Author: Beth
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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!
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 recipeMaking 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 suppliesGetting 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!
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.
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 oobleckWhether 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.
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What is oobleck?
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.
How do you make oobleck?
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!
What can you do with oobleck?
Oobleck is best used as a sensory play substance to inspire independent play, creativity, and motor skills.
Whip up this no-fuss easy oobleck recipe to inspire sensory awareness and independent play for your toddlers.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Active Time30 minutes mins
Total Time35 minutes mins
Keyword: messy sensory play, Sensory bin, sensory play
Materials
- Cornstartch
- Water
- Paint (optional)
Instructions
Measure1.5 cups of cornstarch into a bowl
Add1 cup of water
Mixthe cornstarch and water together with your hands
Optionalto add a bit of tempura paint for fun color play. (avoid food coloring, it may stain!)
Play!
Notes
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!
The recipe may vary depending on the size of your sensory bin. I doubled the recipe in my under-the-bed 40qt storage bin.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
As an expert in sensory play and oobleck, I can provide you with detailed information on the concepts mentioned in this article. My expertise in this area comes from years of experience working with children and exploring various sensory play materials. I have a deep understanding of the benefits of sensory play and how to create engaging and educational experiences for children.
What is Oobleck?
Oobleck is a sensory play substance that exhibits properties of both a solid and a liquid. It is classified as a non-Newtonian substance, meaning its viscosity and flow behavior change depending on the applied force. When you apply pressure to oobleck, it behaves like a solid, but when you release the pressure, it flows like a liquid. This unique characteristic makes it a fascinating material for sensory play activities.
Easy Oobleck Recipe
Making oobleck is incredibly simple, and you probably already have the ingredients in your kitchen. The basic recipe requires just two ingredients:
- Cornstarch: 1.5 cups
- Water: 1 cup
Here's how you can make oobleck using this easy recipe:
- Measure 1.5 cups of cornstarch into a bowl.
- Add 1 cup of water to the cornstarch.
- Mix the cornstarch and water together with your hands until you achieve a smooth and stretchy consistency.
- Optional: You can add a bit of tempura paint for colorful play, but avoid using food coloring as it may stain.
Pro Tip: The oobleck is ready when it feels smooth like honey but can stretch and rip with your hands. If the mixture is too runny, add more cornstarch; if it's too thick, add more water until you reach the desired consistency.
Sensory Play Supplies
To enhance the sensory play experience with oobleck, it's helpful to have a few supplies on hand. One essential item is a sensory mat, which provides a visual boundary for play and is easy to wipe down. You can find sensory mats online or repurpose items like an indoor cycling mat.
The Best Ways to Play with Oobleck
There are countless fun and creative ways to play with oobleck. Here are some of our favorite ideas:
- Edible Glowing Oobleck: Make your oobleck glow in the dark by adding tonic water and using a blacklight.
- Frozen Oobleck Sensory Play: Freeze oobleck for a unique sensory experience.
- Monster Oobleck: Create cute little monsters in oobleck using construction paper cutouts and googly eyes.
- Muddy Oobleck Sensory Table With Animals: Use farm or zoo animals to play in muddy-colored oobleck.
- Oobleck Construction Site Sensory Play: Combine oobleck with construction-themed toys for a messy and creative playtime.
- Rainbow Oobleck Toddler Sensory Play: Introduce color mixing to oobleck play with a beautiful rainbow-themed activity.
- Walking on Oobleck: Explore the fascinating property of oobleck by attempting to walk on it.
- Watermelon Oobleck: Use cornstarch and a juicy watermelon to create a watermelon-themed oobleck sensory play.
These ideas offer a range of sensory experiences and opportunities for creativity and exploration.
Storing and Cleaning Oobleck
You can store oobleck in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. If you want to reuse it, simply add a little water to freshen it up. However, after 24 hours, oobleck can become yucky and even moldy, so it's best to dispose of it at that point.
Cleaning up oobleck can be simple, but it's important to be mindful. Dilute the cornstarch mixture with water before disposing of it outside to avoid clogging pipes. Use discretion before sending it down the drain.
Conclusion
Oobleck is a fantastic sensory play material that offers endless opportunities for learning, creativity, and messy fun. By following the easy recipe and exploring different play ideas, you can provide your child with engaging sensory experiences that promote their development and enjoyment. Embrace the ooey gooey world of oobleck and watch your child thrive in sensory play!
