Activity Description: Youths make salt dough using flour, salt, and water in order to shape and play with it.
Items Needed:
- 2 cups flour (can be gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup water
- Large mixing bowl
- Spoon or whisk
- (Optional) Rolling pin
- (Optional) Cookie cutters or clay tools
- (Optional) Vinyl tablecloth or foil-covered tray for easy cleanup
Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 20–25 min):
- Combine dry ingredients. (3–4 min)
- Youth measure flour and salt into a large mixing bowl.
- Add water slowly. (3–4 min)
- Pour in water a little at a time while mixing.
- Stop when the dough forms a ball.
- Knead the dough. (7–10 min)
- Youth knead until the dough is smooth and firm, like playdough.
- If too dry, add small amounts of water.
- If too sticky, add small amounts of flour.
- (Optional) Shape and play. (7–8 min)
- Youth roll out dough and use cutters or tools to make shapes. They can sculpt freely with their hands.
How to Air-Dry Salt Dough:
- Place pieces on a screen or tray so both sides dry evenly.
- Turn pieces regularly while drying.
- Leave at room temperature for at least 48 hours until hard and white.
How to Bake Salt Dough:
- Heat oven to 250℉.
- Place pieces on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
- Bake about 30 minutes for each ¼ inch of thickness, or until light golden brown.
- Turn pieces often so they dry evenly.
- Let cool completely before handling.
Step-by-Step Tutorials:
- Alternate Instructions: Unsophisticook: 3-Ingredient Simple & Easy Salt Dough Recipe for Kids
