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How to Make Fake Snow for Pretend Play

How to Make Fake Snow for Pretend Play

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Learn how to make fake snow for pretend play with this simple recipe. This fake snow is perfect for hours of sensory play.

How to Make Fake Snow

Winter is here!

To celebrate the start of winter, I am sharing how to make fake snow for pretend play. We are currently learning about winter in our homeschool, and this fake snow is the perfect go-along. 

We have had a blast learning about the winter season with this play, snow, and many of our favorite picture books about snow and winter.

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This snow can be molded into “snowballs” or used to make a pretend snowman.

Fake Snow Recipe

My children ask to make this snow several times throughout winter, and it’s one of my favorite winter activities.

I do not mind making several different batches throughout the winter season because they are cheap and easy to make.

Making this fake snow is simple and quick. Don’t worry if you are not a super crafty mom, this stuff really is failproof.

Making Fake Snow for the Classroom

This fake snow is pretty awesome and worth the mess. I made this snow for our homeschool co-op class, which was a big hit with the children.

Additionally, I have received a ton of feedback via Instagram messages and Pinterest from readers telling me how much their students enjoyed working with this fake snow.

Note: This activity can get messy. The snow does sweep and vacuum up from floors easily. The table or surface you are working on will also need to be wiped clean after use, and children will need to wash their hands.

If you are looking for winter activities with less mess this winter season, check out this Free Winter Matching Card Game for Kids.

Recently, I made this fake snow for a fun sensory play activity. The play snow was the perfect addition to our reading of Katy and the Big Snow

How to make fake snow

Benefits of Sensory Play

This fake snow makes for a perfect sensory play activity.

The “snow” has an interesting texture and pleasant smell and is actually cool to the touch.

Make Fake Snow

Here are three reasons I love to incorporate sensory play into our homeschool activities:

One: Sensory play promotes brain function and motor skills.

Two: Sensory play encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Three: Typically, in our house, sensory play involves togetherness. It is a great time for parents and children to come together, unite, and enjoy each other’s creativity.   

Fake Snow Sensory Play Idea:

Make fake snow in a large bowl, then transfer it into a large bin for children to play with.

Fake Snow Sensory

Give children materials like arctic animals, a toy snow ploy, and/or a spatula and spoon to use as a shovel.

Fake Snow Sensory Bin

DIY Pretend Snow Supplies

Making pretend snow is truly simple! It involves using less than a handful of ingredients that I am pretty sure you already have in your household.

Do not worry; below, I have added a printable list of ingredients, measurements, full instructions, and a video ( for those of you who are visual learners).

For starters, you will need two ingredients: Baking Soda and White Hair Conditioner.

For this project, it is unnecessary to make a trip to a specialty store or break the bank. If you do not have the necessary items on hand, you can pick them up from your local grocery store during your next visit. 

If you can not or do not want to leave the comfort of your warm home, you can use the links above for a quick amazon delivery. 

For this project, I picked up a $1 white hair conditioner from the dollar store.

I also got a 13.5-pound bag of pure baking soda from Costco; this way, I can make loads of this stuff for little cost.

Fake snow ingredients

Note: An adult should supervise children while playing with the pretend snow. Small children may be tempted to put the snow in their mouths or rub their eyes.

Remember to wash your little one’s hands immediately after using this snow. This will prevent any residue from getting in their eyes should they touch their face or rub their eyes.

Sidebar: If you share your kids working with this fake snow on social media, feel free to tag me @thepurposefulnest. I love seeing so many little ones enjoying this activity.

*Continue reading for ingredients, measurements, and printable instructions.

How to Save Fake Snow

After making the fake snow, it can be packaged in a zip lock bag and stored in a cool area for up to five days. 

Out of personal preference, I discard the snow after its been handled by my children. I make a fresh new batch every time.   

Fake Snow Recipe

How to Make Fake Snow for Pretend Play

One: Mix 2 1/2 cups of pure baking soda with 1/2 cup white hair conditioner in a large bowl.

Two: Stir mixture in a large bowl until ingredients are well combined. 

Three: Enjoy hours of sensory play!

Yes, it really is THAT simple. 

Tip: You can add more baking soda if you wish to make your “snow” less wet if you’d like. You can easily multiply this recipe if you need to make a larger batch of snow.

Grab the printable supply list and instructions below.

Fake Snow

DIY Fake Snow

Yield: 3 cups
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Active Time: 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Fake snow for sensory play.

Materials

Tools

  • Large spoon or spatula for mixing

Instructions

      1. Add 2 1/2 cups of pure baking soda and 1/2 a cup of white hair conditioner in a bowl .
      2. Mix ingredients together until completely combined.

Notes

If you need to make a larger batch of snow you should keep the ratios and multiply this recipe.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

That is my simple way to make artificial snow for children to enjoy sensory and pretend play.

how to make play snow

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How to Make Fake Snow for Pretend Play

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