Slime Making
Glue, activator and a few minutes of kneading make a stretchy slime that turns into its own sensory play session.
By WonderCraft Kids Editorial Team, Editorial team · Updated 10 September 2026
Slime making has two acts: the slightly scientific stage of watching liquid glue transform into a solid, and the much longer stage of stretching, poking and squishing the result. Most of the mixing can be handed to a child directly, which makes it feel like their own experiment rather than a craft you did for them. It does need a wipe-clean surface, since uncured glue is sticky before it sets.
What you need
- 1 cup PVA glue (clear or white)
- 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 1-2 tbsp contact lens solution (containing borate) as activator
- Food colouring or glitter (optional)
- A mixing bowl and spoon
- A wipe-clean tray or mat
Step by step
- 1
Pour the glue into the bowl and stir in food colouring if using.
- 2
Add the bicarbonate of soda and mix until fully combined.
- 3
Add the contact lens solution a little at a time, stirring as it starts to thicken.
- 4
Once it pulls away from the sides of the bowl, take it out and knead with your hands.
- 5
Keep kneading for a minute or two until it feels smooth and stretchy rather than sticky.
- 6
Store in an airtight container between uses; it will dry out if left uncovered.
What kids learn
Simple chemistry
Watching a liquid turn solid gives children a chance to see a real chemical reaction happen in their own hands.
Following a recipe
Measuring and adding ingredients in order can help children practise sequencing and following instructions.
Tactile exploration
The repetitive stretching and squeezing of finished slime can be a calming activity for children who like tactile input.
Make it easier
Buy a pre-mixed slime kit and let a younger child focus on the kneading and glitter stage only.
Make it more challenging
Experiment with ratios to make a stiffer or more stretchy batch and keep notes on what changed.
Safety and supervision
- Use only the listed child-sized quantities; never mix cleaning products or substitute other household chemicals.
- Slime is not for eating, and this activity is not suitable for any child who still puts materials in their mouth, including some four-year-olds.
- Wash hands after playing and keep slime away from hair, carpets and soft furnishings.
Adult supervision is required for every activity on this site. Read our full child safety guidelines.
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Slime Making for Kids
Ages 4-8 · 25 min · some mess
Ages 4+ · Some mess
Suggested pin description
Slime Making for Kids: Glue, activator and a few minutes of kneading make a stretchy slime that turns into its own sensory play session. Ages 4+, 30 minutes total, some mess. Full step-by-step instructions and a materials list at WonderCraft Kids.
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Frequently asked questions
Is slime safe without borax?+
Contact lens solution containing borate can activate this recipe, but it still requires close adult supervision, careful measuring and hand-washing afterwards.
How long does homemade slime last?+
Around one to two weeks in an airtight container, though it will gradually dry out and become less stretchy.
