Forest Putty: Our Favorite Homemade, All-Natural Playdough for Little Explorers

At Nature Sprouts Adventure Club, we believe that some of the most powerful learning tools are also the simplest. Enter Forest Putty—our beloved homemade, all-natural playdough that little explorers return to again and again.

Forest Putty is a budget-friendly, taste-safe, long-lasting alternative to traditional playdough, designed for open-ended outdoor play and sensory exploration. We use it during our sessions as a creative companion to nature treasures—and as a gentle substitute for our other (equally loved) sensory staple: mud.

For children who experience sensory aversions to wet or gritty textures, Forest Putty offers a comforting, moldable middle ground that still invites curiosity, creativity, and connection to nature.

Best of all? Caregivers can make it at home in about 10 minutes, using simple pantry ingredients.

What Is Forest Putty?

Forest Putty is our Nature Sprouts version of homemade playdough—intentionally made to be taken outside.

Unlike store-bought doughs that are brightly colored, artificially scented, or quick to dry out, Forest Putty is:

• Soft and sturdy

• Neutral in color

• Naturally scented (optional)

• Easy to repair, refresh, and store

We invite children to blend Forest Putty with:

• Leaves

• Sticks

• Seeds

• Stones

• Pinecones

• Flower petals

The result? Tiny sculptures, nature faces, pretend food, fairy houses, animal tracks, and endless imaginative creations.

Why We Love Forest Putty at Nature Sprouts

Forest Putty supports whole-child development in a way that feels playful, calm, and accessible for young children (especially ages 1–5).

🌱 Developmental Benefits of Forest Putty

Fine Motor Skill Development

• Rolling, pinching, poking, flattening, and squeezing strengthens little hands

• Builds foundational skills needed for writing, cutting, and self-care tasks

Sensory Exploration

• Smooth, predictable texture supports children with sensory sensitivities

• Can be warmed by hands or cooled outdoors for varied experiences

Creative & Imaginative Play

• Open-ended material with no “right way” to play

• Encourages storytelling, pretend play, and problem-solving

Emotional Regulation

• Rhythmic kneading and molding can feel grounding and calming

• Supports focus, patience, and self-expression

Nature Connection

• Encourages children to slow down, observe, and use natural materials intentionally

A Budget-Friendly, All-Natural Choice for Families

Forest Putty is:

• Inexpensive to make (using pantry staples)

• All natural

• Taste-safe for curious toddlers (not a snack, but worry-reducing!)

• Long-lasting when stored properly

• Customizable for scent, color, and seasonal themes

It also holds up beautifully over time—perfect for classrooms, homeschool families, and caregiver-and-me programs like ours.

Our Go-To Forest Putty Recipe (Classic Version)

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour

• 1 cup salt

• 4 teaspoons cream of tartar

• 4 tablespoons oil (vegetable or avocado oil works well)

• 2 cups cold water

• Optional natural color (turmeric, beet juice, spirulina)

• Optional natural scent (cinnamon, vanilla, lemon juice, dried herbs)

Directions

1. Mix all dry ingredients in a pot.

2. Add wet ingredients and stir well.

3. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon.

4. Keep stirring—yes, even when it feels too wet!

5. The dough will begin to stick to itself and form a ball.

6. Remove from heat, knead gently, and allow to cool.

7. Once cool, store in an airtight container or zip-top bag.

Storage Tip:
Forest Putty lasts weeks (sometimes months!) when stored in an airtight container. For extra longevity, store in the refrigerator between uses.

Quick Forest Putty Hack (No Stove Option)

Short on time?
You can also:

1. Boil water and let it cool to about 120°F

2. Slowly add it to the dry ingredients using a stand mixer or hand mixer

3. Mix until a dough forms

It’s quick, efficient, and works like a charm.

Gluten-Free Forest Putty Recipe

We love that Forest Putty can be adapted for gluten-free families, making it more inclusive and accessible.

Ingredients

• ½ cup rice flour

• ½ cup salt

• ½ cup cornstarch

• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar

• 1 teaspoon cooking oil

• 1 cup water (colored if desired)

Directions

1. Mix cornstarch and water in a pot.

2. Combine all remaining dry ingredients separately.

3. Add oil to the wet mixture.

4. Combine everything and cook over low heat for about 3 minutes.

5. Stir until a ball forms, knead, and let cool.

How We Use Forest Putty in Our Nature Sprouts Sessions

During our classes, Forest Putty often appears alongside a simple invitation:

“What could you create with this today?”

Sometimes we pair it with a story.
Sometimes we reflect while little hands stay busy.
Sometimes it becomes a peaceful closing activity after big body play.

It’s also a favorite alternative for children who aren’t quite ready for full-on mud play—allowing everyone to participate comfortably and confidently.

A Little Extra Magic ✨

When gifting Forest Putty or sending it home with families, we love adding a note that reads:

“Dear Explorers,
Enjoy using this Forest Putty to play, imagine, and create.
Love,
Your Friends, the Forest Fairies”

Simple touches like this help children feel connected to the magic of play long after class ends.

Try Forest Putty at Home

Forest Putty is proof that meaningful play doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. With just a few ingredients and a little intention, you can create a tool that supports:

• Motor skills

• Sensory development

• Creativity

• Emotional regulation

• Connection to nature

We encourage families to experiment with their own seasonal variations—and most of all, to play together.

As always, keep exploring, keep creating, and keep getting those little hands busy outdoors 🌿