Kinetic Sand/Moon Sand Recipe

(To make it more like Moon Sand -- use more cornstarch)

Using whatever measuring device you choose:

1 part sand (recommend Quickrete Brand -- see picture) 

1/2 part Cornstarch (use the generic or store brand bc cornstarch is all the same)

Mix these together (it creates a bit of dust so mix sloooooowly)

Then add water and dishsoap (use scented for scented sand). How much? 

Well, if you want the full experience for the kiddos, use extra water and soap mix (see below) and make a Newtonian Fluid (Google it) -like sludge. Let the kids mix it up. It will flow like a liquid but if they press on it, it will act like a solid. Pretty cool. Adding more cornstarch only hightens the effect. Then, let it dry out a bit overnight and you will have "regular" Mooon/Kinetic Sand. 

Let it fully dry out and it acts just like regular sand.

To "reinvigorate" it -- just add more water and dishsoap/water mix. 

Tips to keep it "good as new" --

Dirt and oils on children's hands will start making it stinky before long so have them always wash hands very well before they play in it.

Let it dry out in between uses (this won't affect it at all). Store it dry -- not damp or wet. Unlike some store-bought sands, drying it out won't hurt it at all.

Don't use any other soap than real dishsoap. Seriously.

Don't use play sand (it will stink almost from the beginning -- smelly) because it won't be the right consistency.

Want to scent it? (The Quickcrete sand is 98% white and washed with very little scent) Want to color it? Simply add essential oils or use scented dishsoap for scent or use essential oils that are non-toxic Mix the oils in AFTER its thoroughly mixed with the water/soap mix. 

Want it colored? Mix in food coloring AFTER you mix the sand up. Then mix the color in with a (sturdy) wire wisk (like for cooking). Let the sand COMPLETELY dry out and then rewet. This is really key unless you want colored hands (if that's not an issue, the kids can just play in the colored sand to mix it better).

Water and Dishsoap Mix:

1 1/2 c water 

4 tsp dishsoap

Stir well to mix together and it is ready to use. (Don't worry about suds or bubbles)