How to Make the Easiest Halloween Playdough Requires No Cooking

Inside: This is the easiest Halloween playdough recipe that provides a fun fine motor activity for toddlers and preschoolers. Perfect for the home or classroom!

Okay, I will admit it. When it comes to playdough, I want the easiest method out there.

Did I just see you nod your head in agreement?

Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE play dough. It’s a wonderful way to strengthen the hands for writing. And it is one of THE BEST activities for calming busy toddlers. Play dough is also my go-to for children who are having a hard time with separation anxiety, as it’s so soothing.

But I still want the easiest recipe because I make it from scratch every single week for our toddlers and preschoolers. (Oh yes, I do!)

Hello MICROWAVE play dough. I’m so happy to have discovered you!

I use this recipe year round, but today I wanted to share specifically how I created a fun Halloween-themed play dough activity that was a hit! If you are like me in this area, read on!

How to Make the Easiest Halloween Playdough that Requires No Cooking

This recipe is so easy, you can make it in the morning before your children are ready to play.

Step One:

Make a batch of microwave play dough. Make sure to save it because you are going to want to make this again. And again.

(NOTE: Double this recipe if you have over 5 children who will be playing with it.)

First, mix the dry ingredients:

1 C flour

1/2 C salt

2 t cream of tartar

Then add the liquid:

1 C cold water

1 T vegetable oil

Food coloring (We use Wilton Icing Colors and used orange for this activity.)

Mix everything together.

Microwave for 3-4 minutes, pausing to stir every 30 seconds.

Remove from the microwave and place the play dough on a floured surface to knead. If it’s sticky, add more flour.

For details, watch the video.

Step Two:

Gather your materials:

(to tint play dough)

Step Three:

Place it on a table and invite your preschoolers to have fun with it!

The Benefit: Builds Fine Motor Skills

Those of you who have followed my blog awhile know that we love to incorporate extra fine motor challenges. My co-teacher, who put this activity together, thought to add pipe cleaners and pony beads for the 3 year olds. (We removed the pony beads for the 2 year olds.)