Best Kinetic Sand

(Image credit: Kinetic Sand)

Kinetic sand has all the appeal of that coarse beachy material without the gets-everywhere part. This moldable sandy substitute retains a granular texture but doesn't stick to hands or surfaces. It's soft and shapes easily, maintaining its character no matter what structure or creature is created. It gives kids the room to imagine and invent, again and again. And, unlike modeling clay, this malleable material doesn't dry out. We've assembled the best variety of color and package options to fill playtime with tons of fun. 

Staff pick

(Image credit: Amazon)

National Geographic ultimate play sand

6 pounds of colorful sand and fun molds

Get the best of the beach at home minus the mess with this kinetic sand variety pack. Kids ages three and up can construct miniature villages and more with 6 pounds of squishable sand. This colorful collection of grainy goodness includes blue, purple, and natural options. With six fun molds, it's easy to start building a little fun.  A variety of alternate color options are also available to bring the buildable fun.

Sandy-inspired fun

(Image credit: Kinetic Sand)

Kinetic Sand 3-pound beach sand package

Delight in 3 pounds of kinetic molding magic

It looks like sand and feels like sand, but this grainy alternative is better. Kinetic sand offers beach-inspired fun without the residue; no more sweeping away grainy layers. It's made from a combination of hypoallergenic and non-toxic natural sand and polymers. This 3-pound bag of textured shape-saving material perfectly conforms, molding into imaginative structures like extravagant castles and more. It's great sensory fun for kiddos ages three and up.    

Color options

(Image credit: CoolSand)

CoolSand 14-ounce moldable indoor play sand refill pack

Colorful refills in resealable packages

Kinetic sand is defined by its array of color options. The brilliant shades offer a great color palate so kids can fully realize their vision. If you're looking to add additional hues for a growing sand collection or you want to start small, this 14-ounce package is a great solution. From brilliant purple to bold blue, CoolSand delivers with cheery color selections. And, it comes in a resealable package to make storage simple.

Shape and shimmer

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National Geographic sparkling play sand

2 pounds of colorful shaping sand with glitter

Holding, molding, and building are super fun when squishy kinetic sand is involved. With a soft and grainy feel, this textured medium is ideal for creating just about anything kids can dream up. This 2-pound package of vibrant sand has a bright hue and is enhanced with shimmering glitter. So, if creations need a little extra glitz, this sand offers that treasured feel. Kids ages three and up will enjoy building special structures with this kinetic sand available in a variety of color options.

Sand and slime

(Image credit: Amazon)

Horizon Group SlimyGloop Slimy Sand play sand

Fun sand alternative with a slime-like consistency

Sand and slime combine with this kinetic sand incarnation. This textured and moldable material has the feel of sand and the stretch of slime for a dynamic sensory experience. It can be shaped and pulled every which way, conforming to all creative whims. It's available in a variety of color and size options to keep kids entertained.

Molds and more

(Image credit: USA Toyz)

USA Toyz 23-pack mini sandbox toys set

23 compacy toys and tools ideal for kinetic sand

With the help of fun molds, the kinetic sand experience can be even better. This set of 23 mini sand toys includes 18 must-have molds, from castles to creatures, and five sculpting tools. Each piece is delightfully petite, measuring between 2 and 4 inches. Kids, ages three and up, will effortlessly mold and shape their sandy creations with this diverse collection.

More than a grain of fun

Kinetic sand is a grainy alternative to regular sand, sans the mess. It has the consistency of wet sand, molding, and shaping, but without the residue. Our first choice when it comes to this shapeable modeling masterpiece is the National Geographic ultimate play sand. With 6 pounds of squishy sand in three colors (blue, purple, and natural), this set is brimming with buildable potential. Kids can use their imagination, and six included molds to shape their creations.

To get the most out of the kinetic sand experience, additional toys and tools can help. The USA Toyz 23-pack mini sandbox toys set includes a variety of molds and sculpting tools so kids can fashion their most imaginative designs.