Making your own homemade moon sand is a great playtime activity for kids. If you are looking for a sensory activity that will keep little hands busy for a long time, this is a great idea.
This easy DIY moon sand recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home, like cornstarch, hair conditioner, or even cups of flour and oil. Best part? You can customize it with different colors, textures, and scents for endless sensory play ideas.
Our two-year old had lots of fun playing in his sand. We just laid down towels and put the sand in a large cookie sheet. He played for a long time with his toy tractors.
When playtime was over, clean up was easy. We shook out the towels and he then played in the sink for another 30 minutes washing his toy tractors.
The rest of the kinetic moon sand in an airtight storage container. We are ready for fun playtime another day.
What is Moon Sand?
Moon sand, also known as cloud dough or moldable sand, is a fun and crumbly texture that mimics wet sand at the beach.
It’s a sensory dough that’s perfect for independent play, fine motor skills, and open-ended play. Unlike play dough or kinetic sand, moon sand keeps its soft, crumbly texture while still being moldable.
Two Easy Moon Sand Recipes
We’ve tried two different recipes for homemade moon sand, both of which were a great time for younger kids and older ones alike.
1. Moon Sand with Hair Conditioner and Cornstarch
This recipe creates soft, smooth moon sand with a cloud-like feel.
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Cornstarch
- 1 Cup Hair Conditioner, you can use scented, unscented or add a few drops of essential oil for extra stimulation
- Optional: oil-based food coloring for bright colors
Instructions
Combine the cornstarch and conditioner in a mixing bowl.
Mix until the moon sand mixture feels like crumbly textures that are moldable yet soft.
Add regular food coloring or tempera paint for different colors.
2. Moon Sand with Flour and Oil
This recipe mimics real sand and is ideal for creating little castles and shapes.
Ingredients
- 8 Cups All-Purpose Flour, or gluten-free flour
- 1 Cup Oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, coconut oil, or baby oil
Instructions
Measure the flour and pour it into a large bowl.
Add 1 part oil (1 cup oil for every 8 cups of flour) and mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
For a sensory experience, try adding a few drops of essential oils or oil-based food coloring.
Creative Ways to Play with Moon Sand
You can turn your moon sand into a sensory bin. We didn’t have one so we spread an old sheet on the floor, poured the moon sand into a shallow tray, and added toy tractors and bulldozers to create a construction site. This open-ended play encouraged fine motor skills and provided hours of independent play.
Here are more ideas.
- Use cookie cutters or different molds to make shapes.
- Create a beach sand scene with shells, plastic containers, or a sand table.
- Add drops of essential oil for calming sensory doughs.
Storage and Cleanup Tips
Moon sand is easy to store and reuse. Place it in an air-tight container or plastic bag to keep it fresh for a long time. If it dries out, simply add a bit more oil.
To minimize mess, play on a baking sheet, plastic container, or towel. Cleanup is easy with a damp cloth or vacuum.
Why Make Your Own Moon Sand?
Cost-Effective. Moon sand kits can be expensive, but homemade moon sand is affordable and uses simple recipes.
Customizable. Adjust the ratio of flour or type of oil to create your ideal texture.
Fun for Everyone. Younger kids and older ones alike can enjoy sensory play ideas with moldable sand.
Taste-Safe Options. Substitute raw flour with gluten-free alternatives or cornstarch for younger kids.
Can I use other oils?
Yes. Try olive oil, coconut oil, or canola oil for a safe moon sand recipe.
Can I use essential oils in moon sand?
Yes, you can use essential oils in moon sand, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Benefits of Using Essential Oils in Moon Sand
Sensory Enhancement. Essential oils add an aromatic element, enhancing the sensory experience during play. For example, lavender can be calming, while citrus oils can be invigorating.
Customizable Scents. You can choose scents based on your preferences or themes, such as calming scents for bedtime play or seasonal scents like peppermint for winter.
How to Safely Use Essential Oils in Moon Sand
Dilution. Add just a few drops (2-3) to the oil component (e.g., coconut oil, canola oil, or baby oil) before mixing it into the moon sand. This helps distribute the scent evenly and ensures it’s not too strong.
Child-Safe Oils. Use child-friendly essential oils, such as lavender, chamomile, or orange. Avoid oils that might irritate sensitive skin, like peppermint or eucalyptus, unless highly diluted.
Skin Sensitivity. Ensure kids wash their hands after playing with moon sand, especially if they’re prone to skin sensitivity.
Tips for Using Essential Oils
Avoid Overpowering Scents. A little goes a long way. Too much essential oil can be overwhelming.
Optional Use. If you’re concerned about allergies or sensitivities, essential oils are entirely optional. Moon sand is fun even without added scents!
Alternative Add-Ins
If you prefer not to use essential oils, you can try oil-based food coloring for added sensory appeal or leave the moon sand unscented for a simpler experience.
Is moon sand safe to eat?
While it’s not meant to be eaten, taste-safe moon sand can be made using cornstarch and cooking oil.
Making moon sand is a fun activity for rainy days, outdoor play, or just a quiet sensory experience.
Whether you prefer a cornstarch and conditioner moon sand DIY or the classic flour and oil version, you’re sure to have a great time. Plus, your homemade moon sand mixture can be stored for the next day and beyond!
Get creative, try different bowls and molds, and let your kids explore the surface of the moon with their very own moon sand.