Maple Playdough

There’s something about the scent of maple that instantly brings a sense of warmth and coziness. When the leaves start falling and the days get shorter, it’s the perfect time to bring a bit of that autumn magic inside. This Maple Playdough is one of my favorite fall activities because it combines the sensory fun of playdough with the irresistible aroma of maple syrup. It’s a hands-on way for kids to enjoy the season, and I love how it fills the room with the comforting scent of autumn while little hands squish and shape the dough.

Making this playdough together has become a bit of a fall tradition for us, and it’s always a hit with the kids. There’s just something about kneading warm dough and smelling that sweet, familiar scent that makes it feel like the start of the season. Plus, it’s an easy way to get into the fall spirit without even stepping outside!

Why You’ll Love This Fall Sensory Activity

You’ll love this Maple Playdough activity because it combines sensory play with the wonderful scents of autumn. The dough is soft and pliable, making it great for little hands to work on fine motor skills while having fun. Plus, the subtle aroma of maple adds an extra layer to the sensory experience, turning playtime into a truly seasonal celebration.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups of white all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of salt
• 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar
• 2-3 tablespoons of maple extract
• 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable glycerin (optional, for extra softness)
• 1 to 1.5 cups of boiling water
• 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
• Stand mixer with dough hook or large bowl and spoon

Maple Playdough Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine dry ingredients:
   In a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the flour, salt, and cream of tartar. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. Add wet ingredients:
   Add the cooking oil, maple extract, and vegetable glycerin (if using) to the dry mixture. Stir to combine.

3. Slowly add boiling water:
   Gradually pour in 1 cup of boiling water while mixing continuously. If you’re using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment. If mixing by hand, stir vigorously with a spoon. The amount of water needed may vary, so add just enough the first 1 cup to bring the mixture together into a soft dough. Continue mixing and kneading before adding anymore water.

4. Knead the dough:
   Once the dough has cooled slightly, knead it by hand until it’s smooth and pliable. If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour until you reach the desired consistency. If the dough feels a bit dry add a bit more water. Continue kneading until the dough is smooth and soft and free on lumps.
5. Let the fun begin:
   Your maple playdough is now ready for play! Give kids cookie cutters, rolling pins, acorns, pine cones, sticks, leaves, woodland creatures or other tools to help shape and mold the dough.
6. Store properly:
   Keep the playdough in an airtight container to maintain its softness. It can last for several weeks when stored properly.

Maple Playdough is an easy and enjoyable way to bring the feeling of fall into your home while providing a fun sensory experience for kids. It’s perfect for a rainy day activity, a classroom craft, or just a little seasonal fun at home!

Play2Learn Toddler & Preschool Programs for Curious Toddlers

There is no limit to your toddler’s energy and curiosity. That energy and curiosity although a joy can be challenging at times. Their interest in just about everything around them is what makes them great learners. One and two year olds can soak up so much just from their senses!

But as a teacher or parent that thirst for learning can be exhausting. That is why I created this toddler and preschooler program. To help you get the most out of this time with your curious toddler without having to come up with creative ways to play and interact with them.

Play2Learn for Toddlers includes 20 Units for toddlers. Each 2-week toddler unit has 20 super easy to set up and engaging activities for toddlers 18 months to 3 years.

Play2Learn Preschool which includes 20 Units for preschoolers. Each 2-week preschoolers unit has 20 unique and easy to set up and engaging activities for preschoolers 3 years to 5 years. That’s over 800 learning activities for your toddler and preschooler at your fingertips! So many ideas you and your child will never be bored again! 

These toddler and preschool lesson plans and activities will definitely keep you and your toddler and preschooler busy playing and learning!

Click here for more information: Play2Learn

Book: Exciting Sensory Bins for Curious Kids

Did you know I wrote a book of sensory bins? Click here for more information Exciting Sensory Bin for Curious Kids. Or grab your copy at Amazon. 

Boring afternoons are made exciting with awesome animal-based bins, like Salty Shark Bay or Yarn Farm. Pretend play bins like Birthday Cake Sensory Play or Bubble Tea Party encourage creativity and imagination. And your kids will have so much fun they won’t even know they’re getting smarter with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities like Sink or Float Soup, Magnetic Letter Hunt or Ice Cream Scoop and Count.

Designed for toddlers 18 months and up.

Book: Super STEAM Activity Book for Kids

Learning all about science, technology, engineering, art, and math sets kids up for scholastic success―and it can be so much fun! Watch kids enjoy building STEAM skills as they color friendly fish, help water find its way to tree roots, solve math problems with mazes, and more. 

Find out more and grab your copy here.

Designed for preschoolers 3 years old and up.

Book: Big Book of Riddles for Kids

Riddle me this: What’s an exciting way to practice critical thinking while having a blast? The Big Riddle Book for Kids, of course! From hilarious puns to tough brain teasers, kids can build problem-solving skills with hundreds of riddles tha. t show them how to think outside the box.

• 350 riddles for kids—Have hours of fun with riddles, puns and jokes, and math and logic puzzles that’ll get their wheels turning!
• Level up their skills—Riddles get trickier as kids progress through the book, challenging them as they get better at solving puzzles!
• Double-check their work—Kids can check their answers in the back of the book with a handy answer key.

Help children expand their minds while having fun with this puzzle book for kids!

Designed for kids ages 6 years old and up.