23+ Easy DIY Homemade Play Dough Recipes for Kids
Looking for a fun and easy way to keep the kids entertained? These DIY homemade play dough recipes are simple, creative, and perfect for hands-on play that gets their imaginations going (and keeps little hands busy!). Most are taste-safe and there are so many options to choose from!
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Whether you’re a seasoned DIY parent or just looking for a rainy day activity, we’ve rounded up 19+ of the best playdough recipe ideas that are sure to offer hours of fun.
If little ones like playdough, you will definitely want to check out our homemade glow in the dark slime that is also easy to make!
🌟Don’t Leave Before You Check Out These Fun Ideas!🌟
5 Ingredient Homemade Playdough (No Cook Recipe)
Use our easy no cook homemade play dough recipe that is simple to make, long lasting, and doesn’t require cream of tartar!
Fluffy Lemon Cloud Dough (2 Ingredients)
Whip up a batch of the softest cloud dough in just minutes with two simple, edible ingredients! This quick and easy no-bake recipe is perfect for a fun indoor sensory activity that kids will love.
Dinosaur Play Dough Mats & Info Cards for Kids (Free Printables)
Use any of these DIY homemade recipes and let dino lovers have hours of fun with our free printable dinosaur play dough mats.
Pink Lemonade Playdough by Fireflies & Mud Pies
Explore the bright colors and wonderful scents of pink lemonade with this DIY playdough recipe. All the ingredients are taste-safe, so it won’t hurt if kids think it smells a little too good.
Ice Cream Edible Playdough Recipe by Mess for Less
This ice cream playdough looks just like the real deal! It’s even edible, so the only thing that sets it apart from actual ice cream is that it never melts.
Kool Aid Playdough Recipe by Messy Little Monster
One great thing about playdough is that the more variety kids have, the more fun they’ll have! Try using Kool-Aid packets to add both vibrant color and sweet scents. There are so many fun options to explore.
Cookie Dough Playdough Recipe by Natural Beach Living
This cookie dough playdough is the tastiest plaything ever! Plus, there’s no need for raw eggs, so it’s safer to eat than real cookie dough.
Dinosaur Fossil Play Dough Sensory Activity
Got a dino fan at home? This Dinosaur Fossil Playdough Activity blends sensory play, science exploration, and imaginative fun into one roar-some adventure any budding paleontologist will love!
Frozen Playdough by The Best Ideas for Kids
This sparkly, glitter-filled playdough is a must for any Frozen fan! It’s super easy to make and there are two dazzling options to keep the magic going.
Fairy Dough by Little Bins for Little Hands
At first glance, this playdough looks like just another sparkly pink recipe, but fairy dough is something special! It’s the lightest, fluffiest playdough you’ll ever make.
Cinnamon Playdough Recipe by Rock Your Homeschool
Playdough is already a fantastic sensory and developmental tool on its own. Introduce new textures and scents by adding cinnamon, giving the sensory experience an extra boost.
Bouncing Playdough Recipe by Life with Darcy & Brian
This playdough recipe adds a whole new dimension to the fun. Kids can roll it up into a ball and it actually bounces.
Peeps Playdough Recipe by The Soccer Mom Blog
Here’s a themed playdough recipe with a twist. This Peeps playdough doesn’t just look like Peeps, it’s actually made from them.
Marble Playdough by Mom Wife Busy Life
With so many fun playdough varieties out there, discovering a new one is always a treat. This marble playdough is stunning, with swirling colors that will captivate kids.
Sawdust Play Dough Recipe by Pre-K Printable Fun
After kids have had fun with basic DIY playdough, it’s time to get creative with mix-ins. Adding sawdust gives the dough a pleasant scent and adds a unique texture.
Edible Birthday Cake Playdough by Kids Activities Blog
Modeling something with this birthday cake play dough is just half the fun for kids. The other half is eating their creations.
Apple Scented Playdough by ConservaMom
This is the perfect DIY playdough recipe for fall. The pretty red color and apple scent are truly irresistible.
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish Playdough by My Joy-Filled Life
Pair this playdough with a classic children’s book for even more fun! The One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish playdough goes perfectly with Swedish Fish and the Dr. Seuss book.
Celebration Playdough by Buggy and Buddy
Help playtime feel like a special occasion with this fun playdough recipe. It’s so sparkly and full of chunky glitter for a sensory boost.
Soothing Bath Playdough by The Mindful Toddler
This amazing twist on regular playdough brings the fun to bath time. Unlike traditional playdough, which doesn’t mix with water, this soap-based version is perfect for splash-filled play in the tub.
Microwave Playdough by Kids Activity Zone
While many playdough recipes call for boiling water, this one takes a quicker route. Using the microwave, it cuts down on prep time and can be ready in just 15 minutes.
Fresh Citrus Playdough by Living Life & Learning
This fresh citrus playdough brings a zesty twist to sensory play with its bright, vibrant color and refreshing scents. Perfect for adding a burst of fun to playtime, it’s easy to make and will engage kids with its texture and aroma.
Glow in the Dark Playdough by DIY Candy
Glow-in-the-dark playdough may sound tricky, but it only requires three ingredients. Kids will have a blast sculpting in the dark for a totally unique experience.
Homemade Latte Play Dough by Simply Being Mommy
Homemadelatte playdough offers a cozy, coffee-inspired sensory experience with its rich, warm colors and inviting scent. Easy to make and fun to play with, this playdough adds a touch of calm to creative activities.
And there you have it—easy, colorful, squishy fun right at your fingertips! Whether you’re a parent looking for a rainy day activity or a teacher planning some sensory play, these playdough recipes are a hit with little hands (and big smiles). So roll up those sleeves, grab the flour, and let the creativity (and maybe a little mess) begin. Happy playing!
