Need a pick-me-up that brings back memories of summer fun? This DIY kinetic sand is a great way to recreate the fun of playing at the beach, right from your own home. Kinetic sand is an easy project that allows kids to explore their senses, build fine motor skills and strengthen their imaginative play muscles. Kinetic sand is play sand that is soft and crumbly, but also holds its shape when squeezed or pressed. And with only three ingredients, this DIY activity couldn’t be easier to make.

Whether you need enough kinetic sand for one child or a large group, it’s easy to make as much or little as you need. Just remember the 5-3-1 ratio.

What You’ll Need

• 5 parts play sand (can be found at most craft or home improvement stores)
• 3 parts cornstarch (or you can substitute flour)
• 1 part cooking oil

What You’ll Do

Simply mix the ingredients together until there are no oily or dry spots. And that’s it; it’s ready for play. Store your kinetic sand in a lidded bin with some play tools and you’ve got a sensory bin to keep kids entertained for hours. Some items you could add are:

• Cookie cutters
• Butter knife
• Spoon or small scoop
• Rolling pin
• Cups or Tupperware containers
• Small toys or plastic animals

DIY kinetic sand is a fun and easy activity to keep kids busy all throughout the year. Plus, once you make it yourself, you’ll never need to buy the expensive version from the stores again.

What Kids Learn

• Coordination
• Critical Thinking
• Creative Thinking

How to Support the Play

• Ask lots of questions. Especially ones without a yes/no or right/wrong answer. “Why do you think that happened?” or “What do you think will happen next?”
• Add plot twists into a child’s play. “What would happen if___?” The lights went out? A gorilla showed up? Everyone had wings? You get the idea.
• Talk about what you see a child doing as they do it. Be a play-by-play announcer. You’ll notice little things that reveal how a child is learning. “I see how you…” and “I noticed that you…”

HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES

HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES