Natural play dough is fun and easy for parents and children to make together. Kids can practice counting as they add ingredients to the bowl, help mix the batter, and choose their own colors using organic food coloring or vegetable juices. They will feel a sense of accomplishment when they can say, "I made it myself." And if young children try to eat the dough while they're playing, parents can relax knowing the non-toxic ingredients came from their own pantry.
Following are six easy recipes for play dough that can be made at home using food from the kitchen. Children should be over age two, and supervised by an adult at all times
Naturally Colorful Play Dough
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1/2cup salt
- 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
- Purchased natural food coloring or spinach, carrot, blueberry, or beet juice
In a medium saucepan combine the flour, oil, salt, and cream of tartar. Slowly pour in the water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball. Empty the pan onto parchment or waxed paper, cover with plastic, and let the dough cool. Knead until it reaches a soft and pliable consistency. Divide into three pieces and color with natural food coloring or one or more of the suggested vegetable juices. Keep the dough in plastic storage bags when not in use.
Salt and Flour Baked Shapes
Prepare the above recipe for Naturally Colorful Play Dough, omitting the food coloring and juices. Roll the dough 1/3 inch thick and cut into shapes using a cookie cutter. Place the shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment or waxed paper and bake at 225 degrees until dry, approximately 1 ½ hours. Cool completely, then paint the shapes using Natural Paint (recipe below.)After the paint has dried, a string or wire can be glued to the back to create a holiday ornament.
Oatmeal Play Dough
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup flour
- 2 cups oatmeal
Stir all ingredients together. Make shapes and let them dry. Paint the shapes using Natural Paint (recipe below.)
Natural Paint
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup water
- 4 tablespoons glycerin (a by-product of the natural soap making process, available at most pharmacies)
- Purchased natural food coloring or beet, carrot, spinach, or blueberry juice
Mix the first three ingredients. Divide among three or four small containers, then color as desired using food coloring or one or more of the suggested vegetable juices.
Rubber Play Dough
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 1/2cups water
Mix all ingredients together and bring to a boil over medium heat. After the mixture thickens, pour it onto a plate and let it cool.
Peanut Butter Play Dough
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup powdered milk
- 3 tablespoons honey
Mix all ingredients together, adjusting the amount of powdered milk to make a soft, doughy consistency. Mold, play, and eat!
Sweet Peanut Butter Play Dough
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Mix all ingredients using a spoon or hands. Cover with plastic or store in an airtight bowl.
A Simple, Inexpensive, and Educational Way to Keep Children Entertained
Making play dough is an easy and cheap way to keep children entertained, using natural ingredients from the kitchen. Children can learn basic cooking skills and feel good about making the play dough themselves, and parents can relax knowing their creations are both fun and safe.
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