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Kinetic Sand for Kids – 20+ Ways to Play

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Kinetic sand for kids is our favorite sensory activity! For starters, it’s a cinch to clean up, not to mention satisfying to play with. There is just something about kinetic sand for kids that calls over my forty-year-old self to also join in the fun. – And I’m here for that. 

Maybe it’s the texture? Or perhaps it’s the happiness of how it all molds together without sticking on hands? To say I am a huge fan is an understatement.

Since kinetic sand is on repeat here, I got to work searching for even more ways to play. Inside you will find 20+ genius ways for kids (and adults) to play with kinetic sand.

RELATED: Ready to start sensory play? Use these tips on how to introduce sensory play!

What is Kinetic Sand in Pink Text

What is Kinetic Sand?

Kinetic sand for kids is normal sand mixed up with slippery things like glue and dishwasher soap. It gives it this lovely, stretchy texture for kids to play with, shape, and mold. I love using kinetic sand in sensory play for children to experience new textures.

Supplies

I love this Kinetic Sand because it’s perfect for kids and I always make a great kinetic sand recipe (more on that below!). It’s also budget friendly and targeted toward sensory play – what more do we want?! 

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collage of kids playing kinetic sands

How to Play With Kinetic Sand for Kids

When you introduce kinetic sand for kids you can show them how to use it, but you also want to step back and let them take charge. Kinetic sand is so versatile that children will often take the play in their own direction – and that’s what we want! But we all need a starting point and here is a great list to get you on your way.

  1. Arctic Animals Sensory Play – (3 Dinosaurs) an easy to put together sensory bin that is Dinosaur themed! 
  2. Beach and Sand Sensory Play – (Protecting your Pennies) This sandy beach and ocean sensory bin actually uses two different bins so that was a little different. One bin is for the beach and the other is for the ocean.
  3. Bears in Quick Sand – (Days with Grey) 
  4. Big Kid Sensory Bin – (Busy Toddler) Even big kids need some peace and calming sensory play
  5. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Sand Hunt – (Toddler Approved)
  6. Construction Alphabet Play – (Teaching 2 and 3-Year-Olds)
  7. Construction Sensory Play – (Teaching 2 and 3-Year-Olds)
  8. Cupcake Sensory Play – (And Next Comes L)
  9. Dinosaur Dig Out – (Fireflies and Mudpies)
  10. Dinosaur Sensory Play – (Fireflies and Mudpies)
  11. Easter Play – (Toddler Approved)
  12. Fossil Sensory Bin – (ABC’s of Literacy)
  13. Kinetic Sand Potato Heads – (And Next Comes L)
  14. Kinetic Sand Pretend Play Food – (The Craft Train)
  15. Kinetic Sand Race Track – (In the Playroom)
  16. Kinetic Sand Rainbow – (And Next Comes L)
  17. Kinetic Sand Stamping – (Picklebums)
  18. LEGO Fun – (Toddler Approved)
  19. Lego Stamping Kinetic Sand – (And Next Comes L)
  20. Moon Walking Sensory Play – (3 Dinosaurs)
  21. Paw Patrol Rescue – (Days with Grey)
  22. Rainbow Bead Hunt – (Toddler Approved)
  23. Stamping Shapes – (Still Playing School)

RELATED: We store kinetic sand for kids in the accessory bin shown in our toy storage post.

Check Out These Sensory Activities 

Frequently Asked Questions
What age can kids use kinetic sand?

Kinetic sand is suggested for ages 3+. I introduce kinetic sand to my kids once I know they are less likely to put it in their mouths. I am always close, sitting along the sidelines as they play. Magazine and hot tea in hand are always a welcomed bonus.

Is kinetic sand better than Play-Doh?

Play-Doh and kinetic sand are very different, yet both have a playable texture that helps improve fine motor strength. My boys play with Play-Doh and kinetic sand similarly, yet they often have an opinion they prefer for that given day. So if you ask them, they will tell you it is different. 
Play-Doh comes in a variety of colors, or you can make your own. It is also smooth and will dry out. Kinetic sand has a grainy texture and will not dry out as easily. You can also make your kinetic sand at home. A recipe for DIY sand can be found here at Little Bins for Little Hands. 

RELATED: If you are looking for ways to play with Play-Doh, you must check out these refreshing playdough ideas!