Try this all natural dandelion play dough recipe as a fun way to explore nature and sensory play together!
It’s Spring (at last) and it’s the perfect time to whip up a brand new batch of my world-famous 4 minute play dough recipe! Let’s use what is seasonally available to us and make this a nature focused invitation to play by using some of the abundance of dandelion flowers which are all over the gardens and parks right now!
Fun fact: dandelions are wholly taste safe and even nutritious! Make sure to leave some for the bees as they are a brilliant source of early nectar for them.
Materials list
- 2 cups plain flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 2 tbsp any oil (vegetable or coconut are my top two choices)
- 2 tbsp cream of tartar
- 5-10 dandelion heads (stalks and leaves removed)
- 1 cup boiling water
- large mixing bowl or stand mixer
- cup measures
- spoon
Instructions:
First, pull the petals off the dandelion flowers and add them to the 1 cup of boiling water, leaving them to steep for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, tip the dry ingredients into the bowl or stand mixer.
Now add the oil and stir through.
Make a well in the middle and slowly add the boiling water and dandelion petal mixture, stirring through until it is all incorporated and no longer sticky to the touch.
When cool enough, pull the dough out of the bowl and start to knead it by hand. This will reduce stickiness and increase the smoothness and elasticity of the play dough.
Once smooth and ready to play with you may choose to add some more fresh dandelion petals to the dough or encourage your child to during their play.
Now set it out ready as an invitation to play!
You could use any loose parts and/ or cutters and rolling pins along with this dandelion play dough. In this example I have set out mini pine cones, more dandelion flowers, cut paper straws, cupcake cases and a textured rolling pin.
The key is to keep it as open-ended as possible (aka no set instructions or end purpose in mind from us adults.) This fuels more child-driven play which is the best and longest lasting variety!
I’d love to know if you are going to try this dandelion play dough recipe! It is very natural looking and so safe for little ones to enjoy exploring.
If you enjoyed this you will also like to take a look at another 10 Natural Play Dough Recipes I have right here on site!
Would you love even MORE access to exclusive invitations to play, create and learn for your 0-11 year old? With zero ads and easy access all at the touch of a button? Join the club! My PLAYLAB membership site is open for parents, early years educators and grandparents and we would LOVE to see you there. It’s the most playful