As a mom (and teacher), I strive everyday to engage, nurture, and expand the mind of my little one.
Here you will find the books, music, and activities most useful to me in my endeavors.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Moon Sand


This stuff is C-double O-L!


My toddler and I ventured to the local kid's museum today. Last week was Super Clean Week. This morning was an hour for members only. It was delightful.


Even more delightful, the new exhibits that were recently added - a giant Light Bright and a Moon Sand table. As soon as I saw it, I just had to put my hands in the Moon Sand. It looks like really soft beach sand, but it's different. It's pliable and moldable and not nearly as messy as regular sand. Clearly, NHV and the other kiddos loved it! And so I added "research Moon Sand" to the top of my To Do List, and here I am ... sharing what I've learned with you.


Here's the product summary from the manufacturer:

Moon Sand let's anyone bring home the beach and in colors too. This revolutionary new material feels and acts like wet sand and molds to any shape you can imagine. Squish it, shape it, mold it, Moon Sand never dries out and can be used over and over again for never ending fun. It's even water and liquid repellent. Bake your creation in a low oven and it becomes rock hard, even suitable for carving. Bake it again and it crumples back into its original shape to be used over again and still won't dry out. Clean up easily and won't stick or stain. Sand expands to twice its size out of the package.


I found this information on Amazon along with a 5lb bucket for under $10 + shipping. Looks like it's also available at Target, which would save you the shipping.


And leave it to all those clever bloggers out there. I also found a recipe for homemade Moon Sand. I can't recommend it - one way or another - because I haven't tried it YET, but I will ... and I'll let you know.


RECIPE FOR HOMEMADE MOON SAND

This makes 1 "batch" - probably enough to get your kiddo started and figure out if you like it or not. I will probably get all the supplies and then host a playdate where everyone makes some Moon Sand to take home with them. (resource)


  • 6 cups of play sand (I think you can get a big bag for like $5.)
  • 3 cups of cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 cups of cold water
  1. Mix the water and cornstarch together thoroughly, this will take a few minutes to get it nice and smooth.

  2. Gradually mix in the sand, one cup at a time. You'll need to really work it in with your fingers.

  3. Play with it!

  4. When you're all done, pop it in an airtight container.

  5. When you next play with it, you'll need to revive it with 2-3 tablespoons of water. Just sprinkle it over and work it in.

  6. If you want the Moon Sand to be colored, add a few drops of food coloring

10 comments:

Chi-town momma said...

There was just a discussion about this stuff on my mom's board. They liked it too, although playdough was still the winner with their kids - but this was considered a fun alternative especially during the winter months!

MommyBrain said...

Stopped by Target last night and found several options to buy small amounts ... a butter tub size for about $3 and two butter tub size (different colors) for about $5. I decided to try it this way - to make sure NHV likes it - before making my own mass quantities or planning a playdate :)

Ekanthapadhikan said...

Hi! That remind me of my play school days!

mrs.alderman said...

Can we come over to play with your moon sand?? You guys always have the coolest, messy stuff at your house!! :)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for doing the research on Moon Sand! I think that I need to pick some up - K loved playing with it at the museum too. I just envision a HUGE mess at home playing with it ;) I guess that is what toddlers do best, right? Thanks!

Nicole said...

awesome idea, can't wait to check it out with Gracie!

Big Mama Cass said...

I got my niece that for Christmas last year and all the adults sat around the table playing with it once the kids went to bed! !LOL

Jessica {Team Rasler} said...

Excellent idea for the other side of SP's sand and water table! For the heat wave, it was just water and water, but I think we're now ready to use it as intended, and this Moon Sand seems like a great plan (I embrace anything described as 'less messy' now that SP likes to hold up his hand and say "yuck" when he doesn't like what's on it). Thanks!

Unknown said...

Great idea, never heard of moon sand and can't wait to tell my sister about it as she loves this fun creative messy stuff!!

Rachel said...

Great idea! We are going to start studying the senses as part of our next unit of weekly themes and would love for you to guest post your "moon sand" on our site. Let me know if you are interested.

admin at quirkymomma dot com