20 Simple Slime Recipes to Make at Home with Kids
Hands up if your kids are in their slime era!
From fluffy lemonade clouds and unicorn sparkles to galaxy goo that glows in the dark, it feels like slime has officially taken over the kitchen counter. And you know what? I'm not even mad about it.
Whether you're a first-time slime mom just trying to survive a rainy Saturday, or you've got a cabinet labeled "Slime Lab," I've rounded up the best kid-approved recipes that are equal parts fun and (secretly) educational. No science degree or lab coat is required, just some glue, borax, or contact solution. Then some pantry staples and a sense of humor.
Worried about the mess?
If you’re not quite ready for full-on goo, try easing in with our Easy Homemade Recipes to Make Playdough Safe for Toddlers—it’s just as fun, and way less likely to end up on your ceiling.
So grab a mixing bowl, scoot the snacks out of the way, and get ready for a mess that's totally worth it. We're talking stretchy, squishy, sparkly magic all made by little hands and big imaginations. Mom, don't worry. Most have videos on how to make slime.
Before you break out the glitter and foam beads, keep a few simple guidelines in mind:
Supervision is key. Little hands love to explore, just make sure nothing edible‑looking (like crunchy beads or scented slime) ends up in curious mouths.
Measure first, mix second. Slime success hinges on the glue‑to‑activator ratio; follow each tutorial's measurements for that perfect stretch.
How do you make homemade slime? Here are some basic ingredients you might need.
Basic Ingredients:
A bottle of glue
A cup of water (warm water)
Most common slime activators(borax-free slime recipe)
Contact lens solution
Saline solution
Borax solution
Sensory sensitivities? Swap scented add‑ins for hypoallergenic glitters or dye‑free colorants so everyone can play comfortably. If you're searching for the best slime recipes that are a fun activity and bring much fun for the whole family, you’re in the right place!
20 Easy DIY Slime Recipes
Don’t Forget To📌 For Later!
Metallic Paint Slime Tutorial
A fun hands‑on experiment and an activity to keep the kids entertained? This paint slime recipe from The Crafty Blog Stalker combines art and sensory play in one shimmering, stretchy project. With just four basic ingredients: clear glue, water, metallic acrylic paint, and liquid starch, you'll have ooey‑gooey slime ready in minutes. It's the best kind of slime for creative play and exploring different ways to mix colors and textures. Ready to get started?
Check out the full Metallic Paint Slime Tutorial: The Crafty Blog Stalker Here.
2. Fluffiest Slime Recipe For Families To Make
Need an activity that'll have the kids giggling and squishing for hours? In minutes, you'll have a stretchy, marshmallow‑like slime that "pops" when you squeeze it. Try whipping up a batch of cloud‑soft, fluffy slime from The Crafty Blog Stalker. All you need are four pantry‑friendly supplies—Elmer's white school glue, water, a heaping cup of shaving cream, and a splash of Sta‑Flo liquid starch.
Click Here For Fluffy Slime Recipe - The Crafty Blog Stalker.
3. Wow The Kids With Color-Changing Slime
Try this sun‑activated color‑changing slime from A Little Pinch of Perfect! With only four basics—white school glue, water, a pinch of thermochromic pigment, and your favorite slime activator. You'll whip up a stretchy goo that shifts from one hue to another when it hits sunlight. It's a great slime recipe that follows easy steps, perfect for curious grade‑schoolers and younger kids with hands‑on help. Want to mix it up even more? Try adding a bit of Model Magic for an extra sensory twist. Ready to see the rainbow reveal?
Visit A Little Pinch of Perfect Here.
4. Perfect Fall Sensory Play - Pumpkin Spice Latte Slime
Whip up a batch of fun slime with this Pumpkin Spice Latte Slime from Ruffles and Rain Boots! Two slimes—fluffy white "foam" and stretchy pumpkin‑colored slime. Each is layered together to mimic your favorite seasonal drink. You'll need simple supplies and a dash of pumpkin‑pie spice or fragrance oil, coffee scent (or instant coffee), and optional brown glitter to add that special ingredient touch for an authentic PSL vibe. Once finished, the soft pumpkin scent and sparkly swirl make this an irresistible sensory activity for a weekend with the kids.
Ready to stir up some fall fun? Get the full recipe here: Pumpkin Spice Latte Slime Tutorial.
5. Blue Crystal Slime – It Is Ridiculously Shiny!
A mesmerizing slime that shimmers like the ocean? Blue Crystal Slime from Ruffles and Rain Boots pairs a crystal‑clear base with pearlescent aquamarine mica powder for a shine that's hard to resist. You only need four basics—Elmer's clear school glue, water, a borax activator solution (one of the most common slime activators), and special powder. Want to level up your batch of slime? Add a drop of tangerine essential oil if you'd like a light citrus scent. Whether you're looking for your next recipe or just planning a great time with the kids, this one is a stunning and simple option.
Visit Blue Crystal Slime Tutorial Here
6. Perfect Sensory Crunchy Slime
Need a slime that pops and crackles? Try this homemade slime recipe for DIY Crunchy Slime with Foam Beads from The Mindful Toddler. Kids mix a classic Elmer’s glue slime base with handfuls of tiny foam beads to create a stretchy goo that crunches like bubble wrap. The blog's photo‑rich tutorial walks you through the steps for great success every time. Want to hear that satisfying snap‑crackle‑pop for yourself?
Grab the full recipe here: The Mindful Toddler
7. Under The Sea- Mermaid Slime Recipe
This Mermaid Slime tutorial brings a splash of magic to craft time with kids. The recipe turns metallic glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution into a shimmering teal slime. Then sprinkles in mermaid‑themed magic for extra under‑the‑sea sparkle. Clear, step‑by‑step photos walk you through the bowl mix process, so even first‑time slime makers can whip up a batch in minutes. It's one of those true slime recipes that's quick, low‑mess, and perfect for sparking kids' imagination. The finished slime looks like it came straight from a seashell treasure chest. Want to make it even better the next day? Store it in an airtight container for hours of continued fun.
Visit Living Life and Learning’s Here.
8. How To Make Glow-In-The-Dark Slime
The glow‑in‑the‑dark slime will really light up the playroom. Turns a single bottle of glow‑in‑the‑dark glue, a pinch of baking soda, and a splash of contact‑lens solution into stretchy neon goo.
Want to see it glow?
Visit Rediscovered Families' Glow‑in‑the‑Dark Slime Recipe Here
9. Sonic Slushie Slime Recipe
This slime looks like a frosty red slushie, packed with crunchy, squishy, and full of fun! It's made with clear glue and special foam beads that mimic icy crystals, giving it a cool, crunchy texture that slime-obsessed kiddos will adore (just remind them it's not for sipping!). The DIY recipe comes together in minutes, offering a stretchy, sensory play experience to keep little hands busy and happy.
Visit Mess for Less to learn more!
10. Elf on the Shelf Slime
This Elf on the Shelf slime is easy, sparkly, and guaranteed to bring holiday cheer! It's the perfect holiday activity to keep that Elf on the Shelf magic alive during the countdown to Christmas! Kids will love mixing in the festive confetti and glitter, and the best part? Even your Elf can join in on this gooey holiday fun!
Visit Little Bins for Little Hands to learn more!
11. Easy Unicorn Slime Recipe
Looking for a magical craft to wow your unicorn-loving kids? This easy unicorn slime recipe is a squishy, gooey creation made with layers of pretty pastel slime. It even features a cute unicorn face complete with a bright yellow horn. Little ones will adore stretching, squishing, and swirling this whimsical slime, and it even sneaks in a bit of science disguised as play.
Visit Craft Play Learn to learn more!
12. Valentine's Day Heart Slime
Nothing says Valentine's Day like hearts, glitter, and ooey-gooey slime! This easy confetti heart slime uses simple ingredients (clear glue, water, and liquid starch) plus a generous sprinkle of pink glitter and heart-shaped confetti for extra Valentine's Day flair. Your kids will love stretching and squishing the festive goo, and it's equal parts sensory play and a cool science experiment, all rolled into one.
Visit Little Bins for Little Hands to learn more!
13. Outer Space Slime Recipe
If you want an out-of-this-world craft, blast off with this super fun space slime activity. That will have your little astronauts over the moon with excitement. This easy, galaxy-themed slime recipe uses simple ingredients to create a gooey concoction that looks like a starry night sky. Kids will love the squishy, sparkly fun, and you'll love that it's a fantastic sensory play project to spark their creativity.
Visit Living Life and Learning to learn more!
14. Magical Mermaid Slime
Got a mermaid‑obsessed kid at home? Magical Mermaid Slime tutorial shows you how to whip up a shimmering, glitter‑packed slime in minutes, no special supplies or messy chemicals required. It's a quick sensory craft that doubles as imaginative play. Once the slime's mixed, kids can pretend to swirl ocean currents or hide treasure beneath the waves. Ready to add a splash of mer‑magic to your afternoon?
Check out the full tutorial on Mommy Evolution here.
15. Ocean Slime Recipe
Turn your kitchen into a mini tide pool with the Ocean Slime tutorial. The post shows you how to mix a crystal‑clear, glittery blue slime that shimmers like sunlit waves. Its step‑by‑step guide is simple enough for school‑age kids (younger ones can join with some supervision), making it a perfect rainy‑day craft or homeschool science break.
Visit Rock Your Homeschool's For The Perfect Ocean Slime Recipe.
📌 Pin It For Next Year
16. It’s A Celebration Slime Recipe
This Celebration Slime is a simple homemade recipe with just a few ingredients and bursts with bright colors and sparkly glitter. It's an easy crowd-pleaser that little ones will love mixing and squishing, turning any day into a party.
Visit Living Life and Learning to learn more!
17. How to Make Fluffy Lemonade Summer Slime With Kids
Beat the summer heat by whipping up some fluffy lemonade slime that smells like a refreshing glass of lemonade. This easy DIY slime uses a packet of lemonade drink mix for a sweet citrus scent and plenty of shaving cream for an extra fluffy, squishy texture that kids will adore. Little ones will love the hands-on sensory play this cheerful, lemon-scented slime offers. It's even perfect for imaginative lemonade stand pretend play.
Visit Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus to learn more!
18. Super Stretchy Butter Slime Recipe
Turn ordinary craft supplies into silky, spreadable Butter Slime. Kids mix white school glue, a splash of water, a puff of shaving cream, a pinch of baking soda, and a few drops of contact‑lens solution. Then, they fold in soft modeling clay to give the slime its signature buttery texture. It's a quick sensory project that feels like pliable frosting. Perfect for rainy days or a winter indoor playtime. Ready to whip up a batch?
Visit Mommy Evolution For a Tutorial!
19. Watermelon Slime Recipe No Borax Solution
Add a summer splash to craft time with Simple Everyday Mom’s Watermelon Slime tutorial. The borax‑free recipe turns clear glue, water, baking soda, and contact‑lens solution into a glossy red slime, then sprinkles in black “seed” beads for that just‑cut watermelon look.
Check out the full how‑to here: Simple Everyday Mom Here.
20. Fun Simple Gold Slime
This DIY gold slime recipe is a fantastic choice. It offers a shimmering, stretchy texture that's both fun and easy to make. The addition of gold glitter or mica powder gives it that dazzling golden hue, making it perfect for themed activities or just everyday play.
Check out the full tutorial here: The Mindful Toddler.
✨ Looking for more creative toddler fun? Don't miss our favorite safe playdough recipes. They're soft, colorful, and have some taste-safe recipes!
Ready to pick your first recipe?
Whether you go full sparkle with unicorn slime or stretch things out with buttery goo, every recipe here turns an ordinary afternoon into a memory-making science adventure. Don't forget to save this post to your Pinterest boards; some are perfect for Christmas and Valentine's Day slimes!
I want to see if your kitchen turns into a slime lab! Snap a pic and tag @TheTravelingAviators on Instagram—I love seeing your little ones' creations. And hey, if this roundup saved your sanity (or at least your grout), share it on Pinterest or Facebook so more moms can skip the mess, stress, and get straight to the fun.
Not quite ready to go full slime? Start with something a little less slimy—our Easy Homemade Playdough Recipes Safe for Toddlers is a perfect (and low-mess!) first step into the world of sensory play.
Happy slime-making! The mess is temporary, but the giggles? Those last all day.
