As the nights draw in, the rain starts lashing and the wind starts howling, outdoor play can get a lot trickier to manage. That doesn’t mean the fun has to stop, though. Here are some creative messy play ideas for kids to make this autumn that will keep them happily entertained, whatever the weather is doing outside.
Spending more time indoors during the autumn and winter months can make it harder to think of fresh messy play ideas for at home — but it doesn’t have to be a struggle. One of the simplest, cheapest and easiest messy play ideas is playdough. It’s always a hit with children, and it’s such a versatile resource that you can adapt it a dozen different ways for very little effort or cost.
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Simple Playdough Recipe
You can, of course, buy playdough ready-made — but once you see how quick and easy it is to make your own, you may well be converted. Making it together is half the fun, too.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of plain flour
- 1 cup of table salt
- 1 tablespoon of cream of tartar (optional, but it gives a nicer shine)
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable or sunflower oil
- 1 cup of warm water (not boiling, in case little hands are helping mix)
Method
This is such a child-friendly process — part of the fun is letting the kids help you make it.
- Put all the dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Add in the oil and mix.
- Slowly add in the water until you get a dough.
- Play!
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Autumnal Messy Play Ideas
There are some brilliant, simple ways to give your playdough an autumn twist. Here are three favourites to try.
Autumn Colours and Smells
- Add a bit of brown, red or orange paint (mixed into the water before you add it in) to make the playdough look like the colour of the leaves outside.
- Or stir in some warm autumn scents like cinnamon, ginger or mixed spice (a teaspoon added in with the flour) for an extra sensory experience.
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Leaf Printing
Head out on a blustery autumn walk to collect some fallen leaves, then let the children press them into the playdough to reveal the different patterns and shapes. Leaves also make brilliant funny “hair” for playdough creatures.
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Pumpkin Carving
Make up a batch of orange playdough, then give the children spoons and a ball of dough each. They can use the handle end of the spoon to “carve” their own playdough pumpkins — or work together to make one big shared pumpkin.
Playdough is so versatile that a rainy autumn afternoon can quickly turn into an afternoon of happy, messy fun. Happy messing!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade playdough last?
Stored in an airtight container or a sealed bag and kept somewhere cool, homemade playdough will generally stay soft and usable for several weeks. If it starts to feel dry or crumbly, kneading in a little extra water usually brings it back to life.
Is homemade playdough safe if my child still puts things in their mouth?
This playdough is made from edible pantry ingredients (flour, salt, oil and water), which makes it a gentler option than shop-bought dough for children who are still exploring things with their mouths. It’s still not meant to be eaten, so young children should always be supervised during messy play.
Do I need cream of tartar to make playdough?
No — cream of tartar is optional. It mainly helps the dough feel a bit more stretchy and gives it a slight shine, but you can leave it out and still get a good, workable dough.
How do I stop playdough from drying out between play sessions?
Keep it sealed in an airtight container, a lidded tub or a zip-lock bag between uses, and press out as much air as possible before sealing. This keeps it soft and ready to go for the next messy play session.
Related Reads
- 8 Fun and Easy Autumn Activities for Preschoolers
- 50 Awesome Autumn Activities for Kids (and Parents!)
- How to Make Salt Dough for Quick, Easy and Fun Crafts with Kids
- Easy and Eye-catching Leaf Craft Ideas for Kids
- Autumn Scavenger Hunt for Kids
Looking for more indoor inspiration for rainy autumn days? Browse our full collection of autumn activity ideas to keep the fun going all season.
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