- Age18 months to 5 years
- Time30 to 60 minutes
- EnergyCalm
- CostLow cost
- WhereIndoors
- Prep20 min
Make and play with homemade playdough to develop fine motor skills, hand strength, creativity, and sensory awareness through squishing, rolling, and shaping.
How to do it
- Mix dry ingredients (flour, salt, cream of tartar) in a pot.
- Add water, oil, and food coloring. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it forms a ball.
- Let playdough cool completely before giving to child: test temperature yourself first.
- Set out playdough with simple tools like cookie cutters, rolling pins, or plastic utensils.
- Let child explore freely: rolling, squishing, cutting, creating. No need to make recognizable objects.
- Store playdough in airtight container for several weeks of repeated use.
What you need
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup salt
- 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Food coloring
- Cookie cutters and rolling pins
- Plastic tools or utensils
Signs it is working
Child is engaged in manipulating the playdough, experimenting with different tools and techniques, creating shapes intentionally or experimentally, focused for extended period.
If it is not quite clicking
If too sticky: add more flour gradually. If too dry: add water one teaspoon at a time. If child puts in mouth repeatedly: switch to edible playdough recipe. If losing interest: introduce new tools or challenge to make specific shapes. If dough gets mixed into carpet: let dry completely then vacuum.
Make it yours
Add scents like vanilla or lavender oil. Create rainbow playdough. Hide small objects inside for discovery. Make playdough sculptures to photograph. Add glitter or beads for texture. Use natural dyes from beets or turmeric.
Try this with your child.
Tell PLAI™ about your child and this moment. It shapes the activity to fit.
Try it in the app