Easy 2-Ingredient Sensory Recipes for Kids

Sensory play doesn’t have to be complicated! Here are 12 sensory recipes that only require TWO ingredients. Read on to find the full instructions for all of the sensory play recipes that were shared in THAT viral social media post.

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When I first posted this list of two-ingredient sensory recipes to Facebook earlier this year, I had no idea that it would go viral and be re-shared tens of thousands of times across multiple platforms.

In the original post, I linked to a PDF with clickable instructions. But the post wasn’t always re-shared with the correct link, and I have been asked time and time again where these recipes could be found on my site.

So if you’ve been searching for the full instructions for the recipes that I shared in THAT viral post, you’ve come to the right place. This article is long overdue, but I hope it will be a source of lots of fun for your little ones!

Grab the PDF with Clickable Links

Here is the infographic that started it all. While image files can’t contain clickable links, I have linked to the PDF below the image so that you can keep this resource on hand and easily click over to the full instructions when you need them:

2-Ingredient Sensory Recipes (Full Instructions)

1. Cloud Dough

Cloud dough is a fantastic alternative to play dough that you can throw together in just a few minutes. It is no-cook, gluten-free (which makes it safe for kids with coeliac disease) and very soft on sensitive skin.

To make it, you’ll need ⅓ cup of baby lotion and ⅔ cup of cornstarch. Simply stir the ingredients together with a spoon, then finish off the dough by kneading it with your hands until smooth.

Read the full tutorial: 2-Ingredient Cloud Dough

2. Oobleck

Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid, which means that it can behave like both a liquid and a solid. Apply pressure to it and you’ll be able to roll it into a ball—but as soon as you let go, it will ooze through your fingers.

To make it, you’ll need 1 cup of water and 2 cups of cornstarch. Simply add 1 cup of cornstarch to the water and stir it in with a spoon until combined. Then, stir in the second cup—you can finish combining the ingredients with your hands if needed.

P.S. This one is taste-safe, so it’s fine for little boys and girls who still like to put everything in their mouths.

Read the full tutorial: How to Make Oobleck

3. Soap Foam

Soap foam is super simple to make, and it is lots of fun for kids to play with. My kids ask for this activity ALL the time and it always keeps them busy for quite a while.

To make it, you’ll need ½ cup of water and 1-2 tablespoons of baby soap (or dish soap). Simply pour the water and soap into a blender and run it on high speed for 1-3 minutes, until the mixture is nice and foamy.

Read the full tutorial: 5-Minute Soap Foam

4. Yogurt Slime

This edible silly putty made from yogurt has the COOLEST texture. It feels stretchy like glue-based slime, but it’s made from edible ingredients, which makes it safe for toddlers and young preschoolers.

To make it, you’ll need ¾ cup of yogurt and 1 cup of cornstarch. Simply stir the ingredients together with a spoon, then finish off the slime by kneading it with your hands until it feels stretchy and smooth.

Read the full tutorial: Edible Yogurt Silly Putty

5. Foam Dough

Foam dough is another good alternative to play dough. Like cloud dough, it is no-cook, gluten-free and super quick to make. And it has a fun, airy texture.

To make it, you’ll need 1 ½ cups of shaving cream and ½ cup of cornstarch. Simply place the shaving cream in a large bowl and stir in the cornstarch with a spoon. Then, finish off the dough by kneading it with your hands.

Read the full tutorial: 2-Ingredient Foam Dough

6. Fake Snow

This 2-ingredient fake snow recipe is super simple to throw together, and it actually feels COLD to the touch, which makes a lot like real snow. This recipe is great for days when you can’t make it outside, or for families who live in warmer climates that don’t get real snow.

To make it, you’ll need 2 ¼ cups of baking soda (kept in the freezer overnight) and 5 tablespoons of ice water. Simply pour the cold baking soda into a large container and slowly add in the water, mixing with a spoon until the fake snow reaches your preferred consistency.

Read the full tutorial: Easy Fake Snow (That Feels COLD!)

7. Pudding Play Dough

This super simple play dough recipe is taste-safe (which makes it safe for young kids), and it has the SOFTEST consistency. This one is great for days where you’re too busy to make regular play dough, because it comes together in just a few minutes

To make it, you’ll need 1 cup of pudding and ¾ cup of cornstarch. Simply stir the pudding and ¼ cup of cornstarch together with a spoon. Repeat the previous step with another ¼ cup of cornstarch, then work in the remaining cornstarch with your hands, kneading the dough until it feels smooth.

Read the full tutorial: Edible Pudding Play Dough

8. Moon Sand

Moon sand has a really unique texture. It is soft and crumbly, but it is mouldable and holds its shape when pressed together, which makes it feel a bit like wet sand.

To make it, you’ll need 2 cups of flour and ¼ cup of oil. Simply pour the oil into the flour and stir them until combined.

P.S. If your child is young and you want to make this recipe taste-safe, make sure to heat-treat the flour first and use cooking oil (coconut, olive or vegetable oil all work) rather than baby oil.

Read the full tutorial: Taste-Safe Moon Sand

9. Dish Soap Slime

This one is really great for days when you’re low on supplies. It comes together in under 2 minutes, and it has a really fun texture that your kids will have a blast playing with.

To make it, you’ll need ¼ cup of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of dish soap. Simply stir the ingredients together with a spoon, and add a bit more cornstarch or dish soap as needed until you are totally satisfied with the texture.

Read the full tutorial: Dish Soap Silly Putty

10. Chia Goop

Chia goop can get a little messy, but it is SO fun for kids to play with. And because it is made from edible ingredients AND free of choking hazards, it is safe for babies and young toddlers.

To make it, you’ll need ¼ cup of chia seeds and 1 ¾ cups of water. Simply add the water and chia seeds to a covered bowl or container and let the chia seeds soak up the water for at least 3 hours, until they develop a thick, slimy texture.

Read the full tutorial: Taste-Safe Chia Seed Sensory Play

11. Psyllium Slime

This recipe holds a special place in my heart, because it is the first type of taste-safe slime I ever made for my kids. You’ll probably want to click over to the article to read the full instructions, because there is a bit of a trick to making it. (But don’t worry—it’s not that complicated.)

To make it, you’ll need 2 teaspoons of psyllium husk powder and 2 cups of water.

Stir the psyllium husk powder into the water and turn on the element on medium heat. Heat the mixture, stirring constantly, until it’s about to boil over, then immediately take it off the element. Repeat this process several times, until the slime stops sticking to the surface of the pan. Let it cool before play.

Read the full tutorial: Stovetop Psyllium Husk Slime

12. Chickpea Foam

Finally, this taste-safe sensory foam is a great alternative to soap foam for little ones who still like to put everything in their mouths. And because it is free of choking hazards, this one is also safe for babies and young toddlers.

To make it, you’ll need the liquid from a can of chickpeas (this is called aquafaba) and a few pinches of cream of tartar. Simply add both ingredients to a large bowl and beat them with an electric hand mixer until stiff peaks form.

Read the full tutorial: Taste-Safe Sensory Foam

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