Easy Homemade Playdough Recipe for Kids: Free Printable Card

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How do you make playdough with children?

Playdough is simple to make at home or in class. Here are tried and tested recipes, colour ideas and play prompts that suit children aged 5 to 7.

Classic cooked recipes

1. Measure two cups of plain flour into a bowl
2. Add one cup of table salt and stir together
3. Mix in two tablespoons of cream of tartar for stretch
4. Pour in two tablespoons of cooking oil
5. An adult adds one and a half cups of boiling water
6. Stir on low heat until the mix pulls into a ball
7. Tip onto a board and let it cool before touching
8. Knead for two minutes until smooth and soft
9. Store in an airtight tub or freezer bag
10. Make a no cook version by using very warm water and no heat

Colours and scents

1. Add a few drops of food colouring to the water first
2. Mix in a spoon of cocoa for a brown, chocolate scent
3. Stir turmeric through for a bright yellow
4. Add a drop of vanilla for a sweet smell
5. Press in dried lavender for a calming batch
6. Make rainbow dough by splitting the mix into five parts
7. Add a pinch of glitter for sparkle (check for allergies)
8. Grate orange or lemon peel for a fresh scent
9. Mix in a little paprika for a warm orange shade

Play prompts to try

1. Roll long snakes and spell out their own name
2. Make numbers 1 to 10 and count the shapes
3. Press leaves and shells in to make prints
4. Build a mini garden with dough flowers and trees
5. Cut shapes with a plastic knife, supervised
6. Make pretend food like pizza, buns and peas
7. Shape the letters of a spelling word for the week
8. Build a small zoo of dough animals and name them
9. Flatten a pancake and stamp patterns with a fork
10. Make faces and talk about happy and sad feelings

How to make playdough, step by step

1. Measure the flour, salt and cream of tartar into a bowl.
2. Stir in the oil, then add the hot water yourself.
3. Cook on low heat until it forms a soft ball.
4. Let it cool fully, then knead and add colour.
5. Play, then store in an airtight tub for next time.

Ways to use playdough at home and in class

• Spelling practice. Ask your child to roll dough into the letters of a spelling word. It makes tricky words stick and pairs well with a spelling game.
• Maths in dough. Make numbers and simple sums, or split dough balls to share and count. A hands on way to support number work.
• Calm down time. Squeezing and kneading dough helps busy children settle. Keep a tub ready for after school wind down.
• Story props. Build characters and settings from a favourite book, then retell the tale using the dough figures.
• Fine motor warm up. Rolling, pinching and cutting build the hand strength children need for writing. Try it alongside threading beads for more practice.

Games and gifts for creative 5 to 7 year olds

Playdough pairs well with craft kits and hands on learning toys that keep little hands busy. Here are our favourites for this age group.

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DIY playdough by age and key stage

What children learn from making playdough

• Fine motor. Rolling, pinching and cutting dough builds the finger strength children use for handwriting.
• Maths. Measuring cups and spoons supports counting, capacity and following a sequence.
• Creativity. Open ended dough lets children invent shapes, scenes and stories with no wrong answers.
• Focus. The calm, repeated action of kneading helps children settle and concentrate.
• Following instructions. Working through recipe steps in order supports reading and listening.

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Make it a Christmas tradition

Making playdough is a lovely rainy day habit that costs very little. Keep a labelled tub in the fridge and bring it out for quiet afternoons or after school. In a classroom, a weekly dough table gives children a familiar, calming place to practise letters and numbers. Over time they will start inventing their own colours and recipes, which is half the fun.

Frequently asked questions

How long does homemade playdough last?

Stored in an airtight tub or bag, cooked dough usually keeps for a few weeks. If it smells off or feels slimy, make a fresh batch.

Do I have to cook it?

No. A no cook version uses very warm water instead of boiling and skips the heat, though cooked dough tends to be smoother and lasts longer.

Is playdough safe for children with allergies?

Homemade dough contains flour and sometimes added scents, so check for wheat or other allergies before you start. Always supervise young children.

Can I use scissors and tools with it?

Yes, plastic cutters and child safe scissors work well. Supervise their use and put sharp tools away afterwards.

Why is my dough too sticky?

Add a little more flour and knead it in a spoonful at a time until it feels smooth and no longer sticks to your hands.

Why is my dough crumbly?

It needs more moisture. Add a few drops of water or a little oil and knead until it comes back together.

What can I add instead of cream of tartar?

It helps the stretch but you can leave it out, or use a little lemon juice. The dough may be slightly less springy.

What should I buy to go with playdough?

Craft kits, counting games and threading toys all extend the play. See our gift ideas above for ages 5 to 7.

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Jaques of London is Britain's oldest toy and games company, founded in 1795. We have spent over 230 years making games families play together, from chess and croquet to wooden toys for the very young.

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Written by the Jaques of London team. Last updated 1 November 2026.