DIY Pumpkin Spice Playdough Recipe
There’s something about the smell of pumpkin spice that makes this season feel extra cozy. While most of us think of lattes and baked goods when we hear the words “pumpkin spice,” it also makes the perfect scent for a fun fall sensory activity—playdough!
Making your own pumpkin spice playdough at home is simple, inexpensive, and safe for kids of all ages (just make sure they know not to eat it!). It’s the perfect way to bring the cozy fall vibes right into your homeschool, classroom, or kitchen table.
In this post, I’ll share exactly how to make it, the benefits of playdough for young children, and creative ways to play with it all season long.
Looking for ways to teach your little ones about gratitude this fall? Check out this post for our favorite ideas.
Why Make Your Own Playdough?
Before we get to the recipe, let’s talk about why homemade playdough is worth it.
Non-toxic ingredients – When you make playdough at home, you control what goes into it. No mystery chemicals, just pantry staples.
Budget-friendly – A single batch costs just a few dollars to make.
Customizable – Add scents like pumpkin spice, cinnamon, or even peppermint or gingerbread for different seasons.
Hands-on fun – My daughter loves helping with the measuring and mixing—it becomes a built-in learning activity.
Plus, nothing beats the smell of warm pumpkin spice when the weather starts to cool down. Whenever my daughter and I are playing with her pumpkin spice playdough, it instantly makes me feel cozy and festive.
Benefits of Playdough for Kids
Playdough isn’t just a fun mess. It’s actually an incredible learning tool. Here are a few reasons it’s worth keeping on hand during the preschool and kindergarten years:
Fine motor skills – Rolling, pinching, squishing, and cutting all strengthen little hand muscles. (Check out this article on fine motor skills by Michigan State University)
Imaginative play – Kids can create pumpkins, pies, animals, or whatever their imagination dreams up.
Language development – Playing together gives you opportunities to introduce new words like “squish,” “roll,” and “press.”
Stress relief – Even adults find kneading playdough calming. For kids, it’s a safe outlet for big emotions. (Check out this article on how playdough can support social and emotional learning for children)
When you add pumpkin spice into the mix, you also engage the sense of smell, making it a full sensory experience.
DIY Pumpkin Spice Playdough Recipe
This recipe makes a soft, long-lasting batch of playdough that smells just like fall.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup salt
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (coconut oil works too)
1 ½ cups water
Optional: red and yellow food coloring to create a pumpkin-orange shade
Instructions:
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the flour, salt, cream of tartar, and pumpkin spice.
Stir in the water and oil until well combined.
Place the pan over medium heat, stirring constantly. The dough will begin to thicken within 3–5 minutes.
Continue stirring until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball.
Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
Once cool enough to handle, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth.
If you’d like, add a few drops of food coloring and knead until evenly mixed.
That’s it—you’ve got homemade pumpkin spice playdough ready for hours of fall fun!
Looking for more fall inspired activities? Check out our post on How to Host a Cozy Fall Poetry Tea Time with Kids!
Tips for Storage
Store your playdough in an airtight container or zip-top bag to keep it fresh for up to 2–3 weeks.
If it starts to dry out, add a few drops of water and knead it back to life.
Always have your kids wash their hands before and after play to extend the shelf life.
Fun Ways to Use Pumpkin Spice Playdough
Looking for ways to take this fall activity beyond just rolling and squishing? Try these ideas:
Pumpkin patch play – Provide small pumpkin cookie cutters or silicone molds.
Baking pretend pies – Pair the dough with mini pie tins for imaginative “baking.”
Nature play – Press leaves, acorns, or pinecones into the dough to create fun textures.
Letter practice – Roll dough into “snakes” and shape them into letters for alphabet learning.
Math skills – Practice counting by making small dough balls and grouping them into sets.
Not only are these activities fun, but they also reinforce early learning skills in a playful, low-pressure way.
Why Pumpkin Spice Playdough is Perfect for October
October is the season of pumpkins, cozy scents, and simple family traditions. Making pumpkin spice playdough can easily become one of those traditions your kids look forward to year after year—I know my daughter does!
It’s quick to make, keeps little hands busy, and brings learning and creativity together in a way that feels special for fall. Whether you’re a homeschooling parent, a teacher looking for classroom activities, or just a parent searching for a rainy-day project, this is one recipe you’ll want to bookmark.
Final Thoughts
Fall is a season for cozy, hands-on fun—and DIY pumpkin spice playdough is the perfect example of that. It’s an easy, affordable, and engaging sensory activity that smells amazing and gives kids endless opportunities to play and learn.
So, pull out your pumpkin pie spice, set aside 10 minutes, and surprise your kids with a fresh batch of this autumn-inspired playdough. Chances are, you’ll love playing with it just as much as they do.
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