How long does sand play dough last?

Sand play dough lasts just as long as other traditional salt-based play dough recipes. Provided it is adequately stored and not left to dry out for extended periods of time, you should be able to reuse it for up to 6 months.

Can I make sand play dough without cream of tartar?

Not only does cream of tartar help provide elasticity to play dough, but it also acts as a preservative. For that reason, I don't recommend omitting the cream of tartar completely, as it will shorten your play dough's lifespan. If you don't have any cream of tartar, you can try replacing it with lemon juice or vinegar. (I prefer lemon juice because it has a milder scent.) For every 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar, add 1.5 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar along with the liquid ingredients.

Can I let sand play dough harden to create keepsakes?

I haven't personally tested this to see how long the keepsakes hold up, but play dough sometimes cracks as it hardens. To help prevent this, you can try covering your creations with Mod Podge or aerosol sealant after they're done drying, or simply use this Sand Clay Recipe , which is specifically designed to be used for keepsakes.

Easy Activities for Kids

Looking for ways to entertain your little ones? These Easy Activities for Kids are perfect for kids of all ages, and they are a great way to bond as a family!

If you have young kids at home who still put everything in their mouths, these 25 Taste-Safe Sensory Play Ideas are a great place to start. This Mess-Free Painting in a Bag is also perfect for younger kids. For little ones who have a destructive streak, try these Destructive Toddlers Activities.

Sand Play Dough

Hand pressing down on a ball of play dough surrounded by seashells.

If you’re looking for something a little different to try over the summer holidays, this sand play dough recipe is no-cook, super soft, and made with real sand. Grab some …

Sensory bin with seashells and play sand built into a mound.

Looking for a fun, summer-themed sensory activity to set up for your kids? This beach moon sand is made from just 3 ingredients, and it takes under 5 minutes to …

Hand holding a sensory bottle with small beads.

Does your child love sensory bottles? This slow falling bead sensory bottle is a fun twist on traditional calm down jars, and it takes less than 5 minutes to make. Turn the …

Collage of 8 pictures of different types of play dough.

Do you have a young child at home who still tries to put everything in their mouth? These easy edible play dough recipes are made from food ingredients, and they are a great …

Child's hands smushing paint around inside a Ziploc bag.

Do you want to start painting with your child, but worry that they’ll try to eat paint? This mess-free painting in a bag activity is perfect for babies and toddlers …

Oatmeal play dough, flattened by a rolling pin and cut with a star-shaped cookie cutter.

Looking for a fun taste-safe activity to set up for your little one? This easy oatmeal play dough recipe is perfect for babies and toddlers, and it’s made from 3 …

Row of 6 sensory bottles on white background.

Not only are sensory bottles lots of fun for kids, but they are also a great way to stimulate your child’s senses, as well as a useful tool for helping kids manage their …

Balls of pink and yellow play dough surrounded by bunny and chick marshmallow Peeps.

Looking for a fun Easter activity to set up for your kids? Turn your Peeps candy into edible play dough using this simple recipe! You’ll only need a few minutes and a few simple ingredients to set up this fun …

Collage of different taste-safe sensory activities for kids.

Do you have a young child at home who still likes to put everything in their mouth? This big list of taste-safe sensory recipes is perfect for babies and toddlers …

Collage of 5 different winter sensory bin ideas.

Looking for easy winter activities for your toddler or preschooler? These simple winter sensory bin ideas are a great way to keep kids busy and learning throughout the entire winter …

Sand Play Dough

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