Rainbow Kinetic Sand is so easy to make and the perfect thing for sensory play anytime with the kids! Plus, you just need 3 ingredients to make it — sand, oil, and cornstarch. This post contains affiliate links.
Do you need a rainy day or cold day activity? Make some rainbow kinetic sand for some indoor summer fun! It’s a great way to recreate the fun of playing at the beach at home.
Kinetic sand is an easy activity that allows kids to explore their senses, build fine motor skills and strengthen their creative play muscles.
Table of Contents
What is kinetic sand?
Kinetic sand is hydrophobic sand. By adding a hydrophobic substance, like oil, it causes the sand to stick together.
Kinetic sand is play sand that is soft and crumbly but holds together and keeps its shape when squeezed or pressed.
What ingredients do you need to make kinetic sand?
- 1 cup each of play sand in 6 different colors, so 6 cups total
- 2 cups cornstarch
- ½ cup olive oil
How do you make rainbow kinetic sand?
Add one cup of each color of sand to separate bowls.
Add ⅓ cup of cornstarch to each bowl of sand, and stir until completely combined.
Add 4 teaspoons of olive oil to each bowl, then stir well to combine.
Add the colors to a cake pan in a line.
Make a Sensory Bin with your Rainbow Kinetic Sand
We like to keep our kinetic sand in a plastic bin or tote with a lid which makes it easy to keep contained and keeps everything in one place. I keep play tools with it that keep the kids busy for hours. Here are a few tool ideas:
- cookie cutters
- plastic knife
- spoon or small scoop
- rolling pin
- cups
- plasticware containers
- small toys
- hot wheels
- plastic animals
Is Kinetic Sand messy?
Yes and No. While it does stick together, if you have a busy little one, they can drop bits and pieces of it on the floor while playing. I just sweep it up. However, I find using something with a lip on it, like a cookie sheet, helps keep it contained.
Why is the Kinetic Sand sticking to my hands?
Make sure your hands are completely dry when playing with kinetic sand. If your hands are freshly washed and still a little wet or your hands are sweaty, the sand can stick to you.
What do I do if my Kinetic Sand gets wet?
Just spread it out on a cookie sheet and let it air dry to remove the moisture. Then, it’s fine to use again.
If you don’t let it dry out completely, it can grow mold. You’ll notice it will start to smell funny and then it will grow mold. At this point, you’ll need to throw the kinetic sand away.
Does Kinetic Sand dry out?
Unlike play dough, kinetic sand does not dry out, even if left out. And, you can keep reusing it over and over again.
How do you store Kinetic Sand?
Keep it in a sealed container.
More Sensory Activities
- Edible Mud Slime Sensory Play
- How to make Under the Sea Ocean Slime
- Edible Frosting Slime
- Magnetic Sand Sensory Play Jars
- 25 Slime Recipes Kids Will Love
Rainbow Kinetic Sand
Materials
- 1 cup each of play sand in 6 different colors, so 6 cups total
- 2 cups cornstarch
- ½ cup olive oil
Tools
- 6 bowls
- spoon
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
Instructions
- Add ⅓ cup of cornstarch to each bowl of sand, and stir until completely combined.
- Add 4 teaspoons of olive oil to each bowl, then stir well to combine.
- Add the colors to a cake pan in a line.
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