Playdough recipe (2024)

This super-easy playdough recipe is the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon inside. It's quick enough to hold a young child's attention and you only need a few storecupboard ingredients.

Little hands can play with the results straightaway, so there's immediate gratification for all involved!

For more hands-on crafts, see how to make slime, salt dough, oobleck and moon sand with affordable ingredients and easy steps.

Keep the little ones entertained at home with our summer activities for kids, sensory play ideas, fun yoga for kids and birthday ideas for kids at home.

See our new Kid's Kitchen series for essential cookery skills, plus easy recipes kids can make and kids summer baking projects.

More like this

Browse our family & kids hub for plenty of inspiration.

How to make playdough

Makes 1 coloured ball
Prep 10 minutes

You will need

• 8 tbsp plain flour
• 2 tbsp table salt
• 60ml warm water
• food colouring
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Method

1. Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl mix together the water, a few drops of food colouring and the oil.

2. Pour the coloured water into the flour mix and bring together with a spoon.

3. Dust a work surface with a little flour and turn out the dough. Knead together for a few minutes to form a smooth, pliable dough. If you want a more intense colour you can work in a few extra drops of food colouring.

4. Store in a plastic sandwich bag (squeeze out the air) in the fridge to keep it fresh. You can make a batch of colours and give away as kids’ party bag favours or hold a playdough party for your child’s next birthday.

Watch our step-by-step video to see how simple this recipe is:

For inspiration, visit our friends at 5 Minute Fun and discover 5 easy models to make from playdough.

Like this? Try more activities for kids...

Indoor activities for kids
How to make salt dough
How to make paper mache
How to make a bath bomb
How to make bubbles
How to make slime without borax
Top 10 easy bakes for children
How to make a pom-pom

Keep little gardeners busy with more fun crafts...

How to make a herb garden
Easy rock painting for kids
How to make a fairy door
How to make a stick photo frame
How to make a bee flowerpot
How to make garden wind chimes
5 easy garden crafts for kids
Fruit & veg for kids to grow

Comments, questions and tips