Easy DIY Moon Sand Recipe: Taste-safe sensory fun (2024)

This simple moon sand recipe uses coconut oil. We then scent it with taste-safe ingredients. It’s the perfect sensory activity for kids of all ages, even toddlers!

Moon Sand Recipe

Whether you call it moon dough, cloud dough, or kinetic sand; moon sand is a fun sensory experience for kids of all ages.

What is moon sand?

Moon sand is a moldable sand. It has a crumbly texture, yet it can be formed into fun shapes. It has a similar consistency to soft wet sand.

Scoop it, build with it, form it into balls. It’s an amazing kids activity that is sure to keep your kids entertained.

When you ball it up, it has the appearance of the surface of the moon.

Since our kids love playing with sensory textures like our foam sink, or colored salt; we knew they would love playing with homemande moon sand!

You can find lots of different kinetic sand recipes around the web for making moon sand at home. A lot of the recipes use baby oil.

I wanted a recipe that uses simple ingredients and was taste safe.

This way it can be a fun activity for toddlers and up!

Ever since doing research for the book I co-authored, The Undeniable Power of Play, I know how important sensory play can be for a child. I also learned how engaging multiple senses is even better. So I added a fun scent using lemon zest!

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, we may receive an affiliate commission.

No time to make this sensory project now? Pin it for later!

If you can’t make this kinetic sand now, pin it to your favorite board on Pinterest and it’ll be here for when you’re ready.

What to do with kenetic sand

Moon sand is perfect for loads of occasions. Here are just a few ideas to inspire you.

• A sensory station during space week.
• Add it to an animal sensory bin.
• Make multiple batches for a toddler birthday party or BBQ with families.
• Or just a fun rainy day activity.
• Use cookie cutters to create unique shapes.

Here are some pictures of V playing with her cloud dough.

Tips for moon dough success!

• This activity is best when it’s child-led. Let them explore the feeling of pressing their hands into the dough, making shapes, even building a snowman!
• The lemon scent doesn’t have to mean yellow moon sand! Feel free to mix in any bright colors you want.
• Grab spoons, scoops, playdough toys, sand toys, and more to add another level to the play.
• Have a group of kiddos? Double the batch for more fun!
• Make sure to seal it up in a ziplock bag or an air-tight container. That way it’s still fresh for the next time you want to play with it.
• Don’t forget that this recipe includes oil. So it’s best to not wear your best clothes while playing.
• Worried about cleanup? Grab a plastic tablecloth or a shallow tray for quick cleanup. Or you can turn it into an outdoor activity.

More sensory projects you will love!

• Quick colored salt – You’ll be amazed how easy it is to create colorful sensory salt.
• Play Dough – These play dough bags have a mystery inside which makes them so much fun for kids.
• Looking for a challenge? Join this free 7 day activity challenge for kids!

If you loved this cloud dough, share it by pinning or sharing on Facebook.

We are thankful for every share! Each time someone shares our posts, our site grows and we are so thankful that we can continue to create unique and simple projects for kids.

Know a friend who’d like this moon sand recipe? Please share it on Facebook or save it to your board on Pinterest.