Katie, from Suffolk, shows us how to make mud play dough. Let’s take a look at it…
What did you do?
Saltless playdough, perfect for exploring outside or bring the outside indoors!
1/2 cup of flour
1/2 cup of dry mud/top soil (if mud is damp use slightly less water)
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
1/2 cup hot water
Mix the mud, oil and flour well and then slowly add the hot water a little but at a time until dough starts to come together
Knead well – if sticky add a touch more flour
This activity is perfect for developing fine motor skills, building muscle strength in hands and for imaginative play!
Try adding natural resources like twigs, stones and shells for printing and mark making in the dough
Or even pots and flowers for a garden small world set up! 
Amazing texture to explore, I used wholemeal flour for a grittier texture.
This is a saltless playdough recipe so will only last a day or two, if you’d like longer lasting dough add 1/2 cup of salt and then the dough can be kept for a couple of weeks wrapped or sealed in a cool place.
Do you have any other projects planned?
Lots more nature play ideas to come!
Tell the Housebound With Kids community a bit about yourself…
I’m Katie, I’m currently a family support practitioner in a children’s centre in Suffolk UK and also a nanny for 4 children. My background is early years and I have worked in nurseries and pre schools my entire career. I have a passion for nature play and child led activities.
@The_play_adventures_
How are you finding being housebound so far?
I don’t have any children myself yet but I am really missing exploring with the families that attend the groups at the centre I work for I have realised that these sessions are a life line for lots of parents and they miss them too!
Do you have any tips for other parents?
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself regarding home learning or providing lots of fancy play set ups! Do what you can but remember to look after yourselves
Has this website and community helped you?
So many ideas and inspiration in one place!! 
