Cloud clay is a simple, fun, and sensory-rich material that can easily be made with just two ingredients: cornstarch and hair conditioner.
We’ve tried just about all the sensory materials out there, both store-bought and homemade. Some are messier than others, but all are fun! And they all provide kids with an important opportunity to explore with their senses.
Cloud clay is easy to make and is on the less-messy side of the sensory play spectrum. It’s sort of like light and fluffy playdough. It holds its shape but is moldable. Plus, it smells wonderful!
How to Make Cloud Clay for Kids
MATERIALS
- 1 cup of cornstarch
- 1/2 cup of hair conditioner
- Food coloring
- A bowl for mixing
- A spoon or spatula
INSTRUCTIONS
- Measure your ingredients
Put 1 cup of cornstarch into your bowl and add 1/2 cup of hair conditioner.
Add a few drops of food coloring.
- Mix well
Stir the mixture until it comes together, being mindful to spread the food coloring throughout the dough.
If it is too sticky, add more cornstarch, a little at a time. If it’s too dry or crumbly, add more hair conditioner in small amounts.
Once the mixture starts to come together, knead it with your hands until smooth and moldable.
- Repeat for more colors
If you’d like more than one color, make more batches!
- Play!
Once your cloud clay comes together, you are ready to play! You can set it out with silicone muffin cups and bowls for a pretend bakery or add some little toy animals to the mix for pretend play.
When you are finished playing, store your cloud clay in an airtight container to keep it from drying out.
We had lots of fun playing with cloud clay, using it to set up small worlds for all of our little figures and animals.
More Sensory Play for Kids
- The Ultimate Guide to Sensory Bin Materials
- How to Make Oobleck
- How to Make Cloud Dough
- How to Make Aquafaba for Kids
- How to Make Fluffy Slime for Kids
- How to Make Bubble Foam
Pin It for Later
