If bad weather or a sick kid has you housebound, this recipe is easy to whip up and will offer your little one an endless opportunity for imaginative play. Plus, you can get continued use out of your batch by storing the dough in a plastic bag inside your refrigerator to use another day. Make a few different colors, set out some cookie cutters, and let the fun begin!

Homemade Salt Dough

You will need: 

• 1 cup flour
• 2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1/2 cup salt
• 1 tbsp olive, vegetable, or avocado oil
• 1 cup water
• Food coloring (optional) 

Instructions: 

1. Combine all of the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
2. Over your stove, before you turn on the heat, mix the food coloring of your choice with water in a large pot. 
3. Add the oil to the pot and mix. 
4. Add the dry ingredients to the pot and mix again. 
5. Cook over low to medium heat until the dough starts to form, about 10 minutes. 
6. Once the dough looks dry and formed, remove it from the heat and let it cool.
7. After it has cooled off, knead the dough for a few minutes to soften it. 
8. Play!

Safety note: This dough is meant to be played with, not eaten. Adult supervision is recommended.

Fun ideas to spruce up your salt dough: 

• Add glitter to your dough for some extra sparkle.
• Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes.
• Collect leaves, rocks, or shells from outside to press into your dough.
• Use a fork to make lines throughout your creation.
• Bake your favorite designs in the oven at 250 degrees for about 90 minutes, or until it is dried out.