Moon sand is a fun sensory activity you can easily make at home with just two ingredients: flour and baby oil.
Moon sand behaves very much like fine ocean sand. You can press it together or mold it to build sand castles, or create handprints in your very own sandbox.
If you’re looking for hours of sensory play with ingredients you likely already have in your home, you should make DIY moon sand!
Related: How to Make Playdough, Fluffy Slime Recipe and How to Paper Mache.
This DIY moon sand is a fun activity for older toddlers and up. You know the children in your life best, so use your best judgment on if they are mature enough to play with moon sand (and not put it in their mouth).
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Moon Sand = 8 Cups All-Purpose Flour + 1 Cup Baby Oil
You can easily double or triple this basic recipe if you want to make larger quantities. If you want to make less, you can cut this recipe in half.
But keep in mind that you will want a decent amount of moon sand if you want to be able to build small structures (like little sand castles).
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between kinetic sand and moon sand?
Kinetic sand is ocean (or regular) sand that’s coated in silicone oil. It is more liquid-like, and molded shapes will not hold their shape for long.
Moon sand is made from flour and baby oil, and acts more like wet ocean sand. It can be molded into shapes or structures and it will hold its shape until changed.
Is moon sand edible?
While the ingredients (flour and baby oil) are non-toxic and will not poison someone if they are consumed, moon sand is not edible.
Raw, uncooked flour should not be consumed. Moon sand could also be a choking hazard if eaten.
Is moon sand messy?
Moon sand is basically as messy as regular sand, but less dirty. While flour and baby oil will not add dirt to your home or clothes, moon sand can be messy or get stuck in fabrics or carpets.
It’s best to play with moon sand in small containers (or boxes) so the mess stays contained to these areas.
How to Make Moon Sand:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 cup baby oil.
- Use a whisk to combine these ingredients so all the flour gets coated in the oil.
- The mixture should easily clump together when pressed.
- Play with moon sand by molding shapes or creating prints from a beach toy set or your hands/feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you store moon sand?
Store moon sand in an airtight, nonporous container. Large plastic tubs, like Rubbermaid or Tupperware, are great options. If those aren’t available, large ziplock bags would work, too.
Does moon sand dry out?
It can dry out. That’s why it’s best to store in an airtight container when it’s not being used. Since moon sand is made with flour, you don’t want to attract bugs or rodents by leaving it out when not playing with it.
How long does moon sand last?
If stored well, moon sand can last at least 3-4 weeks, and likely even longer.
If you are the one helping to make this project, and probably buying the ingredients and making sure it’s stored well and not to mention clean up—thank you!
You are making childhood magic and we know it’s sometimes a lot of effort. We are in it with you and cheering you on, friend!
Looking for More Hands-On Activities?
- How to Make Bubble Solution
- How to Make Playdough
- How to Make Oobleck (Goop)
- How to Make Slime – 3 Ingredients
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Supplies
- 8 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup baby oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baby oil.
- Use a whisk to combine these ingredients so all the flour gets coated in the oil.
- The mixture should easily clump together when pressed.
- Play with moon sand by molding shapes or creating prints from objects or your hands/feet.
I’m going to try making rainbow moon sand with my son today. Thanks for the recipe!