Looking for an interesting textural addition to your play dough? Add birdseed and try this no-cook recipe, written to use with young children. Note: Skip the food coloring you might normally use to allow children to really notice the distinct colors of each type of seed.

  1. Help children measure the dry ingredients.
  2. In a large bowl, have each child add an ingredient then take turns whisking together the flour, salt and cream of tartar.
  3. Adult adds the vegetable oil and boiling water, and using a spatula, mix until combined.
  4. Once it’s cool enough to handle, bring the children back together to knead the playdough in the bowl until it becomes smooth, about 2 minutes. (It may appear wet at first but will dry as you knead and the water gets fully absorbed.)
  5. Form the dough into a “bowl” and add birdseed to the center. Help children incorporate the seeds into the dough.