Looking for a simple, natural activity that’s fun for all ages? This cornflour slime recipe is a brilliant way to introduce sensory play using ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen. No synthetic goop or chemical-laden mess here – just natural, safe fun with a pinch of creativity. Perfect for rainy days.
Whether you’re entertaining little ones, want a mindful moment yourself, or simply fancy making something with your hands, this natural slime (also known as “oobleck”) is a magical mix of science and play.
You’ll need:
• Cornflour (aka corn starch) or Arrowroot powder
• A bowl
• Water
• A spoon (or just your hands!)
• Natural colourants: you can use food colouring, mica powders, cocoa powder, spirulina powder, coloured clays – whatever you’ve got to hand but remember some spices can stain (especially ones like turmeric or paprika).
How to make it:
1. Pop some cornflour into a bowl—start with a few tablespoons, you can always add more.
2. Add your dry colourant (if using mica or spice powders) and mix it into the flour. We used natural mica for this recipe but coloured clay works well too.
3. Slowly pour in water, stirring as you go. You’re aiming for a thick, gloopy texture that drips like a liquid but firms up when you squeeze it. Add water gradually—less is more to start!
4. Now play! Pick it up, squeeze it, let it run through your fingers. Watch how it behaves like both a solid and a liquid—great for curious minds and sensory seekers alike.
Customise it:
• Try adding a drop of essential oil (lavender is lovely!) for a calming scent.
• Make different colours in separate bowls for more variety.
• Store in an airtight container if you want to keep it for a day or two—just give it a stir if it separates.
• Add chia seeds for a more gooey and lumpy texture.
Why we love it:
• 100% natural and safe
• No harsh ingredients
• A brilliant mix of science, creativity and sensory play
• Kids can make it themselves
• Perfect for rainy days, quiet time, or engaging curious little hands.
• When you’re done, you can simply wash it down the sink.
Got your own twist on this recipe? Tag us @sugarbushuk on socials—we’d love to see your natural slime creations!
