Sensory Play Recipes: Slime, Dough, Chalk & More

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Never allow your child to put any of this stuff into their mouths, or other orifices. These recipes are not edible. Always supervise children during play.

Sidewalk Chalk

Materials:

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups plaster of Paris
• 2 tablespoons wet or dry tempera paint
• toilet paper tubes
• duct tape

Method:
Cover one end of each toilet paper tube with duct tape. Mix all ingredients and let sit for 5 minutes. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper or foil. Stand tubes upright, open end up (you can tape them to the paper to steady them). Pour mixture into the tubes. Let stand until mostly firm, then peel off the tubes. Dry for 2 more hours.

Eggshell Sidewalk Chalk

Materials:

• 4-5 eggshells
• 1 teaspoon flour
• 1 teaspoon very hot tap water
• food coloring (optional)

Method:
Wash, dry, and grind eggshells into a powder. Mix 1 tablespoon of the eggshell powder with flour and water to form a paste. Add food coloring if desired. Shape into chalk sticks, wrap in a paper towel, and let dry for 3 days.
Note: Best for sidewalk use only.

Gak-like stuff

Materials:

• 2 cups white glue
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon borax
• another 1 cup warm water
• food coloring or tempera paint

Method:
Mix glue and 1 1/2 cups warm water with coloring. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup warm water with borax. Combine both mixtures and knead until it forms a gooey dough.

⚠️ Warning: Do not get it into your hair, clothes, or carpet. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Play Dough / Salt Dough

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup salt
• 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons food coloring
• 1 tablespoon oil

Method:
Boil the wet ingredients. Add dry ingredients and stir over low heat until dough pulls away from the pan. Knead until cool. Store in a sealed container.

Jell-O Play Dough

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white flour
• 1/2 cup salt
• 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 warm water
• 1 3-oz package Jell-O (any flavor)

Method:
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and looks dull. Stir constantly to avoid burning. Cool and knead. Store in a plastic bag.

Slime

Ingredients:

• Cornstarch
• Water
• Food coloring (optional)

Method:
Slowly mix water into cornstarch until the consistency is thick enough to hold shape for a second before flowing — sort of like think pudding. Add food coloring if desired.

Originally published December 4, 1996. Reformatted and updated for clarity and safety.
Last Updated on June 4, 2025 by Jodi