How to Make Slime

Kids love gross stuff; the grosser, the better.

They especially love it if mom and dad find it really, really gross!

We’ve got a way for you to indulge their love of all things yucky, and sneak in a little kids science project disguised as fun (we won’t tell if you won’t).  Once you learn how to make slime, you realize it’s quick, it's easy to make, the components are things you either already have in the house, or can get easily, and it allows the kids to get messy, with minimal clean up for you, just soak dried slime in water, and wipe away.  There’s no need to go out and buy slime at the toy store, you can make your own for just pennies, and you probably won’t have to leave your house to do it.

Once you’ve announced to the kids that you’re making something you think is really gross in the kitchen, get the following things together:

* borax powder
* water
* ½ cup Elmer’s (white glue)
* teaspoon
* bowl
* jar or measuring cup
* food coloring (optional)
* measuring cup

Step 1: Mix the glue and ½ cup of water together in a bowl. If you’re using it, add food coloring. If you don’t add the coloring, the slime will be white.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix one cup of water with one teaspoon of borax powder. Slowly stir the glue mixture into the borax and water.

Step 3: Some slime will form. Pick it up and knead it until it feels dry. There will be some water left in the bowl, you don’t need to worry about, or use, the leftover water.

That’s it! You now know how to make slime. (your kids are lucky to have you for a parent)  The slime you make will become less sticky, and firmer the more your kids play with it.  When they’re done playing, put it in a ziploc bag and store it in the fridge.  If you leave it out at room temperature too long, it will grow mold (and we think that's a little too gross).  Although the slime isn’t toxic, it’s not exactly a healthy kids food recipe either, so please don’t let the kids snack on it.

Since no cooking is required, learning how to make slime is an ideal activity if you're short on ideas for a birthday party or play date.  If you’re having a large group of children, you might want to pre-measure the ingredients, and use disposable mixing bowls to make it easier on yourself at clean up time.  At a party, the slime you make can double as the craft and the favor.

We recommend that you provide each child with a zip top bag with their name written on the side, and they can take it home with them.  Attach a copy of these instructions and clean up tips to each bag for mom and dad. (and don't forget to tell them you found it t Momswhothink.com)

To make the slime more festive for a party, you can provide each child with a small amount of glitter to add sparkle to the finished product.  Have them add the glitter at the same time they add the food coloring.

So, the next time you don’t know what to do to keep the kids entertained, mix up a batch of slime, and be sure and tell the kids how gross it is, they’ll like it all the more!

Get more ideas with the rest of our Kids Crafts and Activities!