Inspired by my son’s week at nature camp, I decided to copy an activity he did and make some more of it. This DIY Dirt Dough Uncooked Playdough is a bit different than I’ve seen on the Internet, as this one includes used coffee grounds (aka …the dirt).
This DIY Dirt Dough Uncooked Playdough Rocks!
This dirt dough is such a great idea to “stick” your fingers in, and it smells good too – that is, if you like the smell of coffee. You can even add flavored coffee grounds for an extra smelling mixture.
Related: 10 Reasons to Use Coffee Grounds in the Garden
Brody’s week at the Bob Jones Nature Center was a bit pricey, but I’m glad they gave us their recipe for this dirt dough playdough. Besides this dirt dough he made, the recipe, and a t-shirt, he got to spend time in nature, which is the best part of all. He had a great time, and I recommend you look into it if you live close. Bob Jones Nature Center is a beautiful place to roam. You can go out there for free, and there are also lovely places for photo ops out there.
Dirt Dough Uncooked Playdough
How to Make Uncooked Playdough
Materials Needed:
- 3 cups wheat flour
- 1 cup of cold water
- 1 cup of salt
- Two teaspoons vegetable oil
- Two tablespoons cornstarch
- used coffee grounds
- 1 or 2 teaspoons of coffee liquid (optional, if needed)
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix water, salt, oil.
- Gradually add flour and cornstarch until the mixture reaches the consistency of bread dough.
- Knead with hands – that’s the fun part!
- Add coffee grounds to your liking to form the dirt-like dough. I used 2 K-cups.
- Add liquid from coffee if needed; otherwise, add a bit more water if required.
- Play hard. Have fun.
- Store covered in a ziplock bag
Coffee Grounds in Play Dough
As parents, we have to let go and let them do it, right? This dirt dough is one craft I allowed Brody to pretty much do all by himself. It was a little messy, but it cleaned up well. He had as much fun making his dirt dough as playing with it all day. And that includes poking his fingers in it!
Here’s another fun DIY for kids to make, and this one they can use after they play with playdough! DIY Kid’s Natural Hand Soap
The City of Southlake, TX, owns Bob Jones Nature Center.
Have to try this with my young grands!
Any reason to get dirty, and my kids are in. It is so neat that you made this substance out of household items.
This looks like something my daughter would love to get her hands on!
This is very creative. Cool idea. Thanks for sharing.
He'll love this recipe – and it's so easy to make…smells good too…especially if you like coffee.