Make homemade play-doh.

Play-doh made from scratch is easy, and you can make an endless array of colors with basic food dye. Spread the outdoor tablecloth on the floor, and give them dull knives, a rolling pin, and some cookie cutters.

Everyone seems to have a favorite playdough recipe, and many old favorites have been includedhere. Some require cooking and some don't; some are meant to be eaten and some are not. Choose the recipe that best suits your needs and the ingredients you have on hand. Store playdough in a covered container. If it sweats a little, just add more flour. For sensory variety, use playdough warm or cool as well as at room temperature.

Colored Playdough

Materials

• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup salt
• 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
• Food coloring
• Saucepan
• 1 cup flour                   
• Directions
• 1. Combine water, oil, salt, cream of tartar, and food coloring in a saucepan and heat until warm.
  2. Remove from heat and add flour.
  3. Stir, then knead until smooth. The cream of tartar makes this dough last 6 months or longer, so resist the temptation to omit this ingredient if you don't have it on hand.
  4. Store this dough in an airtight container .