Kinetic sand is a fantastic sensory play material. It behaves similarly to wet sand in that it can be moulded and shaped, but it doesn’t dry out. You can purchase it or you can use our kinetic sand recipe to make your own. Making homemade kinetic sand is a much cheaper option and is easier than you may think.
Is kinetic sand safe?
Kinetic sand can be dangerous to pets and children if eaten. Although it is technically considered non-toxic, the store bought kinetic sand does not pass through the body the same way that regular sand does.
There have been reports of pets such as this dog requiring surgery to have kinetic sand removed once ingested. My recommendation is that you keep kinetic sand far away from your pets and of course, as with all sensory play activities, that you use adult supervision with children when playing.
Homemade kinetic sand recipes may be safer due to their ingredients, but I wouldn’t suggest taking a risk.
Kinetic sand activities:
There are so many possibilities when it comes to play with kinetic sand. There are also ways to incorporate learning into this type of sensory play.
Kids can practise scooping, shaping, squeezing, and digging in a kinetic sand sensory bin. This is so good for proprioceptive sensory feedback. This type of sensory bin also allows for imaginative play.
Still Playing School shares stamping shapes in kinetic sand. This idea is wonderful for kids who are learning their shapes as well as practising fine motor skills.
This idea for kinetic sand play food at The Craft Train is so cool! I think kids are going to be amazed at what they can create.
If you grew up playing with Mr. Potato Head, you’re going to love the potato head idea over at And Next Comes L. It’s great for sensory and imaginative play.
Fine motor, sensory play, and number recognition all come together in this kinetic sand number hunt.
Left Brain Craft Brain shares different ideas for fun ways to incorporate math into kinetic sand play.
Fun Learning for Kids shares how to build with kinetic sand and blocks. If you have a child who is a fan of building or playing with Lego, this is going to be a big hit!
This Treasure Chest Sensory Bin from The Simple Parent repurposes a wipes container. If you’re a parent, chances are, you have one of those around somewhere!
If you’re doing a dinosaur unit, this dinosaur excavation activity from Crafts on Sea would be a fun one to try.
Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds has a fun Alphabet Sensory Bin using kinetic sand. There are several suggestions for helping children with their ABCs.
Kinetic sand goes beautifully in a Zen Rock Garden like this one from 3 Dinosaurs.
More activity ideas for kinetic sand:
- do a fossil hunt
- provide paintbrushes for kids to “paint” in the kinetic sand
- bury objects in the sand and have kids dig for them with their hands or small shovels or scoops
- add seashells for digging and drawing shapes
- shape it into logs and then slice it with a plastic knife
- make indoor sandcastles using small sand toys
- fill sand or snow moulds
- push buttons or beads into the kinetic sand for fine motor practise
Looking for more ideas? Check out the eBook 35 Awesome Kinetic Sand Activities. 