Chia Slime Recipe: How to Make Taste-Safe, Squishy Sensory Play Fun
Make a fun, taste-safe chia slime recipe for kids! This squishy, mess-free sensory play idea is easy to make and great for hands-on learning.
What is Chia Slime?
Looking for a fun and squishy sensory play idea that’s easy to make and taste-safe for kids? Say hello to chia slime!This gooey, stretchy, and naturally textured slime is perfect for little hands to explore. Made with simple ingredients like chia seeds and water, it’s a safe and non-toxic alternative to traditional slimes. Because chia seeds are edible, this slime is a great option for younger kids who might still be in the phase of exploring with their mouths. Whether your child loves messy play or you’re looking for a hands-on activity to boost their fine motor skills, this chia slime recipe is a must-try. Plus, the best part? It’s easy to clean up and provides endless hours of fun!
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Chia Slime Benefits for Kids
Want to see chia slime in action? Watch this quick video where I walk you through how to make chia slime step by step and set it up in our 7 Days of Play sensory table! You’ll see just how simple it is to create this taste-safe, sensory-friendly slime, plus some fun ways to play with it.
Why chia slime? Unlike regular slime that uses glue and borax, chia slime is completely taste-safe—making it a great option for toddlers and younger kids!
Playing with chia slime isn’t just fun—it’s also an educational and sensory-rich experience for kids! This taste-safe slime helps develop fine motor skills as little hands squeeze, stretch, and manipulate the gooey texture. It also supports tactile exploration, giving children a chance to experience different textures and resistance, which is great for sensory development. Plus, sensory play has been shown to promote focus, creativity, and early STEM skills as kids experiment with cause and effect—like noticing how chia slime changes when stretched or mixed with other materials. Whether you’re using it for messy play, calming sensory activities, or early childhood learning, chia slime is a fantastic way to keep little hands engaged while fostering hands-on discovery!
Chia Slime Benefits for Kids
Want to see chia slime in action? Watch this quick video where I walk you through how to make chia slime step by step and set it up in our 7 Days of Play sensory table! You’ll see just how simple it is to create this taste-safe, sensory-friendly slime, plus some fun ways to play with it.
Why chia slime? Unlike regular slime that uses glue and borax, chia slime is completely taste-safe—making it a great option for toddlers and younger kids!
Playing with chia slime isn’t just fun—it’s also an educational and sensory-rich experience for kids! This taste-safe slime helps develop fine motor skills as little hands squeeze, stretch, and manipulate the gooey texture. It also supports tactile exploration, giving children a chance to experience different textures and resistance, which is great for sensory development. Plus, sensory play has been shown to promote focus, creativity, and early STEM skills as kids experiment with cause and effect—like noticing how chia slime changes when stretched or mixed with other materials. Whether you’re using it for messy play, calming sensory activities, or early childhood learning, chia slime is a fantastic way to keep little hands engaged while fostering hands-on discovery!
Using Our Foldable Sensory Table for Convenient Play
Incorporating this foldable sensory table into your kiddo’s playtime not only enhances the experience but also adds practicality to cleanup and storage. Our foldable sensory table, equipped with three collapsible bins, provides a versatile platform for activities like this lemonade sensory bin setup. Its easy-to-set-up design makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, allowing you to create immersive play environments anywhere your child explores. When playtime is over, simply fold the table and stow it away, keeping your living space tidy and ready for the next adventure!
Materials
- Sensory Play Table
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup water
- ½ to 1 cup cornstarch (as needed)
- Optional: Food coloring for fun colors
- Scoops and Bowls
- Figurines and other Loose Parts (pictured are dinosaurs, rocks, and leaves, but keep reading for 5 more small world set ups you can combine with chia slime!
- Sensory Play Table
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup water
- ½ to 1 cup cornstarch (as needed)
- Optional: Food coloring for fun colors
- Scoops and Bowls
- Figurines and other Loose Parts (pictured are dinosaurs, rocks, and leaves, but keep reading for 5 more small world set ups you can combine with chia slime!)
How to Make Chia Slime (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Hydrate Chia Seeds
- In a bowl, mix the chia seeds with water.
- Stir well and let them sit for 4-6 hours or overnight until they become a thick, gel-like consistency.
Step 2: Add Cornstarch
- Start by adding ½ cup of cornstarch to the hydrated chia gel.
- Mix with a spoon or hands. If it’s too sticky, slowly add more cornstarch until you reach a slime-like consistency
Step 3: Customize Texture
- If it feels too dry, add a little water.
- If it’s too runny, add more cornstarch.
Step 4: Play & Store
- Knead and stretch the slime for sensory fun!
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If it dries out, mix in a little water to refresh it.
Step 1: Hydrate Chia Seeds
- In a bowl, mix the chia seeds with water.
- Stir well and let them sit for 4-6 hours or overnight until they become a thick, gel-like consistency.
Step 2: Add Cornstarch
- Start by adding ½ cup of cornstarch to the hydrated chia gel.
- Mix with a spoon or hands. If it’s too sticky, slowly add more cornstarch until you reach a slime-like consistency
Step 3: Customize Texture
- If it feels too dry, add a little water.
- If it’s too runny, add more cornstarch.
Step 4: Play & Store
- Knead and stretch the slime for sensory fun!
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If it dries out, mix in a little water to refresh it.
6 Chia Slime Small World Play Setups
Dinosaur World 🦖
- Dinosaur Figurines
- Small dinosaur eggs (use marbles or beads)
- Fossil or bone figurines for an excavation play idea
- Leaves and Rocks
Under the Sea Theme 🌊
- Small sea creatures (octopus, fish, turtles, seahorses, jellyfish)
- Mini mermaid or diver figurines
- Tiny shells or coral pieces
- Boat or submarine toys
Swamp Adventure 🐊
- Frogs, turtles, alligators, and snakes
- Small explorer figurines (like a jungle adventurer)
- Dragonflies or butterflies
- Mini trees, grass, or logs for added realism
Outer Space Galaxy 🌌
- Astronaut mini-figures
- Mini alien figures
- Rocket ship and UFO toys
- Glow-in-the-dark stars and planets
Bug and Garden Theme 🐛
- Butterflies, ladybugs, ants, and caterpillars
- Mini gnomes or fairies for a magical garden touch
- Mushroom or flower figurines
- Tiny gardening tools (plastic shovels, watering cans)
Monster or Fantasy Slime 🧌
- Mini monster figures (squishy monsters, little trolls)
- Tiny wizard, knight, or dragon figurines
- Crystal or gem stones for magical play
- Glow-in-the-dark eyeballs or spooky elements
6 Chia Slime Small World Play Setups
Dinosaur World 🦖
- Dinosaur Figurines
- Small dinosaur eggs (use marbles or beads)
- Fossil or bone figurines for an excavation play idea
- Leaves and Rocks
Under the Sea Theme 🌊
- Small sea creatures (octopus, fish, turtles, seahorses, jellyfish)
- Mini mermaid or diver figurines
- Tiny shells or coral pieces
- Boat or submarine toys
Swamp Adventure 🐊
- Frogs, turtles, alligators, and snakes
- Small explorer figurines (like a jungle adventurer)
- Dragonflies or butterflies
- Mini trees, grass, or logs for added realism
Outer Space Galaxy 🌌
- Astronaut mini-figures
- Mini alien figures
- Rocket ship and UFO toys
- Glow-in-the-dark stars and planets
Bug and Garden Theme 🐛
- Butterflies, ladybugs, ants, and caterpillars
- Mini gnomes or fairies for a magical garden touch
- Mushroom or flower figurines
- Tiny gardening tools (plastic shovels, watering cans)
Monster or Fantasy Slime 🧌
- Mini monster figures (squishy monsters, little trolls)
- Tiny wizard, knight, or dragon figurines
- Crystal or gem stones for magical play
- Glow-in-the-dark eyeballs or spooky elements
More Sensory Bin Ideas to Explore
Don’t stop at this ocean sensory bin. Explore more ways your kiddo can play safely with sensory bases!
Ocean Animals and Beach Bin
Taste Safe Sand
Taste Safe Foam
Taste Safe Mud
Taste Safe Slime
Colorful Cherrios
Spaghetti Cutting
Lemonade Sensory Bin
Color Mixing with Oobleck
Rainbow Ice Cream Bin
Pumpkin Soup Bin
Fizzy Cubes
More Sensory Bases to Explore
Here are my top picks for different types of sensory bases you can buy!
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