Play Resources & Recipes for DIY Fun

Home Made Play Dough Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • ¾ cup salt

  • 4 teaspoons cream of tartar

  • 2 cups water

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil

  • Food colouring (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine the flour, salt and cream of tartar.

2. Add the water and oil, and stir until a dough forms.

3. If you are using just one food colour, add a few drops to the dough now and stir until it is evenly coloured.

4. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the dough is smooth and begins to form into a ball/becomes elastic.

5. Remove from heat, place in a bowl and let cool slightly.

6. Knead the dough until it is smooth and soft.

7. If you are making multiple colours, divide the dough into separate balls and knead in the desired amount of food colouring. Start with about 5 drops of colour and add more to brighten it. Knead the dough while inside the bag so it doesn’t stain your hands.

8. Store the play dough in an airtight container or plastic bag.

Tips:

  • For a stiffer play dough, add more flour. For a softer play dough, add more water.

  • To make scented play dough, add a few drops of essential oil to the dough before kneading.

  • Play dough can be stored in an airtight container or plastic bag for up to 3 months. Enjoy!

    We have a growing collection of quality play dough tools and DIY kits in our toy library collection. Find out more about our toys and materials here.

Colouring In Templates

Even if you weren’t able to join in the colourful fun at our Family Play Day, you can still access our free colouring-in templates for play at home. Download them below:

PDF version of templates (all): Colouring-in templates

PNG file version of templates: unicorn, sandpit play, simple truck