Play Dough

Looking for an easy way to keep your kids busy on a rainy day?

Play dough is an easy, inexpensive activity that is enjoyed by children of many ages.

Here's a great recipe that uses common kitchen ingredients:

1 cup flour
1/3 cup salt
1 teaspoon cream of tartar (sold near the spices in most grocery stores)
1 cup water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
several drops food colouring

Combine all ingredients in a pot over medium heat on the stove.  Stir until it heats up and holds together (about 8-10 minutes).  Let cool and enjoy!  Store play dough in an air tight container.  Usually last for a week or two, depending on frequency of use.

A double batch might be necessary to be shared with a brother or sister.  Make 2 separate batches of different colours and experiment with mixing colours!


Playing with play dough is an excellent way to strengthen fine motor skills (small muscles) which are necessary for printing, colouring and cutting with scissors.  The way to use play dough is only as limited as your imagination!
-Use a rolling pin and cookie cutters to cut out shapes
-Use an empty egg carton and roll play dough eggs to fill each section
-Mould play dough into letters to spell your child's name and family members names
-Use child size spoons and knives to "cook" a pretend play dough meal
-Use straws, dried pasta or small cars to extend your child's play