A Homemade Play Dough Activity that pairs homemade play dough with the timeless fun of Mr. Potato Head.
Homemade Play dough is a staple activity for children. In my daycare we usually keep several batches ready — the kids never seem to tire of it.
One of the best things about making your own play dough is its flexibility. You can colour and scent it however you like, and tailor it to suit any holiday, theme or learning goal.
I enjoy inventing playful and creative play dough activities, such as a candy shop, an ice cream shop and a cookie decoration station. These setups invite imaginative role play and build fine motor skills — perfect for little hands.
I also use play dough specifically for activities that develop fine motor control, hand strength and coordination.
This particular activity combines both creative play and fine motor practice, while incorporating another kid favourite — Mr. Potato Head parts.
We like to use Mr. Potato Head accessories in creative ways beyond fitting them into plastic potatoes. The pieces make fantastic additions to play dough sculptures and imaginative scenes.
When I set out a collection of potato head accessories alongside tubs of homemade play dough, the children know they’re in for a long, engaging morning of play.
Two classic activities come together
Kids love the open-ended creative opportunities this combo provides. It holds even my two-year-olds’ attention for long stretches, encouraging focused play and exploration.
Combining play dough with toy parts expands possibilities: children can sculpt characters, add facial features and accessories, create costumes, and build little scenes. It’s a simple setup that sparks storytelling, role play and cooperative play.
Mr. Potato Head has evolved
Mr. Potato Head accessories now come in many themes and styles, from classic pieces to themed sets and oversized figures. These variations give children more options for character-building and creative mash-ups.
I particularly enjoy using large accessories and giant figures because the bigger features are easy for small hands to manipulate and they work well with play dough decorations.
Provide a few basic play dough tools
Along with potato head accessories, I offer a selection of simple tools: plastic knives, small spoons, and a bowl of flat glass beads. These beads are a hit for embellishing creations — they make excellent eyes, scales, buttons or decorative details.
Provide a few colours of dough, different-sized accessories and safe tools, and you’ll see children inventing characters, animals and imaginative worlds. The process supports language development as children describe their creations and tell stories about them.
My favourite homemade play dough recipe
One reliably soft, easy-to-make option is a no-cook play dough recipe that mixes common kitchen ingredients into a smooth, pliable dough. Recipes like this are quick to prepare and simple to customise with colours or scents.
More homemade sensory and craft ideas
For a variety of homemade sensory and craft recipes you might explore options such as homemade watercolours, puffy paints, giant bubble mix, cloud dough, fairy mud, homemade sidewalk paint, rainbow rice and dyed pasta. These projects pair well with play dough activities and expand children’s sensory and creative experiences.
Combining homemade play dough with small toy parts like potato head accessories is an easy, low-prep way to promote creativity, fine motor skills and imaginative play. With a few basic tools and a generous supply of dough, you’ll have an activity that kids return to again and again.