When it comes to sensory play, slime is one of the most popular activities for little hands. It’s one of the most popular tools for any sensory activity, but playing with it again and again can feel stale if you’re always using the same kind. Did you know there are actually tons of different slimes out there perfect for sensory-play loving littles?

The best part? You can probably make the slime yourself from things lying around your house! (Or, at least you can make it with one inexpensive trip to the store.) With just a few ingredients, you can create sensory slime that can assist with brain development, support fine motor skills, improve hand-eye coordination, encourage problem-solving, and activate all of your child’s senses! (Here’s more on the benefits of slimes.) 

With so many benefits you love with all the fun your kids love, slime will probably end up on your sensory table a lot! So, today, I am going to share a roundup of 10 different slime recipes, what makes each type unique, and how you can make them at home for your little ones. From glossy and buttery to ooey and gooey, each slime will bring your little one a cool, new, sensory experience!

9 Different Types of Slime Safe for Little Hands

Cloud Slime

Cloud dough slimes have a super fun and fluffy texture. They are really stretchy with a light and airy feel. Not only are they visually cool, but SO fun to touch and play with because of the soft texture. All you will need is some glue, baby oil, food coloring, baking soda, shaving cream, and contact lens solution.

You can find the whole cloud slime recipe here!

Butter Slime

Butter slime, as the name suggests, is creamy and spreadable like butter.  However, rather than looking like butter, it looks more like a thick, pillowy whipped topping. All you will need is some glue, clay, and a slime activator. Then, the fun begins!

To make butter slimes, just combine the glue and clay, add the activator, and mix until you get the desired consistency. Your kids won’t want to put this one down! 

Crunchy Slime

Crunchy slime has a really unique texture and appearance because it’s made from foam beads. When you squeeze it, not only does it crunch and snap, but it also makes an exciting popping sound! 

The satisfying CRUNCH from the foam beads offers a great multisensory experience for little minds. To make it, just mix glue, slime activator, and foam beads until you achieve a satisfying, crunchy texture.

Fluffy Slime

Fluffy slime (or foam slime) is light, fluffy, and stretchable, living up to its name! The light and airy texture is very interesting, making it an unusual sensory experience for kids. The shaving cream in the recipe adds volume making it very soft. 

Combine glue, shaving cream, and slime activator until the mixture becomes voluminous and airy. Or, if you want a super easy fluffy slime recipe, check out this messless fluffy slime recipe!

Icee Slime 

Ice slime (or snow fizz slime) feels like a slushy drink in your hands (Minus the frigid temperatures.) It really has the fizzy texture of snow or a slushy, which is why kids love it, especially in the summer!

To make it, combine glue, baking soda, and slime activator until you achieve a slushy-like consistency. To make it even more fun, add some fake snow. This is seriously one of the coolest slime textures to make at home! 

Glossy Slime

Glossy slime has a smooth and shiny appearance. It is made from clear glue, but you usually add food coloring to make it a little more fun. Just combine the clear glue with food coloring and slime activator until you get a glossy finish. 

I have a glow-in-the-dark glossy slime recipe that adds another layer of fun to the mix!

Clear Slime

Clear slime has a crystal-clear appearance. The see-through nature of the clear slime is exciting for kids and also allows you to add more dimensions of play. You could add DIY plastic letters and shapes or even small toys for little ones to explore. 

Or, if you want to keep it simple, but no less exhilarating for your kids, add some glitter! Everyone loves phone calls. Check out my clear slime recipe here!

Jelly Slime

Jelly slime is basically jelly in your hands (just don’t eat it). This gelatinous slime has a playful and almost sticky texture that is exactly like jelly. This slime is perfect for little hands who love to explore.

We like jelly slime so much at our house, I have two recipes I switch between! Here’s the standard jelly slime recipe you’re probably familiar with, but also look at my unique epic slime recipe for something a little more adventurous. 

Taste-Safe Slimes

If your kids are under 3 and still love exploring with their mouths, I’d recommend taste-safe slimes! These slimes are made with edible ingredients (though I don’t recommend eating them as a snack!), and provide the same sensory experience as the slimes made from glue! 

On the blog, you’ll find recipes for a chia seed slime and a marshmallow slime! Both are taste-safe to keep sensory play stress-free and safe for everyone! 

Keep your whole family busy with these awesome slimes!

There are so many benefits of playing with slime. It can help to develop fine motor skills, boost creativity, keep little minds engaged, and so much more. 
For more slime recipes (and necessary cleaning hacks) download the Mothercould in Your Pocket resource. It’s THE sensory toolkit for families looking to expand their minds and playtime!