Outer Space Play Dough Activity (2024)

Play dough is always fun, but outer space play dough is EXTRA fun! Easy-to-make black play dough + loose parts = out of this world fun.

Table of Contents:

1. Black play dough makes for the best outer space play dough activity
2. I have a trick for making outer space play dough
3. How to make black play dough
4. Loose parts to add to this play dough activity
5. What do children learn from playing with play dough?
6. FAQ
7. 10/10 for this outer space play dough activity

Black play dough makes for the best outer space play dough activity

There’s something aboutblackplaydough that makes it irresistible.

Many kids have played with blue playdough, red, or even yellow. You know, the standard colors.

But when they see black, it’s just something else! It looks mysterious and magical, and kids will swarm to it when it’s set down on the table.

Related: Have you seen ourGIANT 10-foot outer space coloring banner? It’s the best thing in the universe!

I have a trick for making outer space play dough

This trick works for makinganyplay dough, for that matter.

As a teacher, I have made millions of batches of playdough. I’ve tried all the methods: stove top cooking, microwaving, purchasing premade, mixing in a bad, adding Kool-Aid…but this trick makes it 100x easier.

Use a stand mixer.If you have one, it’s your secret to making perfect play dough every time. I learned this from my mom, and, of course, Miss Michelle is always spot on!

Do you need a stand mixer? Absolutely not! Play dough iseasyto make by hand with a bowl + spoon. A mixer just makes it a little faster. 😉

Looking for more space activities? These are out of this world:

• Wet-on-Wet Watercolor Planets
• Outer Space Preschool Patterns (with FREE Printable)
• Marshmallow Constellations

How to make black play dough

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I have play dough a billion times and have the best, easiest play dough recipe in the land.

NOTES

• Cream of tartar:when I make play dough, I never use cream of tartar, but I have found myself in the 0.00001% as most people do. I use all of the same ingredients above, just not this one. I don’t think skipping cream of tartar makes a difference in my dough (at all), so if you’ve ever wanted to try omitting it, give it a try!

• Adding color:to make your play dough black, add black coloringto the waterright before you pour it into the bowl. You can useliquid watercolors,food dye, or evengel icing!

I used liquid watercolors because I had them on hand, but food dye and gel icing will make your dough much darker.

Loose parts to add to this play dough activity

This is the best part: you can rummage around your home or classroom and use WHATEVER you want!

Rocks from the garden? Great!

Popsicle sticks? Wonderful!

Small blocks? Outstanding!

I just raid my craft supplies and grab what I think would be fun, and that’s precisely what I did here!

Because I have had many of these loose parts for years, I don’t have exact links for every item, but here are some fantastic choices that are identical/nearly identical to mine:

• Acrylic gems, aka “space rocks”
• Glow in the dark stars
• Space action figures
• Bouncy ball “planets”
• Star beads

What do children learn from playing with play dough?

Children explore differentstates of matterand observe the differences between solids and liquids.

Additionally, they practicemeasurementby measuring the ingredients that go into making play dough.

They also gainfine motorskills when stretching, kneading, poking, rolling, smoothing, and manipulating play dough.

When children use the same materials, they practicesharing skillsand take turns.

Kids might alsowork togetherin creating various play scenes and ideas.

We love play dough activities for their ability to connect science, math, fine motor, and social skills all in one!

FAQ

10/10 for this outer space play dough activity

The whole process is fun and educational from beginning to end.

If stored in an airtight container or zippered bag, we usually get at least a week’s worth of play out of our dough.

Have fun!