Making your own play dough is a fun, inexpensive activity that’s perfect for rainy days, quiet afternoons or anytime the kids need a little creative entertainment.
With just a few basic kitchen ingredients, you can make soft, colourful play dough that’s great for squishing, rolling, shaping and imaginative play. It’s also a wonderful hands-on sensory activity for toddlers and preschoolers.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup salt
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- A few drops of food colouring
How to Make Homemade Play Dough
- Mix the ingredients. Combine the flour, salt and cream of tartar in a medium saucepan.
- Add the liquids. Stir in the water, vegetable oil and a few drops of food colouring until well combined.
- Cook over low heat. Stir continuously as the mixture thickens and begins to form a ball of dough.
- Remove from heat. Once the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan, transfer it to a heat-safe surface.
- Cool and knead. Allow the dough to cool until it’s comfortable to handle, then knead until smooth and soft.
Adult supervision is required for cooking. The dough and saucepan will be hot.
For multiple colours, make separate batches or knead food colouring into portions of cooled dough. Be aware that food colouring may temporarily stain hands or surfaces.
Fun Ways to Play with Homemade Play Dough
Once your play dough is ready, let the creativity begin! Here are a few easy ideas:
- Make pretend treats: Roll out cookies, cupcakes and other creations using child-safe kitchen tools.
- Practise letters and numbers: Shape dough into letters, numbers or your child’s name.
- Create animals and characters: Build silly creatures using different colours.
- Explore textures: Press cookie cutters, rolling pins and other safe objects into the dough to make patterns.
- Play pretend: Set up a make-believe bakery, pizza shop or ice cream stand.
How to Store Homemade Play Dough
Keep your play dough in an airtight container or resealable bag to help prevent it from drying out. Store it in a cool place and discard it if you notice mould, an unusual smell or changes in texture.
Although it’s made with kitchen ingredients, homemade play dough is not intended for eating. Supervise young children during play, especially those who still put objects in their mouths.
More Creative Activities for Kids
Looking for another easy way to keep little hands busy? When the snow starts falling, head outside and try our Snow Painting for Kids activity. It’s a colourful way to encourage creativity and outdoor winter fun!
