Homemade Play Dough Recipes: A Fun and Easy Way to Keep Kids Entertained

 Play Dough Recipes: A Fun and Easy Way to Keep Kids Entertained

Play dough is a great way to keep kids entertained for hours on end. It's also a great way to help them develop their fine motor skills and creativity. And best of all, it's easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.

Here are a few of our favorite play dough recipes:

Ice Cream Playdough by Bitz n Giggles

This playdough idea is perfect for a mess free ice cream play session with the kids.

Thanksgiving Playdough by Making Frugal Fun

Make this for the family feast, and give the kids something to do while they wait to have dinner!

Shimmer Makeup Playdoh by In the Playroom

Who knew you could make playdough with make up?! This is a fun idea for girls who love all things glam.

Cornstarch and Lotion Playdough by The DIY Nuts

This recipe makes for the softest playdough ever. You are going to want to squish this a few times before letting the kids have it.

Pumpkin Spice Playdough by Suburbia Unwrapped

Playdough is always fun, but when it smells of pumpkin spice, the experience is twice as nice.

Super Soft Fairy Dough by Little Bins for Little Hands

This recipe for fairy dough is so soft it feels nothing short of magical!

Glittery Pumpkin Pie Playdough by Retro Potluck

A pinch of glitter takes this pumpkin pie play dough experience to the next level.

Glow in the Dark Playdough by Our Wabi Sabi Life

This playdough glows in the dark for an incredibly fun experience for kids.

Kool Aid Playdough  by The Best Ideas for Kids

This playdough is made with kool aid for such a vibrant color!

Chocolate Play Doh by Rainy Day Mum

Make a batch of chocolate play doh for kids to play with!

5 Minute Playdough by Made in a Pinch

This recipe only takes 5 minutes to make and is just the thing for a rainy day activity!

Color Changing Playdough by STEAM Powered Family

This recipe makes for a magical color changing dough that kids are going to love to play with.

Extract Scented Play Doh by The Typical Mom

This dough is scented with extracts for a sensory experience that kids are going to love.

Glittery Blue Playdough by Tikkido

This glittery blue play doh is perfect for a Frozen themed play session.

Conditioner Playdough by Sweet Silly Sara

Make this recipe with conditioner for a really soft playdoh to share with the kids.

Play Dough Variations There are endless possibilities when it comes to play dough variations. Here are a few ideas: Add glitter or confetti for a festive touch. Add essential oils for a calming aroma. Add herbs or spices for a sensory experience. Add different types of flour for different textures. Add salt dough to make ornaments or other crafts. With a little creativity, you can make play dough that's perfect for your kids. So get started and have fun!

Find more play doh ideas here:
Play Doh Food Puzzles
Play Doh Pie Counting

Button Sorting Sensory Bag

Toddlers need sorting skills for a variety of reasons. Sorting helps them learn about the world around them, develop their fine motor skills, and improve their problem-solving skills.

Learning about the world around them

When toddlers sort objects, they are learning about the different characteristics of those objects. They are learning about colors, shapes, sizes, and textures. They are also learning about the relationships between objects. For example, they may learn that all of the blue objects go together, or that all of the small objects fit in the small container.

Developing fine motor skills

Sorting requires toddlers to use their fine motor skills. They need to be able to pick up small objects, hold them in their hands, and move them around. This helps to strengthen their muscles and improve their coordination.

Improving problem-solving skills

Sorting also helps toddlers to develop their problem-solving skills. When they are faced with a problem, such as how to sort a group of objects, they need to use their logic and reasoning skills to come up with a solution. This helps them to learn how to think critically and solve problems on their own.

If you would like to make a DIY sorting activity for your little learners, you might love this easy buttons sorting bag. You might have everything you need at home to make this easy and engaging activity.

Supplies:

A zipper seal baggie

Clear hair gel

Buttons

Markers

First, figure out what colors of buttons you have to work with. You will want to use coordinating markers to make this work.

Start by drawing a large circle with one color of marker.

Then repeat using all of your marker colors.

When you have used all of the colors of markers, add about 2 tablespoons of hair gel into the baggie. You don't need a lot; just a little to make the activity extra fun! Little hands will love the way the buttons glide thru the hair gel. Spread the gel out with your hands.

Add the buttons to the bag.

Seal the bag. You can secure the seal with duct tape if you like.

Encourage your toddler to sort the buttons by color, and maneuver the buttons into the circle.

This activity is so simple but so awesome for hands on learning because it combines sorting skills with fine motor work.

Fine motor skills are the small, precise movements of the hands and fingers. They are important for a variety of tasks, such as eating, writing, and playing musical instruments. Fine motor skills also play a role in cognitive development, as they require children to use their brains to coordinate their movements.

Here are some of the reasons why kids need fine motor skills:

• To perform everyday tasks: Fine motor skills are essential for performing everyday tasks, such as eating, dressing, and using the bathroom. Children who have difficulty with fine motor skills may struggle with these tasks, which can lead to frustration and delays in development.
• To learn: Fine motor skills are also important for learning. Children who have good fine motor skills are better able to hold a pencil, write neatly, and turn pages in a book. This can help them to learn more effectively in school.
• To participate in activities: Fine motor skills are also important for participating in activities, such as playing sports, playing musical instruments, and doing arts and crafts. Children who have good fine motor skills are better able to participate in these activities, which can help them to develop their social skills and have fun.

There are many things that parents can do to help their children develop fine motor skills. Here are a few tips:

• Provide opportunities for practice: One of the best ways to help children develop fine motor skills is to provide them with opportunities to practice. This could include giving them toys that require them to use their hands, such as blocks, puzzles, or play-dough.
• Encourage exploration: Children learn best by exploring. Encourage your child to explore their environment and use their hands to interact with objects. This could include letting them help you cook, garden, or clean.
• Be patient: It takes time for children to develop fine motor skills. Don't get discouraged if your child doesn't master a skill right away. Just keep providing them with opportunities to practice and they will eventually get there.

Fine motor skills are an important part of child development. By providing children with opportunities to practice and develop these skills, you can help them to succeed in school and in life.

Find more fine motor ideas here

Dino Rescue

Sensory Ball Fine Motor Activity

Button Stacking

Boredom Busters That Will Keep Your Kids Entertained for Hours

Boredom is a natural part of life, but it can be especially challenging for kids. When kids are bored, they may be more likely to engage in risky or destructive behaviors, such as getting into fights, using drugs or alcohol, or engaging in self-harm. Boredom can also lead to academic problems, such as poor grades and difficulty paying attention in class.

There are many benefits to offering boredom buster activities to kids. These activities can help kids:

• Develop their creativity and problem-solving skills
• Learn new things
• Improve their social skills
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Stay physically active
• Have fun!

 Jello Playdough by Momma Lew

This play dough uses jello to make a recipe for fun with a great scent to it too!

Rock Painting Party by Mom Junky

This is the ultimate free boredom buster. Grab some rocks and paint, and what do you know? You have an impromptu party on your hands!

Minecraft Block 3D Art by Down Redbud Drive

Get the kids off the screens, with a minecraft craft that is sure to hold their interest as long as a video game can!

Seed Hearts by Bunny’s Garden

Spread some love and seeds with this adorable craft idea. 

Toy Car Wash by Craftidly 

Got dirty cars? Then create a space to tidy them up. This is a squeaky clean idea for fun!

Homemade Sidewalk Chalk by Pop Shop America

You may never buy sidewalk chalk again after checking out this tutorial. Summer fun will be chalked up as a great time.

Scribble Dice by Barley and Birch

Scribble and roll up a fun time when the kids feel restless with this unique activity.

Lego Fidget Spinner by Creative Green Living

Fidget spinners meet legos with this really engaging activity for kids. They will spin with pride at the chance to make their own fidget toy!

Cupcake Liner Jellyfish by Kids Activities Blog

This craft is great for the days when you miss the beach; it brings a cute jellyfish swimming into craft time with minimal supplies.

Cactus Rock Painting by Messy Momma Crafts

This is such a cute idea for rock painting and can double as much loved home decor too!

Toothpick Cacti by Mod Podge Rocks

This craft is perfect for older kids, and will have them making a prickly cactus to show off!

Plastic Bag Friendship Bracelets by Craftidly

Give plastic bags new life with this bracelet tutorial! This is a great upcycle project for kids.

Paracord Bracelets by Needlepointers

These bracelets make great fashion, and in a pinch can be used for actual rope in an emergency situation.

Galaxy Slime by Sweet Silly Sara

This is slimy, goopy and it glows in the dark for an out of this world experience kids will love.

Here are some tips for offering boredom buster activities to kids:

• Make a list of different activities that your kids might enjoy. This list could include things like playing games, reading books, doing arts and crafts, going for walks, or playing sports.
• Talk to your kids about what they would like to do when they are bored. This will help you to tailor the activities to their interests.
• Be prepared to offer some guidance and support when your kids are trying new activities. This will help them to have a positive experience.
• Make sure that the activities are safe and appropriate for your kids' age and interests.
• Be patient and understanding. It may take some time for your kids to get used to doing things on their own.

Boredom buster activities can be a great way to keep kids entertained and engaged. They can also help kids to develop important skills and learn new things. So next time your kids are bored, don't despair! There are plenty of fun and educational activities that you can do together.

Find more kids activities here:

Mud Ice Cream Cones

Fine Motor Counting

Playdoh Meatball Math

Are you looking for a way to make early math engaging for kids? This play doh activity makes for a fun way to master early counting skills in a manner that kids are going to want an extra helping of.

We are a play doh family through and through. Over the years I have created so many hands on lessons for my kids as well as invitations to play that started with a simple can of squishy play doh.  From a prickly cactus craft that my tween was enchanted by, to  DIY food puzzles for toddlers. I have always felt that playdoh was one of the best toys to have on hand because it doubles as a learning tool.

This idea is so much fun! It starts with 2 cans of play doh and a cute little pan. Grab a few dominoes and your little learners are ready to jump into this awesome activity.

Supplies:

Play doh. I used yellow, a little red and a little orange.

A small pan

Dominoes

Directions:

Create a pan of noodles from the yellow playdoh by rolling out into thin strips between your hands and tear them off at various lengths.

Combine a ball of red and orange dough together to make the meatballs. 

Now tear off small sections and roll them into balls.

Place the noodles into the pan.

Leave the meatballs over to the side.

Invite your preschooler to select a domino from the pile and count the dots.

This is how many meatballs this spaghetti needs. Count the meatballs as you add them to the noodles.

Repeat as desired until you have used all of the dominoes or mastered your counting lesson. I know your kids are going to love this take on early math!

Find more epic playdoh activities here.

Favorites include:

Play Doh Pie Counting

Lollipop Counting

Play Doh Pre Writing Activity

Play Doh Snails

Play Dough Ornaments 

Find more fun math ideas like these math games for kids.

Lego Stamped Pumpkin Art

 Harper and I love to paint with, well, anything but a paint brush! Last week she came home from school and asked me if I wanted to make something with paint, and how could I resist the invitation? This lego pumpkin idea was just the thing. It pairs cute and creepy together just right.

This is such an easy activity, and it is fun for kids of all ages! Even Rolf, who is 12 now, was curious about this and told us it was a "cool idea" before dashing back to his busy preteen activities. 

Supplies:

Orange Paint

Black Paint

Green Paint

Legos

Paper Plate

Paper

Directions:

Pour a small amount of orange, black and green paint onto a paper plate.

Offer your child legos in assorted sizes and paper.

Encourage your child to dip a lego into the orange paint and make the shape of a pumpkin.

Now, fill that shape in with more lego stamps.

When you have filled in the shape of the pumpkin, dip a lego into the black paint and make a face.

Next, give your pumpkin a stem with the green paint.

Allow to dry and display.

These were a really fun, kid led Halloween craft. I know your kids will love making pumpkin art this way.

You can find all of my Halloween crafts here

Painting projects here:

Reader favorites include:

Pumpkin Window Clings

Ghost Play Dough Ornaments

Freaky Halloween Foods

 Halloween is such a fun time of year. We certainly love to go all out with decorations, epic costumes for the kids, and of course, the best treats! This year why not bring the festivities to the dinner table with these Freaky Halloween Foods? These ideas are sure to delight your family and maybe even creep them out a little.

I have so many fun Halloween ideas on site. While you are here, you might want to check out these homemade play dough ghost ornaments.

This collection of freaky foods has some really fun ideas in it! From puking pumpkin taco boards to scary spaghetti and pumpkin stuffed peppers. I am sure you are going to find something you want to make for your family! Be sure to click through the links below to check out the full recipe.

Puking Pumpkin Taco Board by Maple and Mango

Meatball Mummies by Spend with Pennies

Deviled Spider Eggs by Living Sweet Moments

Scary Spaghetti by By Andrea Jannsen

Jack O Lantern Stuffed Peppers by Hip Homeschool Moms

Black Bean Pasta by Vegan Dollhouse

Trick or Treat Cheese Ball by Centsless Meals

Spooky Gnocchi by Wild Vegan Flower

Pumpkin Stuffed Peppers by Sula and Spice

Spooky Spaghetti by Summer Yule

Pretzel Mummy Snacks are a great freaky Halloween food for later in the evening, maybe as a movie snack.

Fun Crafts You Can Explore With Kids At Home

 Are you spending your day with your kids at home? If so, then you might want to explore and plan some activities that you can enjoy together. There are lots of options worth considering here so let’s look at a few to ensure that you have a great time with your little ones, even if you are stuck in doors. 

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Clothing Design 

First, you should think about designing clothing with your kids. This is a great way to get them to think creatively and ensure that they have something that they can use or enjoy. There’s no limit on the type of clothing that you can create if you have the right materials and equipment. For instance, you can use holographic vinyl to add wonderful designs to any item of clothing from t-shirt to jackets. If you’re not sure how to begin with this possibility, then you’ll find some great guides online.

Wood Work

Next, you should explore woodwork options. This is something that you can explore if you have older children as it might be too tricky for younger kids. You might think that this is going to mean investing in a lot of equipment and items but it doesn’t have to. You just need to get some wood to work with. You could also think about exploring upcycling ideas. This will allow you to create items from old pieces of wooden furniture and accessories that you probably have lying around the home. Again, there are some great YouTube guides for woodworking with kids at home. 

Painting 

You might also want to think about painting with your kids. This could be an activity such as repainting a room or you might want to let them get creative with arts. If you are interested in letting your kids stretch their artistic muscle, then you should make sure that you get a blank piece of paper or a blank sheet from a home depot store. You can spread this out over the floor and just let them go a little wild. You might want to explore possibilities such as finger and hand painting as long as you don’t mind cleaning them up afterwards. 

Homemade Playdough 

Finally, kids love playdough. It allows them to get creative and design anything that they can imagine. Whether that’s pretending to make food in a restaurant or styling an egg. You can buy playdough, but why not think about creating your own instead? This in itself can be a fun activity to explore with your kids. All you need to create your own playdough is flour and salt as well as a little time. You can also use food colouring to create play dough in a wide variety of different colours. It’s a little messy but a fantastic option for time with the kids. 

We hope this helps you see that there are some great ways that you can spend time with your kids when you are stuck at home. Whether you want to get messy or just chill, we’re sure you’ll have a great time.

Finally, foster care kids love playdough. It allows them to get creative and design anything that they can imagine. Whether that’s pretending to make food in a restaurant or styling an egg. You can buy playdough, but why not think about creating your own instead? This in itself can be a fun activity to explore with your kids. All you need to create your own playdough is flour and salt as well as a little time. You can also use food colouring to create play dough in a wide variety of different colours. It’s a little messy but a fantastic option for time with the kids.