Sensory play is such a hugely important part of your child’s development. In fact, there is a very strong link between cognitive development and sensory play. 

Sensory play fosters cognitive, social, and emotional growth in a way other play just can’t! Engaging your little one’s mind in activities that stimulate the senses and provide hours of entertainment is a sure way to encourage their developmental health. 

My blog is full of ways to encourage sensory play, but one of my family’s favorite sensory activities is playing in the mud! However, it is super understandable that not all parents want to deal with the mess that comes with real rainy-day mud play. 

In response to this, I decided to share my play mud recipe with you all! It’s taste-safe, dirt-free, and gives you all the sensory benefits of the real thing using cocoa powder, cornstarch, and water. 

Here’s the recipe:

How To Make Play Mud

Materials

• Mixing bowl

• Whisk

• Measuring cups

• Sensory bin

• 1-2 cups of water (add gradually until you achieve the desired consistency)

• 1 cup of cornstarch

• 1 cup of cocoa powder

• Optional: 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract (for scent)

Directions

Step 1: Gather materials.

Get started by gathering all of your materials. You will need everything listed above to get the most out of this sensory experience.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cocoa powder and cornstarch. Begin with the 1:1 ratio. Later, you can add more of either ingredient to adjust the consistency of your play mud.

Step 3: Add water.

Now you just need to add water. While stirring continuously, gradually add water to the dry ingredients. Don’t pour it all in at once, because you need to gauge the consistency as you go. Adding too much could result in runny play mud that’s not so fun to play with.

Step 4: Add vanilla extract (optional)

While real mud doesn’t smell particularly pleasant, you can introduce an extra sensory element by adding a few drops of vanilla extract into the mixture. I recommend 1-2 teaspoons! 

Step 5: Adjust consistency.

Here, check the consistency of the mixture. If it isn’t combining and is too dry or too thick, gradually add more water. If it is feeling or looking too wet, add some more cocoa powder and cornstarch in equal parts. Continue until you get the perfect texture!

Step 6: Playtime!

Now we get to the fun part! With the play mud ready to go, it’s time for your kids to enjoy their sensory play experience. 

You can give them some small tools or let them use their hands to mold and shape the scented mud. Either way, you’ll definitely want this play mud contained in a sensory table! 

Remember to keep an eye on your little ones while playing with the fake mud. Though this is a taste-safe recipe, it is intended for play and not for consumption in large amounts, just like most taste-safe sensory recipes on the blog. 

Step 7: Store or disperse.

If you want to use the play mud again, you can store it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. Luckily, if you don’t have space in the fridge, this is a very easy and quick sensory play recipe that is also cost-effective.

Your kids will love this messy sensory activity—and so will you!

Letting your little one play with play mud opens the door for them to use their creativity, imagination, and exploration skills. From fine motor coordination to imaginative expression, there are SO MANY benefits of sensory play.

This dirt-free alternative ensures that your kids can enjoy mud play without having to wait for a rainy day. For more awesome sensory play ideas, check out other mud-like recipes on the blog like my goop recipe or jelly slime! 

But, for all the best activities and hacks download my Mothercould in Your Pocket resource. You won’t find a better resource to help you fill every day with beneficial sensory play! Happy playing!