Kool-aid Dyed Rice

July 20, 2020
Make play rice for kids using Kool-aid!  Easy recipe and less messy than sand. #koolaiddyedrice #riceforkids #howtodyerice #ricerecipes #growingajeweledrose #activitiesforkids
Play and explore all the staples of summer with this easy to make sensory bin for kids.

Rice makes a fantastic sensory material for children.  It is easily accessible and has an incredibly fun and therapeutic texture. There are also tons of ways make play rice for kids.  Read on to see how we made summer scented rice in a variety of colors.

Make play rice for kids using Kool-aid!  Easy recipe and less messy than sand. #koolaiddyedrice #riceforkids #howtodyerice #ricerecipes #growingajeweledrose #activitiesforkids
I wanted this sensory bin to capture the essence of summer through as many senses as possible, so I made four different rice varieties in vibrant colors.  Making scented rice is really easy.  Play rice also keeps indefinitely, making it great for repeated use.  Are you ready for the recipe?

How to Make Summer Play Rice for Kids

Materials
Make play rice for kids using Kool-aid!  Easy recipe and less messy than sand. #koolaiddyedrice #riceforkids #howtodyerice #ricerecipes #growingajeweledrose #activitiesforkids
Method
  • Begin by adding the desired amount of rice to a large zip-seal bag, using one bag for each rice variety that you wish to make.
  • Add one Kool-aid packet to each bag, rotating colors as desired.
  • Add a few drops of food coloring for richer coloring, if desired.
  • Add 2-3 tablespoons of water.
  • Then, seal the bags tightly and mix them until the ingredients are combined and the rice is saturated in color.
Make play rice for kids using Kool-aid!  Easy recipe and less messy than sand. #koolaiddyedrice #riceforkids #howtodyerice #ricerecipes #growingajeweledrose #activitiesforkids
  • Once saturated, open the bags and pour the rice onto a cookie sheet or similar so that it can dry.
  • Drying will take roughly 4-6 hours.
Make play rice for kids using Kool-aid!  Easy recipe and less messy than sand. #koolaiddyedrice #riceforkids #howtodyerice #ricerecipes #growingajeweledrose #activitiesforkids 
  • The rice may clump together a bit as it dries, but that is ok.  Once kids begin to play it will easily break apart.  Pour the rice into a large play bin or container, add sand toys, and the fun can begin! 
Make play rice for kids using Kool-aid!  Easy recipe and less messy than sand. #koolaiddyedrice #riceforkids #howtodyerice #ricerecipes #growingajeweledrose #activitiesforkids
Make play rice for kids using Kool-aid!  Easy recipe and less messy than sand. #koolaiddyedrice #riceforkids #howtodyerice #ricerecipes #growingajeweledrose #activitiesforkids

Make play rice for kids using Kool-aid!  Easy recipe and less messy than sand. #koolaiddyedrice #riceforkids #howtodyerice #ricerecipes #growingajeweledrose #activitiesforkids
Rice is less messy than play sand with a completely different texture. It makes noise when poured, has a calming effect , and also doesn't track into the house like sand.  As for the smell, just one whiff and you get all the best aromas of summer!
 

Extend the Fun

Make play rice for kids using Kool-aid!  Easy recipe and less messy than sand. #koolaiddyedrice #riceforkids #howtodyerice #ricerecipes #growingajeweledrose #activitiesforkids
  • Add sea creatures to create an ocean themed sensory bin.
Make play rice for kids using Kool-aid!  Easy recipe and less messy than sand. #koolaiddyedrice #riceforkids #howtodyerice #ricerecipes #growingajeweledrose #activitiesforkids
    Tips/Resources:
    • To make our rice we used lemonade, watermelon, strawberry, and pineapple Kool-aid flavors.
    • Kool-aid can be purchased in a variety of flavors online here.
    • Store play rice in an air-tight container between play times, and it can be used again & again! 
    Make play rice for kids using Kool-aid!  Easy recipe and less messy than sand. #koolaiddyedrice #riceforkids #howtodyerice #ricerecipes #growingajeweledrose #activitiesforkids

    MORE RICE RECIPES FOR KIDS

    Make play rice for kids using Kool-aid!  Easy recipe and less messy than sand. #koolaiddyedrice #riceforkids #howtodyerice #ricerecipes #growingajeweledrose #activitiesforkids
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    Make play rice for kids using Kool-aid!  Easy recipe and less messy than sand. #koolaiddyedrice #riceforkids #howtodyerice #ricerecipes #growingajeweledrose #activitiesforkids

    Make play rice for kids using Kool-aid!  Easy recipe and less messy than sand. #koolaiddyedrice #riceforkids #howtodyerice #ricerecipes #growingajeweledrose #activitiesforkids
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    More About the Author

    Crystal Underwood is the writer and creator of Growing A Jeweled Rose. She has worked extensively with children and strongly believes in the importance of play at the core of early learning. She is passionate about the early years and believes that childhood should be a truly magical time in life. For all the best kids activities connect with Growing a Jeweled Rose below!