How to Make the Best Homemade Play Dough
- Homemade Play Dough: a simple, fun activity
- Ingredients for The Best Homemade Play Dough
- Instructions for making The Best Homemade Play Dough
- Tips for the Best Homemade Play dough
- Non-toxic Homemade Play Dough
Homemade Play Dough: a simple, fun activity
Looking for a simple, fun, and creative activity to do with your kids? Homemade play dough is an easy and inexpensive way to keep little hands busy for hours. Not only is it a great sensory experience, but it also promotes creativity and fine motor skills. Best of all, you probably already have the ingredients in your kitchen!
Play Dough is the perfect open ended art experience. Our pro tip: first give your child the play dough by itself. Oooo and awwww over it (especially if it's still warm). Ask them to smell it and describe how it feels in their fingers. Once they get past the initial "wow" moment, then offer to sprinkle some glitter in their play dough. They can mix, mix, mix. You will be surprised how long they will linger and enjoy.
When they need the next step, give them a popsicle stick or a pair of plastic training scissors. Then maybe a few beads. Then you can give them prompts like, "what if your play dough was a castle?" or "maybe your play dough can be a play ground!".
The trick is to continue to introduce new things vs setting it all out in the beginning. This will help them enjoy each step and prolong play time.
Ingredients for The Best Homemade Play Dough
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.25 cups salt
- 1.5 Tablespoons cream of tartar
- 5 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2.5 cups water
- Plant Based Food coloring (optional)
Instructions for making The Best Homemade Play Dough
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the flour, salt, and cream of tartar.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in the water and oil.
- Cook the mixture: Over medium heat, stir constantly until the dough starts to come together and pull away from the sides of the pan (about 3-5 minutes).
- Knead the dough: Once it's cool enough to handle, knead the dough on a clean surface for a few minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Add Color: Divide the dough and mix a few drops of food coloring into each.
- Store it: Keep the play dough in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. It will last longer than you think!
Tips for the Best Homemade Play Dough
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it's too dry, add a bit more water.
- Watch for the edges to begin to dry when cooking - this is your hint that you're getting close to done.
- For extra fun, let the kids help with the mixing and kneading! They love to work with the dough while it's still warm.
Non-toxic Homemade Play Dough
This homemade play dough is non-toxic, budget-friendly, and can provide endless hours of entertainment. Plus, it’s a great alternative to store-bought versions that can dry out quickly. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and get making!