Do your children love the beach? 

Maybe you don’t live by the ocean, but you want to give your kids a fun sensory experience similar to the beach. This borax free sand slime is the perfect activity for you! 

We’re excited to add this idea to our growing collection of easy slime recipes for kids!  

All you need are a few simple supplies to make this fun sensory activity. 

Read on below or watch the video to see how to make this slime recipe at home or in the classroom. 

Simple Sand Slime Recipe 

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. You can read my full disclosure here. 

Supplies

• 1 small bottle of Elmer’s glue (or 1/2 cup if you have a large bottle)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2-3 TBL contact solution (it must contain boric acid)
• 3 TBL play/decorative sand
• Mixing bowl
• Fork
• Spatula 
• Measuring spoons

How To Make Easy Sand Slime

1. Pour the bottle of Elmer’s glue into the mixing bowl.
2. Add in 1/2 cup water and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Mix well until baking soda is dissolved.
3. Add the play sand to the mixture and mix together.
4. Pour in 2 tablespoons of contact solution to the bowl and mix well with the fork.
5. Once the mixture begins to stick to itself, use your hands to knead, pull and work it. If the slime is still too sticky for your preference, add in 1/2-1 tablespoon more contact solution. Knead the slime again until it’s all incorporated.

That’s it! 

What Type of Sand To Use For Sand Slime

Are you wondering what type of sand is best for this DIY sand slime recipe?

There are a few different options you can consider when gathering your supplies. We decided on vase filler sand from the craft store because it’s fine and comes in small amounts. Since we only need a few tablespoons it was by far the cheapest option.

Another type of sand you can use is the colored craft sand. This is the type of sand that you may remember being used in the sand art kits years ago. Craft sand will also work, but if you want a natural, beach looking sand, stick with vase filler sand.

A few people have asked whether sand from a sandbox will work as well. As long as it is a finer sand, it should work good. Our only hesitation with using sand from a sandbox or outside area is the germs that may already be mixed in the sand. If you’re buying play sand new or have some that hasn’t been outside yet, feel free to use it.

What Does This Slime Feel Like?

The graininess of your sand will determine exactly what your sand slime will feel like. 

The coarser your sand, the grittier and chunkier it will feel. The smoother your sand, the smoother the slime will feel. Even if you use super fine sand, the slime will still feel much grittier than any other slime. 

One thing to note is that when you let your slime sit for a while (remember to put it in an air tight container) the sand will gradually fall to the bottom of the slime.

It reminds me of the clear slime we made a few weeks ago. After sitting overnight, the top half of your slime will be clear and the bottom half will have the sand. All you need to do is start playing with it and the sand will mix right back in. 

Slime Safety Tips

All slime should be made by adults. Adult supervision is needed when a child is playing with the slime.

This slime is not edible. 

This slime is not intended for children under 3 or for any child who may attempt to eat it. If any part of this slime is ingested, contact your doctor immediately. 

If your child has sensitive skin, have them wear gloves while playing with the slime. 

Children and adults should wash hands after playing with or touching the slime. 

Share With Us

How did your kids play with this slime? Snap a picture and post it on our Facebook page wall!

How To Make Sand Slime Without Borax

Yield: 1 batch

Active Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Use this easy sand slime recipe to create a fun summer sensory activity for kids!

Print

Materials

• 1 small bottle of Elmer's glue (or 1/2 cup if you have a large bottle)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2-3 TBL contact solution (it must contain boric acid)
• 3 TBL play/decorative sand

Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Fork
• Spatula 
• Measuring spoons

Instructions

1. Pour the bottle of Elmer's glue into the mixing bowl. Add in 1/2 cup water and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Mix well until baking soda is dissolved. 
2. Add the play sand to the mixture and mix together. 
3. Pour in 2 tablespoons of contact solution to the bowl and mix well with the fork. Once the mixture begins to stick to itself, use your hands to knead, pull and work it. If the slime is still too sticky for your preference, add in 1/2-1 tablespoon more contact solution. Knead the slime again until it's all incorporated. 

Notes

The contact lens solution used in this recipe must contain boric acid so be sure to check the ingredients before purchasing.

Did you make this craft?

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