Dirt Dough

Not only does it have simple ingredients that you probably already have it is germ free and safe if swallowed (although not very tasty) making it a great messy play option for even younger children who love to taste everything. Dirt Dough is so easy to make the kids can do it themselves with some adult supervision.

Dirt Dough was inspired by this pin I found on Pinterest. (http://www.bathactivitiesforkids.com/2013/01/gardening-bath.html)

I love how they used the dirt dough in the bath tub but being that I have such a large group most of the time figured it would make an awesome Earth Day activity. It was a hit!

It was moldable like beach sand and had the texture of real sandy dirt. Not only did it come out amazing, it was fairly easy to clean up, safe for even the youngest of my explorers, and kept the kids entertained for over an hour! Another big plus, it held its texture after being left out uncovered overnight and the kids got to enjoy it again the next day.

In the future I would love to try dirt dough in a bath to see how it reacts with the added water and for the added benefit of cleaning the tub and drains at clean up time. And think it would make a great addition to other themes such as plant week, bug week, or in construction sensory bins.

To make your own batch of dirt dough all you need is:
Baking soda
Brown or black food coloring (we used brown gel food coloring)
Water
A large mixing bowl

You simply gather your ingredients, pour some baking soda into your mixing bowl, add some food coloring, and a small amount of water (just enough to make the baking soda moist) then mix. Continue to add water until you reach your desired consistency.