EASY SLIME RECIPES FOR KIDS

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My son loves slime a lot, I pretty much hate it because of the mess and having to remind him not to leave it on fabric surfaces etc! However, because I know just how much he loves it I bought my almost 6 year old a slime kit a few years. Which he convinces me to get out every now and then. ?

Slime is very sensory because of the texture of it, even adults like playing with it as a stress reliever. Because of the way it’s made by mixing ingredients together it does also encourage an interest in science experiments no matter the age of the child.

I love that it also encourages creativity when you give them some glitter, food colouring etc to add to it as well and make it exactly how they want it.

It is worth noting the activator that we use is actually borax I believe so not to be given to under 5’s. It cannot be put it their mouths etc as it is poisonous. This post has some borax free recipes if you wanted peace of mind or your child is young.

If you wondering how long it takes to make slime and do other crafts activities, check out this post.

In this post I list basic recipes for the following types of slime:

• Basic slime
• Fluffy slime
• Butter slime
• Glitter slime

Basic slime

This basic recipe is great, my child’s favourite bit is definitely adding the extra bits into it to make it pretty.

If you’re just starting out with slime or you need an easy slime recipe then give this one a go.

You will need:

• 100ml of school glue (pva)
• 1/2 tsp of baking soda
• 1 tsp of activator
• Food colouring
• Glitter (optional)

It is easier buying the 100ml glues so you don’t have to measure. I don’t like the waste that creates so I just measure out or guess.

Making it

Put the glue into a bowl and get your tiny one to add the food colouring and decorations they want.

Once they are happy with how it looks. Mix the activator with a little bit of warm water and add bit by bit so you don’t over activate the slime.

Once the slime starts to get stringy it’s ready to come out of the bowl and be kneaded together. It might be a bit sticky initially but that is normal.

Fluffy slime

This is our favourite type of slime because it’s such a lovely texture with the shaving foam. I think when you separate it into different colours as well, it’s really pretty when you put them together to make unicorn slime. However it’s a hassle so we usually just do one colour.

You will need:

• 100ml school glue (pva)
• 1/2 tsp of baking soda
• 1 tsp activator
• 1/2 cup of shaving foam
• Food colouring
• Glitter (optional)

Making it

Same as the basic recipe you put the glue in first and add food colouring and glitter if you want. Make sure you mix it well.

Next you add the shaving foam, be careful not to use too much as it’ll be too sticky. Mix it all together.

When you’re happy with it, add the activator little bit at a time. Leave for a few minutes until it starts to get stringy.

Butter slime

We didn’t like the texture of this one as much because it didn’t seem that different too plasticine but we may have just used too much when we made it.

You’ll need:

• 100ml school glue (pva)
• 1/2 tsp of baking soda
• 1 tsp of activator
• Small clump of coloured plasticine (modelling clay)

Making it

Really easy to make it. Just follow instructions to make normal slime but once it’s finished then you just squash the modelling clay in until blending together.

I will admit we might not have given this one a fair try so we’ll try less plasticine next time to see if that helps the texture.

Glitter slime

Glitter is my least favourite craft accessory. I don’t like that it’s essentially plastic and it literally gets everywhere! However my son loves it so usually brings some home occasionally.

This slime is his absolute favourite and the more glitter the better for him.

You’ll need:

• 100ml glue (clear does look nicer for glitter slime)
• 1/2 tsp baking sofa
• 1 tsp activator
• Food colouring
• Glitter

Making it

As previous instructions mix the glue with food colouring then add desired glitter and mix really well.

Once they’re happy with it, add the activator slowly and knead it in your hands when it’s gotten stringy and sticky.

Troubleshoot: Slime issues

I’ve made slime a lot over the last few years. I do sometimes still get it wrong but here’s some tips which should help if you get stuck.

Too sticky

If it’s too sticky try putting the tiniest bit more of activator into it and knead it again. That should fix it.

Too brittle

It is likely that the slime has had too much activator, I haven’t found a successful way of reviving it when it’s like this. You could try a few drops of warm water but if this doesn’t work I suggest disposing of it and trying again.

Too much glitter

Sometimes if you’ve not mixed the glitter up properly before adding the activator then some can come off on your hands. Make sure it’s all fully mixed together and ready before adding the activator.

There are a few other types of slime you can make: sand slime and metallic. Although we haven’t tried these as yet.

If you’re looking for some gifts for your mini human check out Wonderbly. (Affiliate link) My son has their famous ‘The boy who lost his name’ personalised book and it’s really cool. As he has an unusual name, his dad bought him this fabulous book a few years ago and he loves it! ❤

I hope you liked our slime recipes. Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @rainbowfamilycraft and use #rainbowfamilycraft if you try it out. Or follow us on Pinterest for more crafting ideas.