Kinetic sand: magical sand to play with for hours

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: October 23, 2023

Kinetic sand has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its unique properties.

Kinetic sand is a special kind of play sand that consists of 98% regular sand and 2% binders, giving it a loose but firm structure that holds its shape well. It looks like wet beach sand, but it is dry and denser than regular sand.

In this article I will tell you all about the properties, whether it is safe and from what age it is perfect for your child.

Not only that, but the addition of silicone oil also creates a magnetic effect to the kinetic sand that adds even more fun for kids or anyone who enjoys playing with this special material.

Kinetic sand is suitable for ages 3 and up, making it a great play option for parents looking for activities to keep their little ones entertained.

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What is Kinetic Sand?

Kinetic sand is sand to which a binder has been added. This creates connections between the sand grains, causing them to stick together.

Kinetic sand is like wet fine sand from the beach, but then it is dry. It is quite dense and heavy and it holds its shape well.

The sand consists of 98% ordinary, clean sand. The remaining 2% consists of binders that give kinetic sand a loose structure, but at the same time the sand remains firm.

It is quite dense and heavy. It is good to keep in shape. The sand does not stick to hands, does not leave oily stains and is completely safe.

So you can easily make shapes with it, but if you squeeze it firmly once, the sand will fall apart.

The silicone oil in the sand gives it its special properties and also creates a magnetic effect.

The sand is suitable for children with an age from 3 years old.

Advantages of kinetic sand

The sand does not stick to the hands - it only sticks to itself - it does not leave any oily stains and it is completely safe.

Kinetic sand won't dry out and you can get it in a variety of colors. The sand feels soft and is nice and malleable.

Besides the fact that children like to play with it, adults also often find it pleasant to use, for example, after a long, stressful day relax with kinetic sand.

Kinetic sand is non-toxic, so if your child accidentally takes a bite of sand, you don't have to worry.

Moreover, as soon as kinetic sand comes into contact with water, it will dissolve.

Nevertheless, it is of course wise to prevent your child from putting the sand in his/her mouth.

Furthermore, the sand is very easy to clean up; a big advantage for mom and dad.

And because kinetic sand does not contain wheat or gluten, the sand is also extremely suitable for children with such allergies. In addition, it is antibacterial.

Other benefits of kinetic sand are that it stimulates children's creativity and helps develop children's fine motor skills.

Furthermore, it can help with sensory processing disorders and is used in therapy for children with autism.

It will also improve children's hand-eye coordination.

Play tips for kinetic sand

Kinetic sand therefore does not stain, but we still recommend not to use it just anywhere to play along.

Always choose a flat surface, such as a glass top, so that you can easily clean up the sand after playing.

If the sand ends up on the sofa or carpet, it can be a bit more difficult to clean.

As mentioned above, the sand cannot dry out, but that also depends on how you handle the sand.

It is important to sand always keep airtight. After playing, put the sand in, for example, a lockable container or a plastic bag with a zipper.

If you notice that the sand has dried out a bit, add a small amount of water to make it malleable again.

There are other ways to store the sand, so always read the instructions carefully.

Benefits of playing with sand

Playing with sand provides children and adults with a rich sensory experience, stimulates creativity and fine motor skills, and promotes social interaction. It can reduce stress, explore scientific concepts, promote language development and develop self-regulation skills.

In addition to these benefits playing with sand also a feeling of relaxation and tranquility, and it helps people, both children and adults, to get away from the stress of everyday life and enjoy a calming and creative activity. It is an excellent way to refresh the mind and have fun while learning and growing.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.