How to Make Kinetic Sand

DIY Kinetic Sand. Made with just 3 ingredients this homemade Kinetic Sand is perfect for playing with! Soft, stretchy, and moldable, this homemade Kinetic Sand will bring hours of playtime for the kids! Kids will love making and playing with this homemade kinetic sand recipe.

DIY Kinetic Sand

Kinetic Sand is one of my 5-year-olds favorite things to play with. However, she plays with it so much that buying it in large quantities could totally break the bank. To save money we make our own Kinetic Sand at home. Not only does it save money but she enjoys spending the time with me making it. It also gives her the ability to pick the colors that she wants instead of just having the colors that they sell in the store.

Making your own kinetic sand at home is a fun and creative activity that allows you to customize the texture and color of the sand. To create your own kinetic sand, you will need a few simple ingredients.

Once you have made a batch of kinetic sand, you can dive into the sensory fun by squeezing, molding, and shaping your homemade kinetic sand. Remember to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for future play. Enjoy the tactile experience of your DIY kinetic sand right in the comfort of your own home!

What is Kinetic Sand?

It is also soft and crumbly like beach sand but with the ability to be molded into different shapes and be stretched. It is a ton of fun for kids to play with too and is great for sensory play.

Unlike traditional sand, Kinetic Sand is designed to stick to itself and not to other surfaces, making it easy to mold and shape. It has a slightly damp and moldable consistency that allows it to be compressed, squeezed, and molded into different shapes. It can hold its shape for a short period of time before flowing and spreading out like a fluid.

One of the main features of Kinetic Sand is its ability to flow through your fingers and provide a satisfying sensory experience. It is often used for sensory play and stress relief, as it can be soothing to touch and manipulate. It can be molded into various shapes, cut with molds or tools, or simply shaped and squeezed for relaxation.

Due to its popularity and unique properties, Kinetic Sand has become a popular toy for children and adults alike, providing a fun and tactile experience for sensory play, creativity, and relaxation. Instead of buying it in the store, you can make your own DIY kinetic sand which is not only cheaper than buying it in the store but it is also a fun activity just making it.

Sensory Activities for Kids

• Sand Slime
• Moon Sand
• Cloud Dough

Tips for Making DIY Kinetic Sand

To have the best results when making homemade Kinetic sand there a few tips that will help you.

• Make sure the sand is dry. Moisture in the sand won’t hurt anything but It will make it less similar to the kinetic sand the kids are used to playing with.
• Remember the ratios. While I am using cups and 1/2 cups to make this as long as you stick with the 5 parts sand, 3 part cornstarch and 1 part baby oil you will have easy Kinetic Sand that turns out perfectly. But I do recommend using cups as it is easier to make when you are measuring with exact measurements.
• You can use a few different types of oil. I like using baby oil but you can also use canola oil or olive oil.
• In a pinch use flour instead of cornstarch. Using cornstarch makes it softer, but if you don’t have any then you can use flour.

Can I use Vegetable Oil instead of Baby Oil?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil as an alternative to baby oil when making kinetic sand. Baby oil is commonly used in homemade kinetic sand recipes due to its smooth texture and ability to add moisture to the sand. However, vegetable oil can serve a similar purpose and help achieve the desired consistency.

When using vegetable oil, it’s important to note that different types of oils may have varying viscosities and textures. You may need to adjust the amount of oil used to achieve the desired moldability and texture of your kinetic sand. Start by adding small amounts of oil and gradually mix it into the sand until you reach the desired consistency.

Do I have to use colored sand?

If you want to have colored kinetic sand then it is best to use sand that is already colored. If you only have white sand then you can add it into a bowl, then add in a few drops of food coloring and mix well to color the sand. Then pour the sand onto a baking sheet and allow it to dry out before using it to make your kinetic sand.

How to Play with Kinetic Sand

My daughter loves to build shapes with it using her hands, she also likes to push it flat and then use cookie cutters to make shapes. Sometimes she just squeezes it thru her hands. There is no wrong way to play with is, let the kids have fun with it however they want to.

How to store Kinetic Sand

You want to make sure that you are storing the kinetic sand properly so you can get plenty of use out of it. 

• Ensure the kinetic sand is completely dry. Before storing it, make sure the kinetic sand is dry to prevent any mold or bacterial growth. If the sand has become damp or wet during play, spread it out on a tray or baking sheet and allow it to air dry for a few hours or overnight.
• Use an airtight container. Transfer the dry kinetic sand into an airtight container. A plastic container with a tight-fitting lid works well for this purpose. Ensure that the container is clean and dry before adding the sand.
• Seal the container securely. Close the lid tightly to create an airtight seal. This will prevent air and moisture from entering the container and keep the kinetic sand fresh and pliable for an extended period.
• Store in a cool and dry place. Find a cool and dry spot to store the container. Avoid areas with high humidity or excessive heat, as these conditions can affect the quality of the kinetic sand. A cupboard or shelf away from direct sunlight is a suitable location.

Why is it sticking to my hands?

If the Kinetic Sand gets wet then it will get sticky. If you find your sand is sticky then pour it in a thin layer on a baking sheet and let it sit in open air on the counter to dry out. Once it is dry again pour it back in the storage container you have been keeping it in. It will take a few hours to dry out, but it will dry out back to its original texture.

Does it dry out if left out?

No. If you leave it out without being in an air-tight container and it is not wet then it will keep its texture and be fine. I like to store it so that it doesn’t end up being spilled from being left out in the open.

Kinetic Sand Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups Fine Sand (we chose blue for one batch and pink for the other)
• 1 ½ cups Corn Starch
• ½ cup Baby Oil

How to Make Kinetic Sand

Mix together the sand and cornstarch in a large container or a large bowl, and be sure to stir it until everything is completely combined. You can use either a spoon or a whisk to mix it.

Add the baby oil into the mixture in the mixing bowl and mix until combined.

Hands on Kids Activities

• How to grow borax crystals
• Homemade playdough
• Snow Volcano
• Color changing slime
• Galaxy Slime
• Glow in the Dark Slime
• Glitter Glue Slime
• Dinosaur Slime
• How to make Floam