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Kids love to squeeze and play with slime. Making slime is also a fun way to teach kids about chemistry. It’s the perfect rainy-day activity.
We’ve got all the major slime recipes for you: butter slime, fluffy slime, magnetic slime, glow-in-the-dark slime, even edible slime! And have no fear: If slime gets on your carpet or clothing, there are plenty of safe and simple ways to remove it.
Slime 101
Slime contains three basic ingredients: glue, water and boron in the form of boric acid, liquid starch or saline solution. Some recipes use other ingredients, and borax-free slime recipes are available for those sensitive to borax. If you are worried about using borax or any form of boron, this article from Healthline explains why boron isn’t necessarily harmful when used correctly and when children are adequately supervised.
To get to grips with the basics, Little Bins for Little Hands explains the science of slime and has tons of creative ideas.
1. Galaxy slime
This purple, black and teal slime from Vicky at Mess for Less is almost too pretty to play with. Young astronauts and stargazers will love making galaxy slime shine by adding lots of glitter. Sprinkle sequin stars on top to make this slime even more galactic.
2. Butter slime
Butter slime or clay slime is a stretchier, silkier version of regular slime. This slime recipe from Little Bins for Little Hands is also somewhat moldable so you can make some interesting slime forms. The addition of modeling clay to the recipe gives this slime its buttery texture. “Fluffy” modeling clay works best, such as Crayola Model Magic.
3. Snow cone slime
This tricolored slime looks just like a delicious snow cone, but don’t eat it! Aquarium rocks are the secret to its interesting texture. Find out how to make it at Sugar, Spice and Glitter.
4. Mermaid slime
This gorgeous, glittery slime from Kimspired DIY starts with clear glue and food coloring. The addition of sequins and glitter brings a touch of magic. The author adds some cool mermaid tails for effect (here is a similar set).
5. Color-changing slime
Making slime is already a great science experiment, and you can keep the fun and learning going with this recipe from Left Brain Craft Brain. The kids will be amazed by this color-shifting slime, which changes color with the warmth of your hand. Check out the full recipe and tips for purchasing the thermochromic pigment on the website.
6. Edible Starburst candy slime
How many times have you told your kids not to eat the slime? Well, this time you won’t have to because this slime is edible … and delicious. This recipe from Teach Beside Me uses just three ingredients and is simple to make. Kids will need some adult supervision as the recipe requires cooking. Check the blog for more edible slime recipes.
7. Magnetic slime
The gals over at Thrifty Northwest Mom have some excellent tips for creating magnetic slime. This cool black stuff is made with iron oxide powder. The powder shouldn’t be inhaled, so an adult will need to supervise with this slime. Once your slime is ready to go, bust out the magnets to conduct some fun experiments.
8. Glow-in-the-dark slime
Adding glow-in-the-dark paint to slime means the fun can last past dark! In this post by Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls, learn how to make glowing slime with just three ingredients. Kids will love dimming the lights to see their slime glow and learning about how it all works. Here’s a good article to explore the science with your kids.
Editor’s Note: This article was previously published in 2021 and was updated by ParentMap’s editorial team in December 2024 with additional resources and new photography.
