I am always looking for sensory activities to engage my son for long periods of time so I can sew or get things done around the house. Even though my 2 year old, Everett, doesn’t like getting messy, he LOVES trucks and cars and was willing to get messy and clean up his cars. He played for an hour on this simple activity. I used all taste-safe ingredients I already had at home. If you’re using a 9×13 pan you can use this recipe and have a good amount of “mud” to play with.
Here is the recipe:
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup corn starch
3/4 cup water
Mix the dry ingredients first, then add water. I used about 3/4 cup, but you can add water to your liking! I tasted the mud, and I didn’t think it tasted good, but it was edible and safe for experimental kids!
You could do this activity with plastic farm animals, dump trucks and excavators or any little plastic toy that can get “muddy!”
It took time, but Everett did eventually start to get into it. I offered him a paper towel and baby wipes to clean off when he needed to, and bowls of soapy water and clean water to give his cars a “car wash!”
Messy play is so healthy for kids, and if you set it up with parameters it doesn’t have to cause chaos in your home or yard! This mud sensory activity was easy to put together and engaged my son for an hour. Worth it!
