How to make your own Play dough

With many of facing a long time in the house with our little ones, we are all looking for new ideas on how to keep them entertained. This post will show you how to make your own play dough using a simple recipe and ingredients you probably have lying around in the cupboard as well as loads of fun that you can have around the house with play dough.

This no-cook playdough recipe is quick to make, soft to handle, and safe for toddlers. It keeps well for several days when stored in an airtight container, making it perfect for rainy days and last-minute activities.

Simple homemade play dough recipe

Making the dough only requires five simple ingredients and no cooking is needed.

7 tablespoons of plain flour
2 tablespoons of salt
50ml of warm water
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
Your prettiest food colouring

All the ingredients used for making play dough at home

Of course all of these measurements can be altered depending on the size of the dough you want to make, but this should give you plenty to play with!

Preparation

Mix the salt and flour together in a large bowl. Use a measuring jug to mix the oil and warm water, along with a few drops of your chosen colouring.
Add the liquid to the bowl. Mix it all together thoroughly.
Knead the dough using your hands on a flat and clean surface. This is a great chance for the kids to help too! Add more colouring at this point if you want your dough to be even brighter.

If you want to to make a whole range of colours, simply repeat the recipe using different food colourings each time.

Dad prepping dough to turn into play dough — Warning… Dad at work

If you are happy with just the one batch, It’s time to play! As we all know, play dough can be transformed into all kinds of fun shapes and sizes. My son loves learning his numbers and letters so we took the opportunity for to play and learn with him.

A baby laughing and pointing at his play dough

There are so many great ways to have fun with the play dough. You can build roads and cars together for your little one to enjoy or simply make a giant ball and play catch. The more imaginative and older kids may enjoy more complicated designs such as making pizzas or modelling their favourite toys and hobbies.

Have a look around the house. Products such as toothpicks, spaghetti, sprinkles and glitter can take your play to a whole new level!

I hope you have fun making your own play dough, if you found this recipe useful please give it a share.