728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.

Recipes for Fun!

By Donna Smith

Children love to create with Play-Doh, clay and finger paints. And what child can resist squishing their fingers in something ooey gooey, or blowing bubbles? Grab your apron and your child and have some fun making these easy craft recipes. Then let your child create something all his own!

Homemade Play-Doh

3 cups flour
1 1/2 cups salt
3 tablespoons oil
1 cup water
1 tablespoon food coloring

Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. Add food coloring until you reach the desired color. Store in an airtight container.

Kool-Aid Play-Doh

2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup salt
2 packages unsweetened Kool-Aid, any flavor
2 cups boiling water
3 tablespoons oil

Combine the flour, salt and Kool-Aid. Add the water and oil. Stir to combine. Cool slightly, then knead with hands to form dough. Store in an airtight container.

Homemade Clay

4 cups flour
1 cup salt
Water
Food coloring (optional)

Combine the flour and salt. Add a little water at a time until the mixture reaches the consistency of clay. If desired, add food coloring. Let your children mold their own unique sculptures, then let dry.

Safety and Precautions

These recipes are non-toxic, but precautions still should be taken to ensure that your child does not eat these substances. Most of them taste awful, but when has that stopped a curious child? Children should be supervised while playing, and be sure to wash hands before preparing the recipes so they are as safe as they can be! Have fun!

Slime!

2 cups white school glue
1 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon Borax
1/2 cup water
Food coloring

Combine the glue and 1 ½ cups water. Mix until the stickiness is gone. Dissolve the Borax in the ½ cup water. Add food coloring, if desired. Add this mixture to the glue. Knead the mixture with hands about 10 minutes. Store in an airtight container.

Finger Paint

Corn syrup
Food coloring

Combine corn syrup with drops of food coloring until you reach the consistency of paint. Mix well. Make several colors! Let your child use his fingers or a paintbrush to make wonderfully shiny masterpieces! Note: Pictures may take several days to dry.

Bubbles!

1 cup water
2 tablespoons corn syrup
4 tablespoons dishwashing liquid

Combine all ingredients. Blow bubbles with wands. Store in a container with a tight-fitting lid.

Do you have a craft you enjoy making with your child? Send in instructions and a picture to info@preschoolerstoday.com and it could be featured on iParenting.com!

Want to see more?

  • Talk about it!

    About the Author: Donna Smith is a senior editor for iParenting Media, and the mother of three.

    back to the index