Fall in Love With Seasonal Modeling Dough Ideas

This autumn, make learning through play a priority when you and your child experiment with the hands-on science of making your very own festive modeling dough. Sweet scents, custom colors and spicy mix-ins take a standard dough to the next level. Keep reading to uncover how!

Start With a Good Base

Start by gathering some basic supplies that will help your dough be moldable, squishy and awesome – the baking aisle will become your best friend. Using common ingredients like salt, flour and water, you can create this salt dough recipe. If your dough feels dry or starts to get crumbly, adjust your recipe by adding a few tablespoons of oil and cream of tartar!

Add Sweet Smells

For a pleasant scent, baking extracts can be incorporated a few teaspoons at a time when assembling the dough. Consider choosing maple, apple, cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a fun fall twist!

Mix Colors

To make the dough colorful, you can use liquid or gel food coloring. Separate your dough into as many colors as you’re hoping to make, then select the desired food colors or practice color science by mixing them until you get the perfect hue! Explore the colors of the season by choosing red, yellow, brown or orange.

Explore Texture

Get inspired by the sights and tastes of autumn by recreating some of your family’s favorite fall memories using beads, feathers, googly eyes or other decorative items! Will your child sculpt a 3D spider like the one you saw on your last hike? How about the turkey you visited at a local farm? Or a yummy pie your family eats every holiday? Bonus – integrating different items adds interesting textures to your dough.

If you prefer using natural materials, take whole spices in a variety of shapes and sizes and allow children to decorate with, incorporate in or add texture to their dough. Consider cinnamon sticks, allspice, nutmeg or star anise to keep things seasonal!

Once you’re satisfied with all the elements of your modeling dough, think about the science it took to create it. From measuring and mixing to creating a new substance with your set of ingredients, you’ve brought STEM learning to life! Keep up the fun by having your child practice their engineering skills as they shape, build, decorate and design with the homemade dough. We can’t wait to see what amazing things your family creates!

Learn More

Keep exploring our blog for even more STEM fun and learning.