It can be challenging finding things to keep little ones occupied on rainy days, especially during the seemingly endless Reno winter. Craft projects are a great solution and don't need to be complicated. Kids love pasting paper scraps together, cutting images from magazines, drawing and coloring, or sculpting with play dough.

It's very easy and inexpensive to make your own play dough with common household ingredients.

Homemade play dough recipe

3 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups salt
3 cups water
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 Tablespoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon food coloring (adjust to achieve desired color)

Mix all of the ingredients in a large saucepan. Cook and stir over medium low heat until the dough thickens and comes away from the edges of the pan. Remove from heat and let sit until cool enough to handle. Place on counter or wax paper and knead 3-4 times until smooth. Store in an airtight container or zipper bag.

This recipe makes a large amount of play dough, plenty for sharing. It is non-toxic and will keep for weeks. Add a rolling pin, some cookie cutters, plastic knives, and a little imagination for hours and hours of fun.