Kinetic sand is a great messy play option!  Much like bubbles it is not too messy, but can provide ages of open ended play for the children.  Kinetic sand has a much different texture than normal sandpit sand, and can be more easily molded and manipulated.  This makes it a great medium for children to create with!  You can easily incorporate cooking skills by allowing the children to help make it, providing cooking type utensils in your set-up or even using ingredients like purple cabbage or beetroot to colour the water (rather than using food coloring)! It also has a very pleasant feel and can be excellent as a calming material for anxious children.

10 cups clean, fine sand*
1 cups cornflour
1/2 cup dish soap
Water to mix (1 to 2 cups)
Food colouring (optional)

1. Mix the sand and cornflour in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the dish soap and combine with a whisk.
3. Add water and mix until all the ingredients are fully combined.
4. Add the food colouring (if using) and mix in.
5. Leave the mixture to dry, the more water you add, the longer it will take to dry (usually 3-4 hours).  You can spread it out on a large baking tray to speed the process. 
6. Play!!

* Fine sand can usually be purchased in small bags from places like Mitre 10 or Bunnings.

As promised, here is the first in my series of posts on messy play.  I have decided to start out with a clean messy play idea to hopefully engage those of you that feel daunted by the idea of giving children even more reason to make a mess. ;)
Bubbles make a great substitute for your usual water play and are super easy to make!  The children will love scooping, blowing, gathering and fondling these fluffy little wonders!