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Sand Play Dough – Exciting Ocean Sensory Activity

sand play dough recipe

A cup of sand and a few simple ingredients create this easy no-bake sand play dough recipe for a fun textured-filled sensory experience!

Kids will love helping to make this recipe – it’s so much fun to create! It is nearly identical to our regular play dough recipe except adding in sand gives it a grainy texture and tan color that will inspire the coolest moldable play dough sand castles!

No-Cook Sand Play Dough

Skip the stove with this recipe! The key to making this no-cook sand play dough is heating up the water in the microwave until it is boiling. Then, while it is still super duper hot, the water is mixed into the flour mixture thoroughly – wearing gloves is essential for safety! I love that the texture still comes out great and I save myself from washing extra dishes in the process!

Skills: Fine Motor Skills
Ages: 2 Years +
Prep Time: 10 Minutes

How to Make Sand Play Dough 

In this video, you’ll see how easy it is to make sand play dough. It only takes a few minutes to whip together, but will result in lasting sensory play fun!

Keep on reading for step by step instructions, a list of materials, tips, and ideas for creating the perfect ocean-themed sensory bin experience!

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

How to Make Sand Play Dough

In this video, you’ll see how easy it is to make sand play dough. It only takes a few minutes to whip together, but will result in lasting sensory play fun!

Keep on reading for step by step instructions, a list of materials, tips, and ideas for creating the perfect ocean-themed sensory bin experience!

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

Tips for Making the Perfect Batch

Wear gloves while mixing the water! The mixture will be very hot so protect yourself with gloves and keep the kiddos away!

Why is my batch too sticky? Too much water was added! If too sticky add a little more flour.

Why is my batch too dry? Not enough water was added! If too dry add a little more water.

Do I need to add oil? The coconut oil gives the dough a super silky texture. You could also use glycerine. Alternatively, other vegetable oil will work too, but I’ve found that coconut oil makes it super silky!

What is cream of tartar, and do I need it? The cream of tartar is a preservative and it makes the play dough have a longer shelf life. You can omit it, but the dough will not last as long!

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Step 1

Mix together the sand, flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a bowl.

Step 2

Add the coconut oil for a soft and silky texture. You can also use food-grade glycerine.

Step 3

Boil the water. In my microwave, it takes about 2 minutes to reach best temperature.

Step 4

Mix the water to the flour mixture, transfering to a flat surface to knead until smooth and not sticky. Don’t miss my note above about wearing gloves to protect your hands from the heat!

Step 1

Mix together the sand, flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a bowl.

Step 2

Add the coconut oil for a soft and silky texture. You can also use food-grade glycerine.

Step 3

Boil the water. In my microwave, it takes about 2 minutes to reach best temperature.

Step 4

Mix the water to the flour mixture, transfering to a flat surface to knead until smooth and not sticky. Don’t miss my note above about wearing gloves to protect your hands from the heat!

Sensory Play Ideas with Sand Play Dough

This simple play dough recipe is easy to make and will allow kids to deeply engage in sensory play. This play dough is also a great item to incorporate in a ocean-themed kit, exposing your kiddo to lots of fun imaginary marine life play!

The top items I like to include in play dough kits are figurines, cookie cutters, a rolling pin, loose parts (like the sea shells and blue glass stones), and of course, homemade play dough in a few different colors.

We love giving play dough kits as gifts – making homemade play dough and then thoughtfully selecting the loose parts to be included makes for a really special and personal present!

ocean play dough kit marine creatures

For more detailed information and links for all the items in the above ocean-themed sensory kit, visit this article!

ocean play dough kit marine creatures

Sensory Play Ideas with Sand Play Dough

This simple play dough recipe is easy to make and will allow kids to deeply engage in sensory play. This play dough is also a great item to incorporate in a ocean-themed kit, exposing your kiddo to lots of fun imaginary marine life play!

The top items I like to include in play dough kits are figurines, cookie cutters, a rolling pin, loose parts (like the sea shells and blue glass stones), and of course, homemade play dough in a few different colors.

We love giving play dough kits as gifts – making homemade play dough and then thoughtfully selecting the loose parts to be included makes for a really special and personal present!

For more detailed information and links for all the items in the above ocean-themed sensory kit, visit this article!

More Sensory Bases to Explore

From sensory sand to slime, there are so many sensory bases to sink your hands into! 

Sensory Sand

Sensory sand is moldable! This bulk pack comes with enough to fill an entire bin for lasting fun! Bonus points for including a storage bin!

Modelling Dough

This modelling dough compound NEVER dries out! It is a fun texture – it is stretchy like play dough, moldable like kinetic sand, and odorless.

Premium Play Dough

This play dough is the cream of the crop! It is ridiculously silky and smooth, lasts for 6 months, and is scented!

The Ultimate Slime and Putty Kit

This kit includes 8 fascinating varieties of slime and putty, including premade putty, magnetic slime, glow in the dark putty, and so much more.

What’s Next?

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