As summer approaches and schools around the country close for another year, it won't be long before parents hear that oh so familiar phrase, “I’m bored!” As busy moms, many of us simply don’t have enough time or energy, to keep our children entertained all summer long. So finding simple kid-safe projects and activities for our children can be a blessing.

If you are looking for a fun project for the kids, here’s an idea that they will love – homemade play dough. The recipes are cheap and easy to make. Why not encourage the kids to help make the dough?  After all, playing with it once it is made will be even more fun. And if you are planning a birthday party, why not include homemade play dough into the fun?

While some of the following recipes require cooking, others do not. But no matter which recipe you select, the outcome will be the same.  The kids will have a ball!

Homemade Play Dough Recipes

Basic Dough:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• Add drops of food coloring
• For natural color, use beet, spinach, grape, blueberry or carrot juice

 Directions:

1. Mix flour, salt and oil, and slowly add the water.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until dough becomes stiff.
3. Let cool for about five minutes and place dough onto wax paper until cool.
4. Wearing gloves, knead until the dough is the proper consistency.
5. Divide into several balls.
6. Add drops of coloring to each ball, and knead until the color is distributed. Continue to add coloring until you get your desired color.

Watch Jennifer Taggart, the Smart Mama, make her homemade play dough.  

Kool-Aid Dough:

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 cup salt
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 packages unsweetened Kool-Aid

Directions:

1. Mix dry ingredients.
2. Slowly add oil and water.
3. Wearing gloves, knead for 10 minutes when dough has cooled.

Organic Play Dough:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup organic flour
• ½ cup sea salt or regular salt
• 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
• 1 cup filtered water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions:

1. Mix flour, salt and cream of tartar in a medium saucepan.
2. Combine water and oil in a small bowl.
3. Slowly stir into flour mixture.
4. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until very thick, stirring constantly.
5. Remove and allow to cool for a few minutes.
6. Knead until smooth.

 Watch Jenn Savedge from the Green Parent, whip up this fun and eco-friendly recipe.

Edible Peanut Butter Play Dough:

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 4 cups powdered milk
• 3 1/2 cups corn syrup

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients by hand.
2. Form into balls.
3. Decorate with colorful sprinkles or candies.

Tips for Homemade Play Dough:

• Adding vanilla, peppermint, lemon or almond extract to the dough gives it a great smell, naturally.
• You can also add glitter for an extra special effect.
• Store all play dough recipes in  tightly sealed containers in the refrigerator.
• If the dough hardens, add a few drops of water to soften.
• Add the oil from a Vitamin E capsule to keep bacteria at bay.
• You can also save the play dough creations by baking the dough in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until hardened. Then let it completely cool.
• Play dough may be harmful to pets.

Homemade play dough is a fun and affordable activity for kids. Enjoy!