Lemonade-Themed Sensory Play: How to Make Lemonade Oobleck

Gina
Apr 8
3 min read

In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make lemonade-themed Oobleck and share our best tips for messy play!

Oobleck is a non-Newtonian substance. When you apply pressure, it turns into a solid. When you release the pressure, it changes into a liquid. It is magical!

This sensory bin is bright, engaging, messy and FUN! It is perfect for a warm summer day, but also incredibly fun year-round. It is sensory play meets imaginative play meets FUN. Not to mention, there are a whole bunch of skill hard at work!

While kids dig and squeeze and roll and push, they will also be strengthening their fine motor skills! It is a workout for their fingers and their hands!

There are SO many ways you can differentiate Oobleck. Check out these variations:

Melted Ice Cream Oobleck

Materials:

(2) cups Cornstarch
(1) cup Water
Yellow and pink food coloring
Sensory bin or bowls
Spoon
Plastic or real lemons (optional)

Step 1: Measure corn starch and pour it into a sensory tray or bowl.

Step 2: Squirt 3-5 drops of food coloring in yo the water. Mix. If you want a darker color, add more.

Step 3: Slowly start to incorporate in the water. Mix as you go until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Add in your favorite scoops or bowls and PLAY!

Step5: If you want to make both yellow and pink, repeat steps for a second batch.

Make observations as you play. How does it smell? How does it feel? What happens when you add more water to the Oobleck bin? What does it look like as it dries?

Messy play is SO beneficial for children. It's open-ended, encourages creativity, provides sensory input & teaches them about their personal boundaries. Messy play activates the senses and has been known to be calming, offering an incredible opportunity to practice self-regulation strategies.

What else can you add to Oobleck?

Rocks, sticks or flowers (any nature treasures are FUN!)
Trucks, cars or diggers
Plastic animals
Scoops or shovels
A kitchen strainer
Gems or jewels
Plastic Easter eggs
Glitter
Legos
Plastic letters or numbers

Clean up-tips:

For easy clean up: keep wipes nearby, along with a plastic bag or trash bin to discard.
Wear old clothes or a bathing suit and plan to head to the tub after this fun sensory play!
Take it outdoors! Wash it off with a hose when you're done.
Use an old beach towel or sheet under the bins to catch any spills.
When Oobleck dries. it turns back into a chalky substance. You can sweep it up or wipe it with a wet cloth.

Storage:

If you are able, store this right in the bin or container that you are playing in. It will harden overnight and then you can also reactivate it with a little water to extend your play!
If you notice any mold, discard immediately.

Is Oobleck Taste-Safe?

Oobleck is made with cornstarch and water and that makes it taste-safe. If you add other variations, please be mindful when using with a person who is still mouthing objects. Although it is considered taste-safe, I do not recommend eating in large quantities.

How do I Dispose of It?

Let the Oobleck dry out overnight. It will turn back into a chalky substance. Place that in the trash. Do not put Oobleck down the sink. Large quantities may clog your drain.

Can you use paint instead of food coloring?