Kitchen Science | Faux Snow

Today marked our first snowfall of the season. Since the forecast called for light snow that wouldn’t stick, I decided to bring a little extra winter magic indoors for the kids. We made some fake snow for a fun, hands-on activity, and it turned out to be a hit!

The kids loved getting creative with the snow, adding pine cones, pipe cleaners, lego people and other little knick-knacks we found around the house. It was such a simple setup and kept them entertained for hours—though cleanup wasn’t quite as easy. In hindsight, it wasn’t the best idea for our 18-month-old. Next time, I’ll save this activity for her naptime. One big plus is that it’s non-toxic, so I didn’t have to worry when Baby Girl gave it a taste or two.

The real snow did stick a little, so the kids got to play outside for a while. But when it started to melt, they came back inside to play with the fake snow. It was a perfect way to keep the winter fun going.

How to make faux snow

Here’s how you can make your own fake snow at home with just two simple ingredients: baking soda and water. The amount of baking soda you’ll need depends on the size of the container you’re using. I have a big bag of baking soda, but if you’re using the small boxes, you’ll probably need at least four. Start by pouring a generous amount of baking soda into a large bowl or bin. Slowly add water to the baking soda, stirring as you go—I like to use my hands for this. Be careful not to add too much water at once, as it can make the mixture too wet. The goal is to create a crumbly, powdery texture that sticks together when pressed but isn’t soggy. And that’s it—your fake snow is ready! It feels cool to the touch and is perfect for sensory play.

Why We Love This Activity

Making fake snow is not only simple and fun but also a great sensory activity. The kids loved the cool, soft texture and were excited to mold and shape it into different creations. It’s also a wonderful indoor option when real snow isn’t available.

Super Simple Fake Snow Recipe

Ingredients:

At least 4 boxes of baking soda

Water

Instructions:

Pour the baking soda in a large bowl or bin.

Slowly add water to the baking soda, stirring as you go. Be careful not to add too much water at once, as it can make the mixture too wet. You’re aiming for a crumbly, powdery texture that sticks together when pressed but isn’t soggy.

And that’s it! You now have fake snow that feels cool to the touch and is perfect for sensory play.