Homemade sand makes such an easy sensory bin idea that kept my 3 year-old occupied for a good 30 minutes! This let me do the dishes without any interruption.
**This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information.
Ingredients:
Whole Wheat Flour
I think a lot of other recipes usually use all-purpose flour for this, but I actually used whole wheat flour because we had it. And I ended up loving it because the color is exactly like sand!
Coconut Oil
You can use regular coconut oil from a jar and melt it in the microwave. I used fractionated coconut oil that is always in a liquid form. It is super convenient to use, and it is odorless as well.
It’s important to note that this coconut oil is NOT for cooking or consuming. It’s made for skincare, hair, or diluting essential oils.
Ratio
All you need is 2 cups of whole wheat flour and 1/4 cup coconut oil. I used a large bowl and started out by mixing it with a spoon, and then I used my hands to mix it in more thoroughly. And there you have it: homemade sand!
I love that this mixture is moldable, but it also comes apart pretty easily. It’s very similar to the feel of damp sand.
Play With…
Both my boys love everything vehicles, so I bought mini construction site vehicles, and they loved it!
But you can also make it a beach theme and bring in beach toys which would also be so much fun!
Lasting Power
I made this and have left it sitting out in the sensory bin for about a week and my son played with it again–and it was still good. I just added a bit more coconut oil to the mixture because it was feeling a bit dry. But after the second time, I tossed it.
I feel like it could potentially last longer in a ziploc in the fridge, but haven’t personally tried that yet. Let me know if you know of making it last longer!
Thank you so much for reading!
If you liked this homemade sand activity, make sure to check out other fun and easy Screen-Free Activity Ideas for Toddlers and Preschoolers.
That is so fun and easy and something I know my son would love. He loves getting dirty and all things trucks and construction equipment!
Yes! My boys are obsessed with all things vehicles too! The construction trucks definitely adds a special element to this activity, and my 3 year-old was occupied for a while!
Wow. That’s so cool! I never knew you could make sand like that! So simple and fun! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks for reading, Faith! So easy and affordable too–my favorite type of activity 🙂
I’m blown away you can make your own sand with flour and oil! What a super cheap and fun way to entertain toddlers. Thank you for this easy recipe!
Thanks for reading! I hope you can try it out with your kids, and buys you some free time 🙂
I had no idea you could make sand with flour and coconut oil! I have to try this with my son!