Homemade Playdough
A no-chemicals kitchen activity for kids · makes 1 batch
You Need
- 1 cup plain flour
- ½ cup salt
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- Food coloring (a few drops)
- Optional: 2 tsp cream of tartar — makes it last for months
Also: a saucepan, a spoon, and a board for kneading.
Make It
- Off the heat, mix flour, salt, oil, cream of tartar, and water into a lumpy batter.
- Stir in the food coloring (or split the batter for more colors).
- Cook on low-medium heat, stirring the whole time.
- After 2–4 min it clumps into a ball and pulls from the sides. It stops looking wet — take it off now.
- Tip onto a board, cool 2 min, then knead until smooth and soft.
Who Does What
- Adult: the hot pan and the stirring.
- Kids: measuring, mixing, adding color, and kneading once cool.
Natural Colors (no dye)
- Turmeric → yellow • Beetroot → pink/red
- Spinach → green • Cocoa → brown
Safety
Taste-safe but not tasty — the salt makes kids spit it out, so it won't be eaten. A lick won't hurt. Store in a sealed bag or box: lasts ~2 weeks (months with cream of tartar).