Homemade Play Dough Recipes

It might be raining, or too hot outside. Maybe your child is home sick. Whatever the case may be, your little one is bored and looking to you for some indoor fun and recreation! Here are several different play dough recipes using items you are likely to have around the house. These play dough recipes will provide your kids with hours of fun for mere pennies. Enjoy!

This play dough recipe is probably the closest to store bought play dough. For each color of dough you will need:

1 Cup flour
1/2 Cup salt
2 Teaspoons cream of tartar
1 Cup water
1 Teaspoon liquid food coloring
2 Teaspoons vegetable oil

Combine first three ingredients in a medium sized saucepan. With pan over medium heat, gradually stir in the water. Continue to stir and add the last two ingredients. Stir continually until mixture forms a sticky ball. Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 1/2 hour.

The next play dough recipe creates dough that is colorful and delightfully scented. For each color of this play dough you will need:

1 Cup flour

1/4 Cup salt

2 Tablespoons cream of tartar

1 Package unsweetened drink mix

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil

1 Cup water

Mix first four ingredients in a medium sized sauce pan. Gradually stir in water and oil, and heat over medium heat for about five minutes, stirring continually. When mixture forms a ball in pot, remove from heat and knead until smooth.

This play dough can be air-dried and painted, making it an excellent choice for Christmas ornaments, Mother's Day gifts, and such. For this uncolored play dough you will need:

2 Cups salt

1 1/3 Cups water

1 Cup cornstarch

Mix salt and ½ of the water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, combine the cornstarch with the remaining water, being certain to mix it well. Once the mixture in the pan is boiling, remove from heat and add the cornstarch mixture. Knead into play dough.

This next play dough not only feels and smells wonderful, it also tastes delicious! For once, you can encourage your kids to play with their food. Obviously, this is not for children with legume or nut allergies. For this sweet, nutty play dough you will need:

1 Cup peanut butter

¼ Cup honey

1 Cup dry milk

Simply mix together until smooth.

The last play dough recipe requires no cooking. For each color of dough, you will need:

2 Cups flour

1 Cup salt

1 ½ Cup water

Liquid food coloring

Combine flour and salt. Slowly add water while stirring. Add a few drops of food coloring and knead dough.

Store play dough in sandwich or freezer baggies, or those margarine and yogurt containers you have been collecting. Keep unused dough in the refrigerator. And most importantly, have fun!