Easy Pumpkin Spice Playdough Recipe: A Sensory Fall Activity for Little Hands

EASY PUMPKIN SPICE PLAYDOUGH: FALL FUN IN A BALL

Ah, fall! Crisp air, pumpkin spice everything, and colorful leaves—basically nature’s version of a cozy sweater. What better way to embrace all those autumn vibes than with a hands-on, sensory-packed activity for your little ones? In this post, we’re diving into a super easy pumpkin spice playdough recipe that will have your kids loving fall even more (if that’s even possible). This DIY playdough adventure is a total win—hello, sensory play AND fine motor skills. Let’s get those little hands busy while creating precious memories!

DIY PUMPKIN SPICE PLAYDOUGH: FALL IN A BALL

If you’ve never made your own playdough, now’s the perfect time to start. The best part? This recipe smells like fall andkeeps your kids entertained for hours. It’s so simple that you’ll be wondering why you didn’t try it sooner. Here’s what you’ll need:

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (aka, fall magic in a jar)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups water
• Orange food coloring (I did 5 drops red and 10 drops yellow, but feel free to get creative!)
• Pumpkin-shaped cookie cutters (or any playdough tools you have on hand)

HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the flour, salt, cream of tartar, and pumpkin spice. Smell it? Pure autumn bliss.
2. Add the vegetable oil and water to your dry ingredients, then stir it all together until you get a smooth paste.
3. Now, add the orange food coloring and knead the dough until it’s all mixed in (your hands will look like they belong in a pumpkin patch, and that’s totally fine).
4. Place the saucepan over low to medium heat and keep stirring. The dough will start thickening and eventually come together into a ball. Once that happens, take it off the heat.
5. Let it cool slightly (because, you know, you don’t want to burn little hands) and then knead it on a clean surface until it’s soft and squishy. Ta-da! You’ve got yourself some pumpkin spice playdough.

FALL-TASTIC IDEAS FOR SENSORY PLAY

Okay, now that you’ve got your pumpkin spice playdough, what’s next? A ton of fall-themed sensory play, of course. Here are some simple ways to get your little ones fully immersed in the magic of the season:

• Pumpkin Patch Creations: Roll the playdough into little balls and shape them into pumpkins. Add some twigs for vines, and you’ve got yourself a homemade pumpkin patch. So cute!
• Fall Scented Fun: Close your little one’s eyes and let them take in the scent of the playdough. Have them squish and roll it around—talk about a multi-sensory experience!
• Cookie Cutter Pumpkins: Let your kids use pumpkin-shaped cookie cutters to stamp out mini pumpkins. Pro tip: They can decorate them with playdough faces for some added fun.
• Harvest Time Imaginings: Set up a harvest scene with little figurines, animals, and other fall-themed toys. Use the playdough to create pumpkins, animals, and a whole autumn world.

FINE MOTOR SKILLS, HERE WE COME!

Not only is this pumpkin spice playdough super fun, but it’s also perfect for fine motor skill development. Every pinch, roll, and poke helps build those small muscles. Here’s how to sneak in some fine motor practice while playing:

• Pinch and Poke: Encourage your child to pinch and poke the playdough. These simple movements help strengthen those tiny hand muscles.
• Roll and Flatten: Rolling the dough into balls and then flattening them with their palms is great for hand-eye coordination and strengthening grip.
• Shape and Mold: Give your kids a variety of tools (like rolling pins or plastic knives) and let them shape the playdough into whatever their hearts desire. It’s a win for both creativity and those fine motor muscles!

CELEBRATE FALL WITH PUMPKIN SPICE PLAYDOUGH

So, there you have it. Pumpkin spice playdough—your new favorite fall activity. It’s easy to make, fun to play with, and perfect for sensory exploration. Plus, it’s a great way to build fine motor skills while creating some sweet fall memories.

Whenever the mood strikes (or you need a distraction from a busy day), this playdough recipe is your ticket to a cozy, autumn-filled afternoon. Happy fall crafting, and may your home be filled with the scent of pumpkin spice and laughter!

Dye-Free Food Coloring

Cream of Tartar

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Pumpkin Cookie Cutters