Learn how to make oobleck with two ingredients. This oobleck recipe is easy to make and a super fun sensory play material for kids.
Updated June 2025
Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid ––it changes from a solid to a liquid––which makes it a very engaging sensory play material for kids.
Since it’s one of those sensory play materials that you’re making from scratch and know exactly what’s in it, this material is fun even for older babies and toddlers to explore.
Here’s our recipe for how to make it with just two ingredients––water and cornstarch!
How to Make Oobleck
MATERIALS
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- Food coloring
- a large plastic bin (to contain the oobleck while you play)
Time needed: 5 minutes
Instructions
- Add color
Whisk the food coloring into the water so that it colors the oobleck evenly.
- Stir in cornstarch
Start with 1.5 cups and add more if it is too runny. You’re looking for a consistency that is solid and then runs off when held in your hand.
What to Do with Oobleck?
Once you’ve learned how to make oobleck, you might be wondering how to play with it. This material is mesmerizing on its own, so we typically encourage kids to explore it solo for a bit.
Be sure to check out our post with our favorite ways to play with oobleck! From pretend play ideas to science experiments, this list will provide lots of play inspiration!
A Note About the Mess
This sensory play material is super messy, so we recommend pouring it in a bin and taking it outside! If your kids do play with this inside, try putting it into a sensory table or bin with a floor covering underneath it. Or take it to the bathtub for extra easy clean up!
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How to Make Oobleck
Description
Learn how to make oobleck with just two ingredients. This recipe is easy to make and is a super fun sensory play material for kids.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- Food coloring
Instructions
- Whisk the food coloring into the water so that it colors the oobleck evenly.
- Start with 1.5 cups and add more if it is too runny. You’re looking for a consistency that is solid and then runs off when held in your hand.
- Pour your oobleck into a large bin for playing.
Find it online: https://artfulparent.com/how-to-make-oobleck/
More Sensory Play Ideas for Kids
- Making Oobleck & What to Do with It
- Awesome Sensory Materials Kids Will LOVE to Explore
- Why Sensory Play is Important (& Sensory Bin Play Ideas for Kids)
- 7 Sensory Play Ideas for Toddlers
- 6 Baby Sensory Play Activities
- How to Make Aquafaba for Kids
Want even more Sensory Exploration fun?
Check out our Sensory Creativity Pack!
This 30-page printable eBook is stuffed full of sensory play fun! An ultimate guide to sensory play, complete with our favorite recipes and tips for success!
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