Looking for a fun sensory activity to do with your toddler? Why not try making moon sand!
Our three recipes are easy to make, and only requires a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Moon sand is squishy, stretchy, and super fun to play with. It can also be used to help toddlers develop their fine motor skills. It’s similar in consistency to Kinetic Sand but it’s always more fun to roll up your sleeves and make your own!
Keep reading for instructions on how to make moon sand at home!
What is moon sand?
Moon sand is a sensory play material that is made from flour, cornstarch and baby oil. It is named for its resemblance to the sandy surface of the moon. Moon sand can be squeezed, stretched and molded into different shapes. It is soft and squishy, making it a fun material for toddlers to explore and a great sensory experience.
Moon sand recipes
How do you make moon sand? We have 3 easy moon sand recipes for you to try.
Recipe 1
You will need:
- Flour
- Cornstarch
- Baby oil
To make moon sand, combine one cup of flour with one-half cup of cornstarch and two tablespoons of baby oil. Mix until all of the ingredients are combined. You may need to add more or less oil depending on how wet your mixture becomes. The final product should be a thick, moldable substance that can be easily shaped by hand. Ten cups of flour provides amble sand to play with.
Recipe 2
You will need:
- Sand (beach sand or modelling sand)
- Cornstarch
- Vegetable Oil
5 parts sand, 3 parts cornstarch and 1 part oil. Measure out each ingredient into separate dishes and start by mixing together the sand and cornstarch in a bowl. Once completely mixed, finally add the oil and mix until fully incorporated.
Recipe 3
You will need:
- Cornstarch
- Coconut Oil
This recipe is ideal for those that are worried of your child eating/putting the moon sand in their mouths. Mix 8 parts flour with 1 part oil until combined into a sand-like texture.
Notes on home made moon sand
Each of our three moon sand recipes can use food coloring to brighten the sand and add an extra sensory dimension. Make sure you add the coloring once all the other ingredients are mixed together. Use multiple bowls to make multiple colors.
To make cloud dough, just add more cornstarch to make it fluffier!
When finished playing, simply rinse off any excess material with water. Moon sand will last indefinitely if stored in an airtight container. Enjoy!
Fun ways to play with moon sand
What can be done with moon sand?
Moon sand can be used for a variety of sensory play activities. It can be molded into different shapes, squeezed through fingers or palms, and stretched. Build colorful sand castles or aliens in a space theme moon sand game.
You can use moon sand with:
- Trucks and tractors
- Dinosaurs
- Cars
- Shapes and cookie cutters
- Lego people and dolls
- Sand toys (rakes and spades)
Moon sand can also be used as a base for other sensory materials, such as shaving cream or paint.
You can also use moon sand to make simple crafts. For example, you can use it to create a cast of an object or mold a handprint or footprint.
Moon sand is a great material for toddlers because it is safe and non-toxic. It also doesn’t leave any mess behind when playtime is over. Plus, it entertains toddlers for hours on end and keeps older kids busy as well. Once done, all you have to do is pick up the moon sand and put it back in the container.
Have you tried moon sand with your toddler yet? If not, give it a try and enjoy this sensory play idea! For more sensory play ideas, be sure to check out our other articles.
