of the oil types listed above. 

Other Supplies

There are a few other supplies that are not required, but you might enjoy having on hand for your child. 

  • Cookie cutters
  • Sandcastle molds
  • A large mixing bowl
  • A large spoon to mix with
  • An airtight container or large bin with a lid for storage

Instructions

Pour Sand Into Mixing Bowl

In a large mixing bowl, add your sand.

Add in Corn Starch

Also into the large mixing bowl, add your cornstarch. 

Mix Cornstarch and Sand

Using your large spoon, stir the mixture thoroughly so that the sand and cornstarch are completely combined. 

Add Oil 

Next take your desired type of oil and add it into the sand and cornstarch mixture. Mix it until it reaches your desired consistency. Please note, you may need to add a little more oil if you like the sand mixture to be a little more wet. 

ingredients to make kinetic sand
adding cornstarch
adding corn starch to make kinetic sand

Enjoy Your Kinetic Sand

Once your kinetic sand is completely combined, you are ready to let your child enjoy playing with the sand. Be sure to store the kinetic sand in an airtight container when it is not in use, so that it will last for future play times. 

hands mixing kinetic sand
green car on kinetic sand

Simple Tips For Using Kinetic Sand

A Deep Container Works Better

You may find that a deep container works best for your child to play with the kinetic sand in. This way they have more room to build the sand up, and it keeps it better contained. However, if your child is little, then a deep container won’t work very well for them. 

Keep It Covered When Not In Use

Be sure to store your kinetic sand in an airtight container when it is not in use. That way it will stay damp, so that it can be used again at a later time. 

diy kinetic sand

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Secret Ingredient in Kinetic Sand?

The secret ingredient to make this play sand awesome is the combination of play sand, cornstarch, and oil. All of the ingredients work together to make the sand fun to play with in its moldable state. 

How Do I Store Kinetic Sand?

The best way to store kinetic sand is to make sure to cover it or seal it in an airtight container as soon as it is not in use. That way it will last much longer. 

How Long Does Homemade Kinetic Sand Last?

As long as your homemade kinetic sand is stored properly, it will likely last a couple of weeks before it is no longer good. 

Does Kinetic Sand Stain Hands?

There is the potential that kinetic sand can stain hands, if you have added food coloring to the sand yourself. This is because the food coloring will never dry. The best way to get colored sand so that you can enjoy different colors is to purchase pre-colored sand. That way it is much less likely to dye your hands. 

Are Kinetic Sand and Moon Sand the Same Thing?

Although similar, moon sand and kinetic sand are not quite the same thing. Kinetic sand is made from real sand. Moon sand can sometimes be made from real sand as well, or using flour. Moon sand typically has a softer texture to it, and is made with different oils. 

Is it Safe for My Toddler to Play with Kinetic Sand?

Yes, it is safe for toddlers to play with kinetic sand, however you will want to supervise the play. Kinetic sand is not edible, so you will want to watch your child closely to make sure they don’t try to eat it. 

How do I revitalize the kinetic sand?

If you notice that your sand is going a little dry, or crusty, you can try adding a few more drops of oil to the sand to help give it a second life. In some cases the sand may be too far gone, and you are better off to just start again, but it never hurts to try adding more oil before tossing it. 

toy trucks on sand

DIY Kinetic Sand

Making your own kinetic sand is a great way to encourage your child in their sensory activities. Not only is this moldable play sand recipe fun to make, and your child can enjoy many hours of play with it. The sand is also a low mess and can encourage your child to use their imagination while playing. 

Thank you so much for stopping in to check out my kinetic sand recipe! I hope that you will give it a try, and enjoy this fun activity. 

More Craft Ideas

Be sure to check out this fun sensory rice activity for your kids, or learn how to make felt finger puppets!

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Kinetic Sand Recipe

trucks on sand

Kinetic Sand Recipe

Materials

  • 4 cups Sand
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup Oil (or as needed)
  • Cookie cutters
  • Sandcastle molds
  • A large mixing bowl
  • A large spoon to mix with
  • An airtight container or large bin with a lid for storage

Instructions

    1. Pour Sand Into Mixing Bowl

      In a large mixing bowl, add your sand.
    2. Add in Corn Starch

      Also into the large mixing bowl, add your cornstarch.
    3. Mix Cornstarch and Sand

      Using your large spoon, stir the mixture thoroughly so that the sand and cornstarch are completely combined.
    4. Add Oil

      Next take your desired type of oil and add it into the sand and cornstarch mixture. Mix it until it reaches your desired consistency. Please note, you may need to add a little more oil if you like the sand mixture to be a little more wet.
    5. Enjoy Your Kinetic Sand

      Once your kinetic sand is completely combined, you are ready to let your child enjoy playing with the sand. Be sure to store the kinetic sand in an airtight container when it is not in use, so that it will last for future play times.

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Kenetic Sand for kids
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About the author

My name is Faith, and I am so glad you are here! I love all things crafts, and have created this site as a way to share my passion with YOU!

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