Maker Monday: Easy, safe, homemade play dough kids can make

Kids will love making play dough with their own hands. Our microwave marshmallow play dough smells good enough to eat — and that’s not a worry for grownup caregivers, because it’s perfectly edible. This Maker Monday project uses just four ingredients and comes together quickly for a fun afternoon activity.

Once it’s made, you can store your homemade play dough in a tight container for up to a week.

Kids can do this fun and easy Maker Monday project with items you may have around the house or can get at a grocery store or dollar store. A note to kid makers: Please work with a parent or caregiver on this Maker Monday project and always be very careful when using tools of any kind. Also, read through the instructions before you begin.

Maker Monday materials you’ll need:

• marshmallows
• corn starch
• coconut oil
• food coloring

Maker Monday instructions:

STEP 1: Place six marshmallows in a microwave-safe bowl. (To include some math learning, have kids count them as they add them to the bowl.) Then they can measure 1/4 cup corn starch and 1 tablespoon coconut oil and add these ingredients to the bowl.

STEP 2: Microwave these ingredients in the bowl for 30 seconds. The marshmallows will puff up and become soft.

STEP 3: Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. Stir the ingredients together, mashing the marshmallows with the coconut oil and corn starch.

STEP 4: Once the ingredients are mixed, add about 4 drops of food coloring and continue mixing. (You can start with less food coloring if you’d like to make a less intense color.)

STEP 5: Coat hands with a bit of coconut oil and continue to mix by hand, kneading, stretching and turning the warm dough until the color is uniform. (Note: Be sure to check the temperature before handing the dough over to the kids to stretch and knead. It may still be a bit hot.)

STEP 6: Place the dough on your play surface. We used a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, and a silicone mat also works well.

OPTIONAL STEP 7: If you’d like to make more dough, set the first batch aside. Wash the bowl and repeat with additional colors.

Now, it’s time to play! The dough stiffens as it cools, making it perfectly stretchy and rollable. (It can be sticky, so it can help to put a bit of coconut oil on kids’ hands for best results.)

Want more at-home fun making fun things? Check out more Maker Monday projects right here.

Do you have an idea for a Maker Monday craft project? If so, please share it with Kidsburgh! Send your maker activities to info@kidsburgh.org.