🎨 Hands-On Activities for Home or Classroom
Looking for easy, hands-on activities that keep kids entertained and engaged? This free printable PDF is packed with fun, kid-friendly recipes you can make with everyday household ingredients. These sensory recipes are perfect for early childhood learning, messy play days, or just a creative afternoon at home.
💡 Note: These recipes are for play only — do not eat!
⭐ What’s Inside:
🧪 Goop
Is it a liquid or a solid? Kids will love finding out. Just mix cornstarch and water for a fascinating sensory experience.
1 part cornstarch
1 part water
Food coloring, optional
🧱 Cornstarch Clay
Make your own moldable, air-drying clay with salt, cornstarch, and water. Once dry, paint your creations for a lasting keepsake!
1 c. cornstarch
1 1/3 c. cold water
2 c. salt
Put salt and 2/3 cup water in pan and bring to a boil. Mix cornstarch with 2/3 cup water and mix well. Blend 2 mixtures together and knead into clay. Makes about 3 cups. This clay can be air dried and then painted. Store unused clay in airtight container in the fridge.
🌈 Kool-Aid Playdough
Bright, colorful, and great-smelling playdough you can make at home. A great alternative to store-bought versions, plus you can choose your own colors using different Kool-Aid flavors.
½-3 c. flour
½ c. salt
1 T. alum
2 c. water
3 T. salad oil
1 package Kool-Aid
Mix together ingredients. When cool enough to handle, knead the dough until it reaches the desired consistency, adding additional flour if needed. Store in a plastic bag or airtight container
🧼 Homemade Silly Putty
Make your own stretchable, bouncy putty using glue and liquid starch. Fun to squish, stretch, and store for later!
1 c. liquid starch
1 c. white glue
Put glue in a plastic container. Gradually add starch while stirring constantly. If it is too sticky, add starch in small amounts until it feels like putty. Store in a plastic bag or airtight container.
💧 Homemade Bubbles
Whip up a batch of big, strong bubbles with this easy recipe using dish soap and corn syrup. Let it sit for a few hours for best results.
6 c. water
¾ c. corn syrup
2 c. dishwashing liquid
Mix together and let set 4 hours to let bubbles settle.
🎒 Great For:
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Preschool & kindergarten classrooms
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Homeschool activities
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Rainy day fun
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Summer play ideas
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Sensory exploration and science discussions
🧽 Tip: For easier cleanup, take the mess outside on a cookie sheet or tray!
📥 Download the PDF Now
Click the button below to get your free printable recipes to send home with students for fun, no-cook sensory play!
