How to Make Kinetic Sand

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

When the kids get tired of the Play-Doh and want something a little more "exciting," it's time to pull out the moon sand and wow them. With some good story spinning, you can even have them believing that an astronaut brought this wonderful stuff all the way back from the moon just for them to play with! Instead of buying the commercially made moon sand, try making your own at home.

Ingredients

Using Sand and Corn Starch

  • 3 cups corn starch
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 6 cups fine, clean sand

Using Flour and Baby Oil

  • 9 cups flour
  • 1 1/4 cup baby oil

Using Corn Starch and Vegetable Oil

  • 4 cups cornstarch
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Sand and Corn Starch

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Kinetic Sand
    Something that isn't your finest china and is easy to clean later will be best. A large, plastic, not-so-fancy bowl will do well.
    • If you want to color your sand, consider stirring in a few drops of liquid food coloring or liquid water color.
    • To make glow-in-the-dark moon sand, consider stirring in a few drops of glow-in-the-dark paint into the water.
    • To give your moon sand a scent, consider adding in a few drops of baking extract, such as lemon or vanilla. You can also add spices to your sand later on instead.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Kinetic Sand
    Stir thoroughly to remove any lumps that are tempted to form. Corn starch has a tendency to clump.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Kinetic Sand
    You can buy colored sand, or plain sand. Colored sand will be more expensive, but plain sand will give you a clean slate to work with. If you hand plain sand and want a range of colors, you'll need to separate out the sand evenly into smaller containers and then add the different colors separately. Here are a few ways you can spruce up plain sand: [1] [2]
    • Mix in a few teaspoons of glitter to the sand make it sparkly.
    • Mix in a few tablespoons of powdered tempera paint, powdered watercolor, or powdered chalk to the sand to give it color. If you already colored the water, you don't need to do this. Keep in mind that powdered tempera paint will give you a brighter color.
    • To give your moon sand a nice scent and color, consider adding in a few teaspoons of powdered drink mix, such as Kool-Aid).
    • To give your moon sand a nice scent, consider adding in a sprinkle of baking spices, such as: apple pie, pumpkin pie, cinnamon, cocoa, or vanilla sugar.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Kinetic Sand
    At this stage, it is vital to mix the concoction well to ensure that all the ingredients are combining completely. Keep stirring!
    • Try to get clean sand from your local home improvement store or arts and crafts store. Sand from the beach or playground isn't always very clean.
    • If you have not already colored your sand, consider using pre-colored sand instead. You can find it in the children's crafts section or the floral section of an arts and crafts store.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/10\/Make-Kinetic-Sand-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Kinetic-Sand-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/10\/Make-Kinetic-Sand-Step-5.jpg\/aid815399-v4-728px-Make-Kinetic-Sand-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Although making this is a lot of fun, do remember to leave time at the end for your child to enjoy it, too! And when you go to play with it later, you can revive the stuff with 2-3 tablespoons of water. [3]
    • And when you're done, package it all up in a resealable, air-tight container. Store it in a cool, dry place to maximize its longevity. It should keep and be usable for 2-3 months.
    6. Advertisement


Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Flour and Baby Oil

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Kinetic Sand
    If you want to make different colors, divide the flour up into separate bowls. How many bowls you use will depend on how many colors you want. The best part about using flour and baby oil is that it stays nice and light, clean-looking, and a little less like sand (and the kids might just believe that it's from the moon).
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Kinetic Sand
    It is a lot easier to mix dry materials with other dry materials than with wet. If you plan on adding any color, glitter, or scents, do so now. Be sure to mix it into your flour well. Here are some powders that you can add to your flour right now:
    • Add a tablespoon or two of powdered tempera paint, powdered water color, or powdered chalk if you just want to add color. If you are using an oil-based food dye, hold off for now. [4]
    • Add some powdered drink mix, such as Kool-Aid to give your moon sand a color and a nice smell.
    • Add in a few teaspoons or tablespoons of glitter to give your sand some extra powder.
    • Add in a sprinkle of spices, such as pumpkin pie, apple pie, vanilla sugar, cocoa, or cinnamon if you want to give your moon sand a nice smell.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Kinetic Sand
    [5] Water and oil do not mix, so regular food coloring or liquid water colors will not work. If you don't have any powdered paint or spices, you can still color and scent your sand by adding stuff to it. Here are a few suggestions: [6]
    • To color your moon sand without powdered paint, try using oil-based food coloring or oil-based candy coloring.
    • To scent your moon sand without spices, add a few drops of essential oil or baking extract (like vanilla or strawberry).
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Kinetic Sand
    Once your color is mixed in (or not, if you want a blank slate), add in 1 1/4 cups of baby oil. It'll probably be easiest to just mix it up with your hands, though you'll get a bit dirty. Or you could just let the kids do this step!
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7e\/Make-Kinetic-Sand-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Kinetic-Sand-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7e\/Make-Kinetic-Sand-Step-10.jpg\/aid815399-v4-728px-Make-Kinetic-Sand-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once everything is in—color, scent, glitter and all—mix it all up thoroughly and get to playing with it. What'll be your first creation? A giant octopus? A castle? The moon itself?
    • If you're dealing with small children, just make sure they don't get any in their mouths. Baby oil and flour isn't dangerous, but paint or chalk added into the mix won't be any fun.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Kinetic Sand
    Moon sand does keep for a solid month or two, but you'll probably find that you want to make more anyway before the first batch gets old. But until then, store this batch in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place, like your pantry or in a child's toy box.
    • When you go to pull it back out for playtime round two, revive it with a couple tablespoons of water. It will come back to life and be just as good as new.
    7. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Corn Starch and Vegetable Oil

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Kinetic Sand
    If you can't find any corn starch were you live, try searching for cornflour instead. This sand will be pure white if you don't add any color to it. It can look almost like snow!
    • If you plan on creating different colors or smells, separate the corn starch into different bowls.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Kinetic Sand
    It is much easier to mix dry ingredients with other dry ingredients. If you have any glitter, spices, or powdered colors that you want to add to your sand, do so now. Here are a few ways in which you can spruce up your sand:
    • Add in a few teaspoons of glitter to make your sand sparkle. If you are leaving your moon sand white, consider using white, iridescent glitter instead.
    • Add in a few tablespoons of powered tempera paint, powdered watercolor, or powdered chalk to give your moon sand some color.
    • Add in a packet of powdered drink mix, such as Kool Aid, to give your sand a nice scent and color.
    • Sprinkle in some baking spices, such as apple pie, pumpkin pie, cinnamon, cocoa, or vanilla sugar to give your sand a nice smell.
    • If you want to add any essential oils or oil-based food dyes, save those for later.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Kinetic Sand
    You will need ¾ cup of vegetable oil. Because oil and water do not mix, you cannot use any water-based coloring or dyes. Whatever you add to the oil must be oil-based.
    • If you can't find any powdered colors but still want to color your sand, add in a few drops of oil-based food coloring or oil-based candy coloring. Do not use plain old liquid food coloring; oil and water do not mix.
    • If you can't find any spices that appeal to you, but still want to make your sand smell nice, add in a few drops of essential oil or baking extract, such as: vanilla, almond, or orange.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Kinetic Sand
    If it seems a little on the dry side, add a tablespoon or two of vegetable at a time to loosen it up. If it is too wet, add some more corn starch.
    • The main advantage to this recipe is that these two ingredients combined make a moon sand that looks like snow. Only it's not cold, wet, and doesn't turn to black the more you play in it.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Kinetic Sand
    Once everything's in, put your hands in and start being creative. How do the colors combine? What's it feel like? Ask more questions to get your child engaged in sensory play, which moon sand is notoriously great for. [7]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Make-Kinetic-Sand-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Kinetic-Sand-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Make-Kinetic-Sand-Step-17.jpg\/aid815399-v4-728px-Make-Kinetic-Sand-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    After your child has gotten his or her fill (and you have, too, of course), transport the moon sand into an air-tight, resealable container. Keep it in a cool, dry location, like in a closet, under the bed, or in a toy box.
    • When you go to play with it again (it keeps a few months, though it's cheap enough you could always make a new batch), bring it back to life with a few tablespoons of water. Start molding the sand with your hands to work the water in, and it'll be good as new in no time.
    7. Advertisement


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What oils can I use in place of baby oil?
    Community Answer
    You can use coconut oil instead.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 12 Helpful 55
  • Question
    How long does the Moon Sand last?
    Qamar
    Top Answerer
    The Moon Sand can last several months to a year.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 46
  • Question
    Can I use corn oil instead of vegetable oil?
    Community Answer
    Absolutely, you can use corn oil instead of vegetable oil, there's not a huge difference, so it won't change the recipe.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 17 Helpful 49
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Read Video Transcript

      Tips

      • If you can't find cornstarch, try using cornflour instead.
        Thanks
      • You can find oil-based candy coloring and dye in the baking section of an arts and crafts store.
        Thanks
      • Moon sand should be stored in an airtight container, but the beauty of this is that is won't dry out under normal storage conditions.
        Thanks
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • This sand should not be eaten. Let your child know that just because it smells good does not mean it's edible.
        Thanks
      • Also, teach children not to put it anywhere near their face, as it can be a nasal and eye irritant.
        Thanks
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Food dye, powdered tempera paint, Kool-Aid, or crushed chalk (optional, colors of choice)
      • Glitter (optional, must be very fine)
      • Container with lid for mixing and storage
      • Mixing stick or large wooden spatula
      • Gloves (optional)

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Color Sand
      How to
      Make Shrinky Dinks
      4 DIY Methods to Make an Awesome Toy Car with Recycled Materials
      How to
      Make a Cardboard Car
      How to
      Build a Bridge with Popsicle Sticks
      How to
      Make Pipe Cleaner Flowers
      How to
      Make a Paper Tree for Kids
      How to
      Build a Popsicle House
      How to Harden and Preserve Sand Dollars
      How to
      Make a Pinwheel
      How to
      Make Homemade Chalk
      How to
      Make a Bouncy Ball (Without Borax)
      How to
      Make Photo Frames from Ice Cream Sticks
      How to
      Make Potions (for Small Kids)
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2013/09/homemade-moon-sand-recipe-apple.html
      2. ↑ http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2013/09/pumpkin-moon-sand-recipe.html
      3. ↑ http://www.wisebread.com/make-your-own-moon-sand-dirt-cheap
      4. ↑ http://www.powerfulmothering.com/how-to-make-cloud-dough-recipe/
      5. ↑ http://www.powerfulmothering.com/how-to-make-cloud-dough-recipe/
      6. ↑ http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2014/03/colored-cloud-dough-recipe.html
      7. ↑ http://theimaginationtree.com/2013/06/home-made-moon-sand-recipe.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make kinetic sand, start by adding 1 1/2 cups (355 mililiters) of water to a large bowl. Then, stir 3 cups (680 grams) of cornstarch into the water until there are no more lumps. You can also add a few teaspoons of glitter to make your sand sparkly, or a few teaspoons of powdered drink mix to change the color. Finally, mix in 6 cups (1360 grams) of sand. To store your kinetic sand, keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 594,586 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Simone Ireland

        Aug 11, 2017

        "The kinetic sand stuff at ToysRUs is so expensive. With this recipe, I can make as much as I want and it is so ..." more
        Rated this article:
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement