Looking for a quick and simple recipe to make oobleck? Our no-fuss, easy oobleck recipe is straightforward and quick to whip up with items that I guarantee you already have in your kitchen. If you have been searching for new ways to keep your kids entertained, engaged, and interested in sensory play, look no further than oobleck! This crazy cool sensory material is the ultimate hands-on way to engage in messy play – our favorite! Keep reading to learn how to make our easy oobleck recipe, and check out some of our favorite ways to play with it!
RELATED: Sensory play offers so many learning opportunities for toddlers! One of our favorite messy ways to play is with shaving cream – don’t miss these shaving cream sensory activities here!
What is oobleck?
Oobleck is a sensory play substance that is both a solid and a liquid—also known to our science-based nerds as a non-Newtonian substance. Since sensory play is so important for growth and development, why not make it more fun and messy with oobleck?!
Playing with oobleck is a definite hands-on experience, so prep and prepare your mind, your toddler, and your space appropriately to embrace this at-home sensory activity fun! And if you’re hesitant to take on oobleck, never fear! Take your sensory bin outside for a fun summer sensory activity!
RELATED: Sensory play is a wonderful way for kids to develop fine motor skills and independent play! Not sure where to begin? Here’s how to introduce your toddler to sensory play.
Our favorite easy oobleck recipe
Making oobleck is so simple. For something that acts in such a complex way, oobleck is ironically one of the most accessible sensory play materials that you can make at home. I can bet you already have everything right in your kitchen.
The ONLY ingredients you need are:
- Cornstarch
- Water
Here’s how to make oobleck:
- Measure 1.5 cups of cornstarch into a bowl
- Add 1 cup of water
- Mix the cornstarch and water together with your hands
- Optional to add a bit of tempura paint for fun color play (avoid food coloring, it will stain!)
- Play!
PRO TIP: You will know your oobleck is ready once it feels smooth like honey, but can stretch and rip with your hands. If your mixture is not quite there, add more cornstarch or water until you get the right consistency!
Sensory play supplies
Getting a mat for your child to sit on as they play with sensory activities will change everyone’s life. It provides a visual boundary for the play and is easy to wipe down.
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Sensory Mat
Yep, I “borrowed” this indoor cycling mat from my husband years ago, and it turned out to be one of the best things we did to encourage more sensory play!
The best ways to play with oobleck
There are so many fun ways to play with oobleck! So we’ve compiled our top 8 favorite ways to have some oobleck fun. Just like with most other sensory play activities, we recommend using a sensory bin to contain this messy play!
Edible Glowing Oobleck (Fun at Home with Kids)
Create more play and fun with this glow-in-the-dark edible oobleck. Add tonic water and a blacklight to make your oobleck glow!
Frozen Oobleck Sensory Play (Messy Little Monster)
Did you know that you can freeze oobleck?! Check out this easy and fun idea for how to freeze your oobleck and add to the oobleck sensory fun party!
Monster Oobleck (Happy Toddler Playtime)
Get into the Halloween spirit using oobleck, simple construction paper cutouts, and googly eyes to create cute little monsters in oobleck.
Muddy Oobleck Sensory Table With Animals (Fun with Mama)
Let your toddler’s imagination run free as they use their farm (or zoo) animals to splash and play in muddy-colored oobleck. This idea is sure to keep your kids playing independently for hours!
Oobleck Construction Site Sensory Play (NurtureStore)
Grab all things construction and dump them into a sensory bin filled with oobleck for a messy and creative day at the oobleck construction site.
Rainbow Oobleck Toddler Sensory Play (Toddler Approved)
Your toddler will love getting their hands into this beautiful rainbow oobleck sensory activity that introduces color mixing to all the oobleck fun!
Walking on Oobleck (Science Sparks)
I couldn’t believe this until we tried it, but yes, it’s true! You can walk on oobleck. Try this fun and different way of playing and experimenting with oobleck with your next batch!
Watermelon Oobleck (Gift of Curiosity)
Let your toddler make their own watermelon oobleck! All they will need is cornstarch (pre-measured) and a juicy watermelon. This is the cutest way to let your child experiment and engage in hands-on sensory play as they use real-life food to play and get messy.
How do you store oobleck?
You can store your oobleck in an airtight container.
When your child is ready to play with it again, add a little water to freshen it up. Oobleck can last up to 24 hours. After 24 hours, it can start to get yucky and even moldy, so make sure to dispose of it once you hit that 24-hour mark.
How do you clean up oobleck?
Cleanup is simple, but you must be mindful as you wash out your bind. I added a lot of water to dilute the cornstarch before disposing of it outside. Not diluting it may clog pipes. Use discretion before sending it down the drain.
Embrace messy play with oobleck
Whether or not you’ve heard of oobleck, now is the time to make it! Even if the messy idea of it all has made you hesitant to try, it’s time to set your fears aside and embrace this ooey gooey sensory play fun! Your kids (and your hot coffee) will thank you.
Empower your child with skills to thrive.
24 low-prep activities and relatable conversation starters that equip kids for life.
- Order the easy-to-follow activity cards.
- Build the foundation for social-emotional learning.
- Notice a shift in self-confidence and self-regulation as you and your child implement what you practice.
Oobleck FAQ
Oobleck is both a solid and a liquid that can be easily be made right in your own kitchen. It is a non-Newtonian substance that offers wonderful sensory play opportunities for toddlers.
Making oobleck is so easy to make. Our go-to recipe is simply mixing together cornstarch and water until you get the right consistency. Sometimes we add a bit of tempura paint to brighten up the play!
Oobleck is best used as a sensory play substance to inspire independent play, creativity, and motor skills.
Oobleck Recipe
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