Here’s an easy way to keep the kids busy and engaged. Create your own sensory bins with DIY Moon Sand.
This recipe has been completely updated on 3-17-20. The instructions you see for cornstarch, coloring, and water are the only ingredients. We earn a commission on sales of products in this post.
I spent many years working in a daycare with a room full of rambunctious preschoolers. This age group has its challenges, but watching kids learn through play is something near and dear to my heart. Finding ways to keep them engaged and learning with fun open-ended materials was something I challenged myself to do daily.

DIY Moon sand Supplies:
This recipe for moon sand is so easy and the cost is nominal compared to purchasing commercial moon sand. It will give you hours of play and fun. Plus, it’s not just for kids. Adults can dig right in, too.
Supplies needed:
– 4 cups of corn starch
– food coloring of your choice
– spray bottle of water
– mixing bowl
– plastic shoebox with lid. (Or any plastic container with a tight fitting lid)

DIY moon sand instructions:
1. Pour the corn starch into your mixing bowl. Break up any chunks so it is a fine powder.
2. Add in 5-7 drops of food coloring. Mix well with a spoon or whisk. Add more or less food coloring depending on how deep you want the hue to be.
3. Start adding water via the spray bottle. Add a few sprays at a time mixing well as you go. The spray bottle allows you to control how much water you add. If you add too much, your mixture will turn to slime. Instead, add a few sprays at a time and keep mixing.
4. Stop when your mixture has a crumbly dough consistency. It will almost look like a dessert crumble! When you crush it in your hand, it will mold to the shape of your hand and stay that way. If it is still too crumbly, add a few more sprays. If it is too runny, you will need to add a tablespoon of start at a time until it meets the right consistency.
Storage tips:
Moon Sand is a perfect sensory activity. Place the moon sand in a plastic shoebox (Dollar Tree) for play. You can add scoops, measuring cups, spoons, etc. Squeeze it, mold it, smash it, add toys, use it to hide treasures and so much more. When you are done, you can simply place the lid on the container so it stays soft and can be played with later.
I used disposable gloves and mixed until everything was blended. As soon as it was all mixed the kiddos dug in, literally. They were thrilled with the Moon Sand and I was glad to be able to offer it to them with this easy low-cost recipe!

Do you make anything at home for your preschool-age kiddos? I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas!
DIY MOON SAND

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Materials
- 4 cups of corn starch
- food coloring of your choice
Tools
- spray bottle of water
- mixing bowl
- plastic shoebox with lid
Instructions
- Pour the corn starch into your mixing bowl. Break up any chunks so it is a fine powder.
- Add in 5-7 drops of food coloring. Mix well with a spoon or whisk. Add more or less food coloring depending on how deep you want the hue to be.
- Start adding water via the spray bottle. Add a few sprays at a time mixing well as you go. If you add too much water, your mixture will turn to slime. Instead, add a few sprays at a time and keep mixing.
- Stop when your mixture has a crumbly dough consistency. It will almost look like a dessert crumble! When you crush it in your hand, it will mold to the shape of your hand and stay that way.
Notes
If your mixture is too crumbly, add a few more sprays water. If it is too runny, you will need to add a tablespoon of corn starch at a time until it meets the right consistency.
When you are done, you can simply place the lid on the container so it stays soft and can be played with later.
lisa
Wednesday 25th of March 2020
There is no mention of oil, baby or otherwise, on the entire page--only in the comments. Could you tell me, please, how much oil is necessary and when to add it? Thank you
Michele Brosius
Wednesday 25th of March 2020
This recipe has been completely updated. The instructions you see for cornstarch, coloring and water are the only ingredients. Thank you!
Sheryl
Wednesday 25th of March 2020
I'm not seeing when or how much baby oil to ADD? Looks like fun activity
Michele Brosius
Wednesday 25th of March 2020
This recipe has been completely updated. The instructions you see for cornstarch, coloring and water are the only ingredients. Thank you!
Edith
Thursday 17th of January 2019
What a great idea but I think storing it in a air tight container will make it more moised and soft to mold for more than 2 weeks. My preschooler loved it so much
Lory from The Robin's Nest Designs
Sunday 16th of August 2015
Thanks for sharing such a great idea! I think our grandkids would love this. I really appreciate you sharing at The Living With Style LInky Party. :) ope to see you again this week! Hugs, Lory www.therobinsnestdesigns.com
Rhonda
Sunday 9th of August 2015
Coming from Inspiration Monday... awesome idea! Saving this one for my SS class. Do you cover it in between uses? ~Rhonda
Michele Brosius
Monday 10th of August 2015
I did not cover it, but it was in a daycare room, so no exposure to outdoors, etc.