How to Make Mud for Play – Taste Safe Oobleck

This taste-safe recipe is a fun sensory play activity for young kids. Keep reading to learn more about how to make mud for play using 3 simple ingredients!

How to Make Mud That’s Safe For Young Kids!

Did you know that real mud is actually a wonderful sensory base for kids? But not everyone is comfortable with their kiddos playing with it! Rest assure, there is an easy way to make a play mud that is safe for kids and will give them all the added benefits of sensory play! All you need to do is mix a few ingredients into a bowl, the kids can even help to make it too – it’s that easy!

For more sensory-based activities, visit our comprehensive list of play ideas! From slime to play dough, there is so much to explore!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills: Sensory Play

Ages: 18 Months +

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

How to Make Mud Version of Oobleck!

Have you ever made oobleck? If it’s new to you, read our article Oobleck Experiment – Everything You Need to Know! The consistency of oobleck is the coolest – it is both a liquid and a solid depending on how you are holding it! It is known as a non-Newtonian matter.

The only difference between the regular version and the mud version is adding either cocoa powder or brown food coloring. Adding cocoa powder is a fun addition because it adds the sense of smell to this sensory set up!

How to Make Mud Version of Oobleck!

Have you ever made oobleck? If it’s new to you, read our article Oobleck Experiment – Everything You Need to Know! The consistency of oobleck is the coolest – it is both a liquid and a solid depending on how you are holding it! It is known as a non-Newtonian matter.

The only difference between the regular version and the mud version is adding either cocoa powder or brown food coloring. Adding cocoa powder is a fun addition because it adds the sense of smell to this sensory set up!

Tips on How to Make Mud for Play

Taste Safe Does Not Mean Edible! Taste-safe is not synonymous with edible. It’s the opposite. Taste-Safe is all about providing a sensory base for young kids to safely use and learn these materials are not to be put in the mouth or consumed. If a child does get some in their mouth, a grown up will know that it is safe and not toxic. Muddy oobleck smells particularly delicious if used with cocoa powder, but I can promise you that it doesn’t taste good at all!

Have a Bin of Water Nearby. Oobleck will stick to hands! To extend the play time, have a bucket of water nearby so kids can reset their hands and keep on playing!

Add Washable Toys. Touching and exploring the oobleck is exciting in itself, but it’s also fun and great for fine motor skills to stick and pull objects out of the mud, and even wash off! The set up is so adaptable we’ve included cars, farm animals, dinosaurs, and bugs to name a few!

Materials

1 Cup Corn Starch
1/4 Cup Cocoa Powder
About 1/2 Cup of Water

Little Bugs or Big Bugs (as featured)
Tools (spoons, bowls, tongs)

1 Cup Corn Starch
1/4 Cup Cocoa Powder
About 1/2 Cup of Water
Little Bugs or Big Bugs (as featured)
Tools (spoons, bowls, tongs)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Mix together the corn starch and cocoa powder.

Step 2

Add the water in slowly. You may find that you need less or more than 1/2 cup of water.

The consistency should be a solid when squeezed in your fist, but when you relax your hand it will turn into a liquid. Add more water if too dry, add more corn starch if too liquidy.

Step 3

Grab some washable toys, tools, and a bucket of water for kiddos to clean off their hands!

Step 1

Mix together the corn starch and cocoa powder.

Step 2

Add the water in slowly. You may find that you need less or more than 1/2 cup of water. The consistency you want is hard enough to make the oobleck turn into a solid when squeezed in your fist, but when you relax your hand it will turn into a liquid. Add more water if too dry, add more corn starch if too liquidy.

Step 3

Grab some washable toys, tools, and a bucket of water for kiddos to clean off their hands!

The Educational Benefits of Making and Playing with Oobleck

Yes, even creative messy play can be educational for your kids! Making oobleck is a fun science experiment, sensory experience, and allows for great opportunities to strengthen fine motor skills!

Did you know that sensory play can cause the brain to make new connections and grow? This is one of the many reasons I love sensory play! Add some cups and spoons and this will also help your child strengthen their fine motor skills.

Muddy oobleck is particularly fun because it has such a wonderful smell component allowing 4 out of the 5 senses to be engaged!

Don’t miss our recipe on how you can make oobleck in every color of the rainbow!

The Educational Benefits of Making and Playing with Oobleck

Yes, even creative messy play can be educational for your kids! Making oobleck is a fun science experiment, sensory experience, and allows for great opportunities to strengthen fine motor skills!

Did you know that sensory play can cause the brain to make new connections and grow? This is one of the many reasons I love sensory play! Add some cups and spoons and this will also help your child strengthen their fine motor skills.

Muddy oobleck is particularly fun because it has such a wonderful smell component allowing 4 out of the 5 senses to be engaged!

Don’t miss our recipe on how you can make oobleck in every color of the rainbow!