GOO RECIPE WITH BORAX: EASY SENSORY PLAY FOR KIDS
When it’s time to pull out the sticky, slimy, and squishy materials during sensory activities, we tend to refer to everything as “goo,” right? Especially when you have things like cloud slime, kid-friendly putty, and, of course, the classic: rainbow play-dough. But here’s the thing: each material allows kids to explore their senses in a unique, engaging way.
And this time, we really are talking about a literal goo recipe! While goo is technically a lightly activated slime made with borax, its softer, drippier texture is what gives it that classic “gooey” feel parents love for sensory play. Even better, it offers many of the same benefits as playing with slime! Boosting fine motor skills, enhancing hand-eye-coordination, introducing basic STEM concepts—it’s all there.
In addition to being developmentally beneficial, goo is also super easy to make using just a handful of household ingredients! It’s a win-win for everyone involved. To get you started on this sensory-filled journey, today I’m sharing an easy goo recipe using borax. Easy, fun, and enriching—it doesn’t get much better than that.
Goo Recipe with Borax: Easy Sensory Play for Kids
Playing with goo, slime, and putty often gets a mixed reaction. Some parents love it because of its screen-free sensory benefits. Other parents? A bit more hesitant due to possible stains and additional clean-up. (Don’t worry, I have plenty of helpful resources linked below!)
However, when you know the right ways to avoid long-lasting messes (or hectic tantrums), suddenly, you’re able to see straight through to the benefits! Plus, there are so many ways to customize this fun creation—and the ways you incorporate it into your playtime routine.
For example… Want to avoid using food coloring? No worries, I share plenty of natural dye options over on the Mothercould In Your Pocket resource—along with printable play recipes, guided tutorials, and my favorite clean-up hacks. Until then, let’s talk about what goo is and how you can mix it together in just a few minutes!
Also, don’t miss these easy slime clean-up tips and tricks:
What Is Goo?
In sensory play, the term “goo” can mean a few different things. First, some people think of recipes that just use cornstarch and water (AKA, oobleck recipes or goop recipes). In other cases, people think it’s more like this post, “How to Make Slime without Borax and Cornstarch and Glue”—slimy, goopy, and drippy.
And honestly, it’s a bit of both! Sensory goo is a soft, semi-liquid sensory material that acts as a liquid when it’s gently played with, but a solid when it’s squeezed. While it’s technically classified as a form of slime, goo has a looser, drippier consistency. This is what sets it apart from other traditional slime recipes!
That’s not all, though. Unlike slime with borax, which is fully activated to create a stretchy, elastic texture, goo uses less borax. Or, it may also call for a diluted solution, instead. This results in an oozy, melt-in-your-hands feel rather than a firm, pull-apart stretch.
Because of its softer texture, this also means goo behaves a bit differently during play. It flows slowly, breaks apart easily, and feels almost powder-like. This makes it perfect for scooping, pouring, swirling, and squishing—activities that all support development!
How Do You Make Goo with Borax?
Ingredients for Goo:
1 Cup White Glue
2 Cups Warm Water
1 Tsp Borax Powder
Few Drops of Food Coloring
Optional: Glitter, Dyed Rice, Sensory Sequins, Tapioca Pearls
Instructions for Making Goo with Borax:
Step 1: Gather materials. Before you start, grab everything you need—including mixing bowls and wooden spoons or spatulas.
Step 2: Prepare glue. Grab a mixing bowl and mix 1 cup of white glue with 1 cup of warm water. Stir until smooth, adding in a few drops of food coloring at a time. Remember, the more you add, the deeper the color will become!
Step 3: Prepare borax. In a separate mixing bowl, add 1 tsp of borax powder into 1 cup of warm water. Make sure you stir it enough for the powder to dissolve completely!
Step 4: Combine mixtures. Slowly pour the borax mixture into the glue mixture while continuing to stir. You can measure with love here! Don’t feel as if you have to add the entire borax mixture if you’re happy with the consistency.
Step 5: Knead goo. Once the goo begins pulling away from the sides, start kneading it with your hands. It should be sticky—but not too sticky!
Step 6: Store when done. To maintain the consistency and texture, make sure to store the goo in an airtight container when you’re done playing. When you do this, you can keep using the same goo for a couple of weeks!
And there you have it! Easy to make, takes only a few minutes, and provides hours of fun. Want to take it on the go for screen-free car ride fun? Store it in these snack box sets—(yes, it doubles as easy storage!). Also, make sure to keep this “How to Get Slime Out of Car Seats” guide handy!
Keep sensory play fun, easy, and hands-on with this simple goo recipe!
When it comes to sensory play, there are SO many different materials we can use to create a new, immersive experience! And, honestly, goo is one of my favorites. It’s easy to make, fun to play with, and offers tons of enriching benefits. Plus, you can mix and match it with different activities, customizing it to match skill level, ability, and age!
Something else I prioritize in addition to sensory play? Independent play! Kid-friendly spaces that allow my little ones to enjoy open-ended activities and materials that encourage creativity, imagination, and self-direction.
If this sounds like something you want for your home, check out my book, Playful by Design! This guide is designed to teach parents how to create thoughtfully planned spaces that nurture independence. It’s also available in physical, e-reader, and audiobook formats!
Also, don’t forget to head to the Mothercould blog and join the Mothercould In Your Pocket resource. Here you kind find posts, play recipes, and helpful tutorials—just like this one.
