Lemon Oobleck Sensory Play

We’re kicking regular oobleck up a notch by adding some of our favorite citrus fruits! Lemon oobleck is what sensory play dreams are made of.

Table of Contents:

1. There’s nothing not to love about lemon oobleck
2. When life gives you lemons, make lemon oobleck
3. Materials
4. Directions
5. How to clean lemon oobleck
6. What is the difference between oobleck and slime?
7. What can I add to lemon oobleck to extend play?
8. FAQ
9. If you haven’t made lemon oobleck before, “bitter” late than never!

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There’s nothing not to love about lemon oobleck

Even if you’ve made oobleck before, this just hits differently.

It’s like water. Plain water is fine. But water with lemon? Fancy! Sophisticated! She is beauty, she is grace.

In a world of water, be lemon water. The first step to navigating life in the high society is transforming your regular oobleck into sensory heaven!

Related: Looking for another extra fun activity for kids? Look no further than our GIANT 10-foot coloring banners! 

When life gives you lemons, make lemon oobleck

You might have heard our joke before about how we ask prospective preschool families if they have lemon trees at home.

If so, the spot is theirs! (While we’re kidding, we do have many people who bring us lemons and we always put them to the best use.)

Over the years, we’ve been gifted thousands of lemons and never run out of activities to do with them. Lemon oobleck is in the regular rotation because it’s beyond easy to set up and kids are always delighted to play with it.

Looking for more lemon activities? These are simply the “zest!”

• Lemon Volcanoes – Friends Art Lab
• Lemon Play Dough – The Best Ideas for Kids
• Colour Changing Lemonade – Happy Toddler Playtime

Materials

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• Lemons
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Yellow coloring – liquid watercolors or food dye
• Shallow container

Directions

1. Slice lemons  – Have an adult cut the lemons into lemon slices.
2. Mix oobleck – This part is pure fun! Into a shallow container, mix 2 parts cornstarch to 1 part water (ex: 2 cups cornstarch + 1 cup water). Add in yellow coloring (we used liquid watercolors here because the stain is very temporary compared to food dye). You’ll know it’s “done” when it can form into a solid when squeezed tightly but will ooze through your fingers when pressure is released. 
3. Add in lemons – Let the fun begin! Kids will stack, squeeze, poke, pull, smell, and explore the lemons. This is the good stuff.

How to clean lemon oobleck

Sharing our method from our chocolate mud oobleck recipe:

We have two methods for you, the easy way and the easier way

• Easy Clean-Up Method: Scoop the wet oobleck into a garbage can, and once it’s as clean/scraped out as possible, rinse the container with your hose or in the kitchen sink.

• Easier Clean-Up Method: Wait for it to dry. Leave the containers outside or on a counter for a day or so, and when you see the mud crack (photo below), pour it all into the garbage. At this point, it’s essentially back to powder so clean-up takes seconds (and it’s virtually mess-free).

What is the difference between oobleck and slime?

Ingredients – Oobleck uses taste-safe ingredients, whereas slime is usually made with ingredients like glue, activator, contact solution, etc. Note: while oobleck is made with food, this activity should be supervised as it shouldn’t be eaten (plus, it would be gross!).

Longevity – Slime can usually be stored for long periods, but oobleck is made with food and can mold after an extended period. To make sure that it can last for several days without molding, we leave our oobleck stored for the few days we use it in a container with the lid off.

Both are fun, sensory-based, and exciting!

What can I add to lemon oobleck to extend play?

You can find many FREE materials around your home and classroom that elevate this sensory activity!

Some fun ideas include:

• Tongs
• Bowls
• Scoops
• Cups
• Plastic berry baskets
• Strainers
• Salad spinner baskets
• Spatulas
• Plates

FAQ

If you haven’t made lemon oobleck before, “bitter” late than never!

Oobleck on its own is a blast, but adding in fresh lemon slices makes it out of this world. It smells UH-MAZING and has abundant layers of sensory learning.

The next time you meet someone with a lemon tree, introduce yourself to your new best friend.

Have fun!