How to Make Kinetic Sand (Sensory Sand)

Content Created by Tracey of Baker Street Living

Kinetic sand is a fun, moldable sensory material that kids (and adults!) absolutely love. It feels soft and slightly wet, flows through your hands, and holds its shape when pressed into moulds. The best part? You can easily make homemade kinetic sand with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.

This fun play sand is perfect for sensory play, rainy days, classroom activities, or creative playtime at home.

Kinetic sand is a special type of sand that sticks to itself rather than your hands. It’s often called “magic sand” because it moves like a liquid but can be shaped like a solid. Commercial versions can be pricey, but this homemade version delivers the same fun at a fraction of the cost.

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What You’ll Need

• Coloured Play Sand (2 1/2 cups)
• Cornstarch (1.1/2 cups)
• Coconut Oil (liquid) (1/2 cup)
• PVA Glue
• Food Colouring – Optional
• Large Mixing Bowl

How to Make Kinetic Sand

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl or bin, combine the sand and cornstarch. Stir well until fully blended.

Step 2: Add Coconut Oil

Gradually pour in the coconut oil, a little at a time, while mixing. The sand will begin to clump together and take on that classic kinetic sand texture. If it gets difficult to mix, finish blending by kneading. If it’s really dry, add a few more drops of oil.

If you are using uncoloured sand and wish to add colour. Add a few drops of food colouring to the coconut oil, and mix in.

Step 3: Add Glue

Add approximately 2 teaspoons of white or clear school glue. I find it easiest to just squirt it out of the bottle and eyeball the amount. Mix it in thoroughly.

Step 4: Adjust the Texture

• Too dry? Add a teaspoon of oil at a time.
• Too wet? Mix in a little more cornstarch or sand.

The perfect kinetic sand should hold its shape when squeezed but crumble slightly when touched.

Storing Instructions

Unlike other homemade types of clay/dough, Kinetoc sand doesn’t dry out as quickly. Place the sand in a Ziploc bag, squeezing out as much air as possible and seal the bag. It will eventually dry out, but feel free to knead in a little oil to rehydrate and give it a longer life.

Getting the Best Results

To get the best results, use brightly coloured play sand or white sand that has been coloured. See how to make it HERE

Use a clear oil. This is why we chose coconut oil. It does not affect the finished colour and has a pleasant smell. Canola oil, olive oil and many vegetable oils have an off-putting smell when finished.

When colouring kinetic sand, use vibrant liquid food colouring and mix it well by kneading it into the sand.

How to Play With Sensory Sand

Once your kinetic sand is ready, the fun begins! Try these ideas:

• Build sandcastles or shapes with moulds. Check out these fun moulds!
• Use cookie cutters for themed play (hearts, stars, animals)
• Create sensory bins with scoops, cups, and small toys

The Benefits of Kinetic Sensory Sand

It’s…Not just for Kids!

One of my first jobs after high school was in healthcare at a nursing home. It was a small facility with about 65 people. We were always looking for fun activities that we could come up with on our own. We did lots of simple crafts, and Kinetic Sand would have been amazing to have. Its sensory qualities.

Using kinetic sand in nursing homes or with people with disabilities can be incredibly beneficial. It’s a low-cost, calming, and adaptable sensory activity that supports physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being when used thoughtfully and safely.

Just be sure to cover tables or surfaces with plastic tablecloths for easy clean up, or take this fun activity outdoors.

Reasons why kids and adults can benefit from being creative with Kinetic Sand

1. Supports Fine Motor Skills

Kinetic sand encourages gentle hand and finger movements such as:

• Squeezing
• Scooping
• Pressing molds
• Rolling or shaping

These motions help maintain hand strength, dexterity, and coordination,especially helpful for young children, seniors or individuals with limited mobility.

2. Calming & Stress-Reducing

The soft, flowing texture of kinetic sand has a soothing effect and can:

• Reduce anxiety and agitation
• Encourage relaxation
• Provide a grounding sensory experience

This can be especially helpful for individuals with dementia, autism, anxiety disorders, or sensory processing challenges.

3. Encourages Cognitive Engagement

Kinetic sand activities can gently stimulate the brain through:

• Simple problem-solving (filling moulds, shaping objects)
• Memory recall (beach themes, gardening, childhood play)
• Creativity and imagination

It’s an excellent way to engage participants without overwhelming them.

4. Promotes Social Interaction

Group kinetic sand sessions encourage:

• Conversation and shared experiences
• Cooperative play
• A sense of community

Staff or caregivers can prompt discussion with themes like seasons, travel, or hobbies while participants work with the sand.

Adaptable for All Ability Levels

Kinetic sand is highly customizable:

• Use large moulds for limited hand strength
• Provide scoops or cups for those with reduced dexterity
• Allow free exploration for non-verbal participants

There is no “right” or “wrong” way to use it, making it inclusive and confidence-building.5

Making your own homemade kinetic sand is easy, affordable, and incredibly fun. It’s a great way to encourage creativity, fine motor skills, and sensory exploration—all without spending a lot of money.

Printable Instructions

Whether you’re planning a craft day, seniors activity, classroom activity, or just looking for a fun DIY project, this kinetic sand recipe is sure to be a hit!

This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you).