Make Peeps slime with the kids this spring. It’s perfect as part of your other Easter activities for toddlers and preschoolers. Or do it just because you have an overflow of Peeps!
Related: 50+ Easter Egg Activities
Okay, let me start by telling you a secret . . . ready? I don’t like Peeps. There, I said it.
This has been the case since I was little. My younger sister LOVES them, but I just never understood the fascination. My son loves them just as much as my sister does. So I can’t fully escape them!
How to Make Peeps Slime
While I don’t care for eating them much, I DO love using Peeps in candy science activities.
So it likely won’t surprise you that I adore this slimy Peeps play dough recipe.
I have to tell you, we’ve been calling it both slime and play dough. It’s not quite slime in the true sense of the word, but it’s not quite play dough either.
So I say call it whatever you want. No matter the name, it’s a fun science and sensory experience for the kids (and you!).
A Word about Edible Slime
I suppose “taste-safe” would be a better term. We didn’t try eating the Peeps play dough, so I don’t have first-hand knowledge of what it tastes like.
But toddlers and preschoolers who are still putting things in their mouths would be okay playing with this “slime” (provided there are no allergies).
This fun edible science recipe is just right for younger kids who are still learning the “no mouth” guidelines.
They have the chance to practice using materials that won’t be an issue if there are any lapses (again, this is only true if there are no allergies).
You can take one of two roads with this:
- Explain that this is a special science activity that allows them to use their sense of taste.
- Stick to your usual slime expectations (“Nothing goes in your mouth.”), but know that if they slip up it should be okay.
Peeps Marshmallow Slime Ingredients
You’ll also want to grab a microwave-safe bowl and a spoon to use when making the marshmallow slime.
While you’re at it, grab some plastic Easter eggs and a plate or a tray. These are for playing with the Peeps slime once it’s made.
Related: How to Make Slime with Kids
Marshmallow Slime Directions
I know I keep talking about Peeps, because that’s what was used here. But Peeps are really just shaped marshmallows with some extra sugar on the outside.
So, theoretically, you can use these directions with plain ol’ marshmallows too. Just add a bit of food coloring if you don’t want it to be white.
First, remove the eyes from the Peeps. (Yes, that’s one of the weirdest sentences I’ve ever written.)
Next, add the Peeps (or regular marshmallows) to a microwave safe bowl.
Then add one tablespoon of coconut oil to the bowl.
Put the bowl in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Take the bowl out of the microwave and stir.
Then it’s time to add three to five tablespoons of cornstarch, ONE TABLESPOON AT A TIME. Be sure to mix well after each tablespoon.
You might be able to use powdered sugar instead of cornstarch, but I’m not sure how that will affect the slime.
The mixture will start out rather sticky, but that will get better as you add the cornstarch. Make your own judgement about the consistency and adjust accordingly.
Once the cornstarch is mixed in well, form the Peeps slime into a ball.
Playing with the Peeps Slime
Now that your Peeps play dough is all done, it’s time to play!
Put the slime out on a plate or a tray, along with some plastic Easter eggs.
Related: Stretchy Gingerbread Butter Slime with Model Magic
You can add other materials to the play too. Perhaps some glass gems, plastic knives, cups, or craft gems. Or keep it simple like pictured here.
Let the children manipulate the slime any which way they’d like. Kids can stretch it, push it into the plastic eggs, stamp their hands into it, and even use it to form shapes or letters.
Honestly, the kids are going to come up with their own creative ways to play with the dough.
You can sit back and observe what they’re doing, or you can get in there and play with it too! Either way, make a note of the different ways the children interact with the slime.
Have you ever made slime or play dough with Peeps? Leave me a comment below and let me know how it went.
More Candy Science Ideas
This Peeps slime allows the children to explore some preschool science concepts:
- Describe physical characteristics of objects
- Simple experiments
- Observe changes in matter
With that in mind, I thought I’d share a few more ideas for candy science you can try with the kids.
The hands-on aspects of these activities give the kids multiple chances to explore important science concepts in ways that make the knowledge stick in their brains.
Plus, they’re super fun!
Build a candy house from Science Sparks
Make rock candy from STEAM Powered Family
M&M experiment from Coffee Cups and Crayons
Jelly bean science from Fantastic Fun and Learning
Rainbow soda geysers with Mentos from Inspirations Laboratories
Will it melt? from Playdough to Plato
Preschool Science Resources
Preschool Teacher 101 has done-for-you teaching resources that are perfect for exploring science concepts, as well as preschool themes already planned out for you. Click on the photos below for more information.
If you’re a preschool teacher, I highly recommend checking out the membership options while you’re there.
You can also find us on Teachers Pay Teachers.
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