5 Easy Slime Recipes to Make at Home

Slime is a fun, hands-on activity that lets kids experiment with color, texture and different materials. These five easy recipes each create a completely different kind of slime, from light and fluffy to crunchy, sparkly and extra jiggly.

Choose one to try or make several and compare how they stretch, squish and move.

Before You Begin

Most of these recipes use contact lens solution as the activator. Check the label to make sure it contains boric acid or sodium borate, since not every contact solution will work for slime.

Slime is not edible. Adult supervision is recommended, especially when younger children are mixing the ingredients. Avoid contact with the eyes, and wash hands before and after playing.

Supplies You May Need

Depending on the recipes you choose, gather:

• White or clear school glue

• Baking soda

• Contact lens solution

• Water

• Shaving cream

• Food coloring

• Glitter or sequins

• Foam beads

• Mixing bowls

• Spoons or craft sticks

• Airtight containers

1. Classic Stretchy Slime

This is a great place to start if you are new to making slime. It creates a smooth, stretchy texture using just a few basic ingredients.

You’ll Need

• ½ cup white school glue

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 1–2 tablespoons contact lens solution

• A few drops of food coloring

  
  

Directions

1. Add the glue and baking soda to a bowl.

2. Mix until completely combined.

3. Add a few drops of food coloring and stir.

4. Slowly add the contact lens solution, a little at a time.

5. Continue mixing until the slime begins to pull away from the bowl.

6. Knead the slime with your hands until it is stretchy and no longer sticky.

   
   

Texture: Smooth, stretchy and perfect for beginners.

2. Fluffy Slime

Shaving cream gives this slime a light, airy texture that feels a little like a soft marshmallow.

You’ll Need

• ½ cup white school glue

• 1½ cups shaving cream

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 1–2 tablespoons contact lens solution

• A few drops of food coloring

  
  

Directions

1. Mix the glue and shaving cream together in a bowl.

2. Stir in the baking soda and food coloring.

3. Add the contact lens solution a little at a time.

4. Continue stirring until the mixture begins forming into slime.

5. Knead it with your hands until it feels soft and fluffy.

   
   

Texture: Light, airy and marshmallow-like.

Creative idea: Divide the slime into two or three portions, color each one differently and gently twist them together.

3. Clear Glitter Slime

Clear glue creates a glossy slime that is perfect for showing off glitter, sequins and other sparkly additions.

You’ll Need

• ½ cup clear school glue

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 1–2 tablespoons contact lens solution

• Glitter or sequins

  
  

Directions

1. Mix the clear glue and baking soda together.

2. Stir in your glitter or sequins.

3. Slowly add the contact lens solution.

4. Mix until the slime begins pulling away from the bowl.

5. Knead until it stops sticking to your hands.

   
   

Texture: Glossy, sparkly and extra stretchy.

Tip: Clear slime may look cloudy or bubbly immediately after mixing. Let it rest in a sealed container so the bubbles can gradually disappear.

4. Crunchy Slime

Foam beads transform regular slime into a textured, crunchy sensory activity.

You’ll Need

• ½ cup white or clear school glue

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 1–2 tablespoons contact lens solution

• Foam beads

• Food coloring, optional

  
  

Directions

1. Mix the glue and baking soda together.

2. Add food coloring, if desired.

3. Slowly stir in the contact lens solution until the slime begins to form.

4. Knead the slime until it is no longer sticky.

5. Sprinkle foam beads over the slime.

6. Fold and knead the beads into it.

7. Add more beads for extra texture and crunch.

   
   

Texture: Crunchy, textured and fun to squeeze.

Creative idea: Experiment with different amounts or sizes of foam beads and compare the results.

5. Jiggly Slime

Adding water gives this slime a softer, wobblier consistency than classic slime.

You’ll Need

• ½ cup clear school glue

• ¼ cup water

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 1–2 tablespoons contact lens solution

• A few drops of food coloring

  
  

Directions

1. Mix the clear glue and water together.

2. Add the baking soda and food coloring.

3. Slowly stir in the contact lens solution.

4. Continue mixing until the slime starts to form.

5. Knead it gently, then let it rest for a few minutes.

   
   

Texture: Wobbly, squishy and jiggly.

Creative idea: Place the finished slime in a clear container and gently shake it to watch how it moves.

Slime Troubleshooting Tips

Slime can change depending on the glue, activator and even the weather. Make small adjustments rather than adding a large amount of any ingredient at once.

Is your slime too sticky?

Add a few more drops of contact lens solution, then knead it again. Too much activator can quickly make slime stiff, so add it slowly.

Is your slime too stiff?

Knead in a small amount of warm water or lotion. Begin with only a few drops and add more if needed.

Is your slime not forming?

Check that your contact lens solution contains boric acid or sodium borate. Continue stirring and give the activator time to combine with the glue.

How should you store slime?

Keep slime in a clean, airtight container when it is not being used. Homemade slime does not last forever, so throw it away if it develops an unusual smell, color or appearance.

Turn It Into a Creative Experiment

Try making more than one recipe and compare them:

• Which slime stretches the farthest?

• Which one feels the softest?

• Which one makes the most interesting sounds?

• How does adding more foam beads change the texture?

• What new color combinations can you create?

• Can you invent your own slime variation?

  
  

There is no need for every batch to look exactly the same. Part of the fun is experimenting, adjusting the ingredients and discovering a texture you love.