Recipes for Fun

It is a happy talent to know how to play. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is officially Spring! And that means we are one more season closer to Summer! At In Stepps, we become overjoyed with the prospect of sunny days and warmer weather. You know why? It means it is time for fun outside! Balloons, bubbles, balls, squirt bottles, swimming, sprinklers, watering cans, hoses, mud, dirt, and more! Being outside with kids opens up a whole new world full of learning opportunities. So you can understand our excitement when the seasons change, when Target starts carrying our favorite outdoor toys again, and when we start moving our 1:1 sessions into the front yard, back yard, park, pool, and any other place we can just be out in the sun.  In honor of the Spring Equinox, we wanted to share some fun, messy recipes with you in hopes of sparking some play inspiration! From playdough, to puffy paint, to bubbles, to goop! Get your hands messy and the kids involved and create some sensory magic in your home! 

Playdough

2 cups flour

1 cup salt

2 cups water

2 tablespoons oil

2 tablespoons cream of tartar

A few drops liquid food coloring (optional)

In a medium pot, mix flour, salt and oil, and slowly add the water (and food coloring, if used). Cook over medium heat, stirring until dough becomes firm. Cool. Knead. Store in airtight container.

Puffy Paint

1 cup flour
1 cup salt
1 cup water
Food coloring

Mix equal amounts of flour, salt, and water. Add food coloring for color. Pour mixture into squeeze bottles and paint. Mixture will harden in a puffy shape. 

Bubbles

2/3 cup Joy dish soap
1 gallon water
2 to 3 tablespoons of glycerin (available at drugstores)

Mix ingredients in large plastic bowl or tub. Store in covered container.
Note: Various recipes call for different brands of dish soap (Joy, Dawn, etc). If you use another brand, you may need to adjust the other quantities to get the right consistency.

Goop 
(Warning: this one is messy and FUN)

1 cup cornstarch
2 cups baking soda
1 1/4 cups water

Mix dry ingredients and add water a little at a time. (This is important, as you may not need all of the water.) Mixture should be scoopable with hands - not too runny. When a lump is squeezed; it melts, then becomes more solid again.

Sidewalk Chalk

1/3 c. quick setting Plaster of Paris 
3 t. water 
1 T. paint 
Glitter (optional) 

Mix all ingredients. Scoop into empty toilet paper tube and let set for 20 minutes. Peel off cardboard. Let dry for one day.

Edible Playdough

2 cups smooth peanut butter 
2 cups rolled oats 
2 cups dried milk 
2/3 cups honey 

Mix all ingredients until thoroughly combined. Storage: When not using, MUST be stored in an airtight container 

Have fun and let us know which recipes are a hit with your kiddos! 

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