Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for the play dough
- 1/2 cup table salt for the play dough
- 1 tablespoon cream of tartar for the play dough
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for the play dough
- 3/4 cup warm water for the play dough
- 6 drops food coloring for the play dough and paint
- 2 cups cornstarch for cloud dough
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil for cloud dough
- 2 cups dry white rice for colored rice play
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar for coloring the rice
- 6 drops food coloring for the rice, divided into two colors
- 4 cups warm water for the water exploration tray
- 2 cups clean kitchen sponges cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 empty 16 fluid ounce plastic bottle with a tight screw cap
- 1 cup clear hair gel for the sensory bottle
- 1 tablespoon large plastic confetti or large foam shapes for the sensory bottle
- 1 teaspoon liquid watercolor or washable liquid paint for the sensory bottle
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt for taste-safe finger paint
- 1/2 cup cornstarch for taste-safe finger paint
- 1 tablespoon water for taste-safe finger paint
- 2 ice cube trays with 1 inch wells for frozen painting
- 1 cup water for frozen painting
- 1 tablespoon washable liquid paint for frozen painting
- 1 cup large pom-poms, at least 1 inch wide, for transferring
- 2 plastic bowls, each 6 inches wide, for transferring and sorting
- 1 basket or shallow bin measuring about 12 inches by 9 inches for the main sensory setup
- 1 small tray measuring about 12 inches by 8 inches for cloud dough and rice
- 1 clean muffin tin with 12 wells for sorting colors and objects
- 10 large fabric scraps, each about 6 inches by 6 inches
- 10 smooth natural objects, each at least 2 inches wide
- 1 roll of paper towels for cleanup
- 1 plastic tablecloth or washable drop cloth measuring at least 5 feet by 3 feet
- 1 pair of disposable nitrile gloves for food coloring and cleanup
- 1 roll of painter's tape, 1 inch wide, for securing the tablecloth
- 1 set of toddler-safe measuring cups and spoons
- 1 wooden spoon and 1 silicone spatula
- 1 pair of kitchen scissors for adult use only
Instructions
- Cover the table with a plastic tablecloth and secure it with painter's tape.
- Make the play dough by combining 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt, and 1 tablespoon cream of tartar in a saucepan. Stir in 1 tablespoon oil, 3/4 cup warm water, and 3 drops food coloring until even.
- Cook the dough over low heat with constant stirring until it forms a ball and pulls away from the sides.
- Remove from heat and let the dough cool for about 10 minutes before kneading it for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Mix the cloud dough by placing 2 cups cornstarch in a tray and slowly adding 1/3 cup vegetable oil, rubbing it between fingers.
- Color the rice by combining 1 cup rice, 1/2 teaspoon vinegar, and 3 drops food coloring in a covered container and shaking until distributed.
- Repeat the coloring process with the second cup of rice using the other 1/2 teaspoon vinegar and 3 drops food coloring.
- Spread colored rice on paper towels and let air-dry for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the sponge water tray by cutting sponges into cubes and placing them in a bowl with 4 cups warm water.
- Fill the sensory bottle by adding 1 cup clear hair gel, 1 tablespoon confetti, and 1 teaspoon liquid watercolor to a bottle. Leave space at the top.
- Seal the bottle with adhesive inside the cap and leave for 24 hours to cure.
- Mix taste-safe finger paint by combining 1/2 cup yogurt, 1/2 cup cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon water in a bowl, then divide and color.
- Make frozen painting cubes by mixing 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon washable paint and freezing in ice cube trays for 4 to 6 hours.
- Set up sorting and texture activities with fabric squares and natural objects next to muffin tin and bowls.
Notes
Keep every activity within reach and supervise closely. Toddlers should not handle loose pieces that can become choking hazards. Cleanup is essential after each activity.
- Prep Time: 90 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
