• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Get Our Latest Updates: Download a FREE Set of Coloring Pages! ⇾

Menu Icon
Close Extra Navigation
  • Coloring Posters
  • Coloring Pages
  • Virtual Preschool
  • Shop
    • Giant Coloring Posters
    • Coloring Pages
    • Virtual Preschool • Semesters
    • Virtual Preschool • Weekly
    • Directed Drawings
    • Gift Card
  • Blog
    • Sensory
    • Art
    • Outdoor
    • Science
    • Draw
    • Math
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
Friends Art Lab

Friends Art Lab

LOGIN

Menu Icon
Close Extra Navigation
  • Coloring Posters
  • Coloring Pages
  • Virtual Preschool
  • Shop
    • Giant Coloring Posters
    • Coloring Pages
    • Virtual Preschool • Semesters
    • Virtual Preschool • Weekly
    • Directed Drawings
    • Gift Card
  • Blog
    • Sensory
    • Art
    • Outdoor
    • Science
    • Draw
    • Math
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
go to homepage
  • Coloring Posters
  • Coloring Pages
  • Virtual Preschool
  • Shop
    • Giant Coloring Posters
    • Coloring Pages
    • Virtual Preschool • Semesters
    • Virtual Preschool • Weekly
    • Directed Drawings
    • Gift Card
  • Blog
    • Sensory
    • Art
    • Outdoor
    • Science
    • Draw
    • Math
  • Coloring Posters
  • Coloring Pages
  • Virtual Preschool
  • Shop
    • Giant Coloring Posters
    • Coloring Pages
    • Virtual Preschool • Semesters
    • Virtual Preschool • Weekly
    • Directed Drawings
    • Gift Card
  • Blog
    • Sensory
    • Art
    • Outdoor
    • Science
    • Draw
    • Math
Friends Art Lab / Blog / Mystery Play Dough Colors Sensory Activity

Mystery Play Dough Colors Sensory Activity

Author: Kristian Klebofski    Published: 08/13/2023     Updated: 04/18/2024

Whenever I need a play dough recipe that is a guaranteed WOW, I make mystery play dough colors! Plus, I have the best play dough recipe for you, too.

Two photos (1) a clear bucket full of small, uncolored play dough balls with large mounds of pink + blue dough behind it (2) two flattened circles of uncolored dough each with a small ball of colored dough in the center (one pink, one blue)
Table of Contents:
  1. Mystery play dough colors are always a blast
  2. You can use mystery play dough colors for groups of all sizes
  3. Materials
  4. Directions
  5. Why mystery play dough balls are the best
  6. What can I use to color play dough?
  7. Mystery play dough colors are a winner
  8. FAQ

Mystery play dough colors are always a blast

I have made these delightful little play dough balls for years, and they never fail to wow.

Just a few months ago, I wanted to bring a fun activity to some friends for their mixed-age group of kids, and I quickly set to work.

They played with these before, during, and after dinner.

Even the adults got into it!

Related: Looking for the BEST play dough recipe? Everything you need to know + my three very best play dough “tricks”

A clear bucket full of small, uncolored play dough balls with large mounds of pink + blue dough behind it

You can use mystery play dough colors for groups of all sizes

I have made these for friends with one kid (Hi, Jenni!), and I have made them for my entire group of preschoolers.

Whether doing these with one kid or 14+, they’re amazing!

Use the play dough just as you would usually with your favorite toys and tools for days and days of fun!

two flattened circles of uncolored dough each with small balls of pink play dough in the center - three mounds of uncolored, pink, and blue play dough sit behind them

Materials

Friends Art Lab is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.

  • Homemade playdough – flour, salt, vegetable oil, water
  • Liquid watercolors or food dye
Four flattened circles of uncolored dough, two with small balls of pink play dough and two with small balls of blue play dough in the center - three mounds of uncolored, pink, and blue play dough sit behind them

Directions

You want to have colorful and uncolored play dough (mostly uncolored).

Typically, I first make a batch of my play dough and leave it uncolored. I make it and set it aside.

Then, I make a second batch, also uncolored.

Once I have my second batch, I split it into thirds, adding one-third to the first batch of uncolored dough.

Then, I add my coloring into the other thirds of the dough (here I did pink and blue) and knead in the color. You want the dough to be as colorful as possible, and you could do this step in a stand mixer!

Now you have a big batch of uncolored dough and two smaller balls of colored dough.

Take a piece of uncolored dough and smooth it into a small, flat-ish circle. Next, take a bit of colored dough, roll it into a ball, and place it in the center of the flattened piece. Wrap the flattened piece around the colored ball until you cannot see the color.

Repeat.

(Note: if I need to make a LOT of mystery play dough balls, I make two uncolored batches of dough, then two colored batches of dough by mixing colorful water into the ingredients using the method in my homemade play dough recipe. This makes a ton!)

Mystery play dough colors in action - a ball has been squished and pink play dough has been revealed from the inside

Why mystery play dough balls are the best

Kids love play dough and are often used to it being vibrantly colored.

When these are presented, they colors are bland.

Kids are immediately intrigued.

I would say something fun like, “Wait, I was certain these were colorful! Do you think you could find the colors?” and just like that, they’re hooked and squealing with delight.

Mystery play dough colors in action - a ball has been squished and pink + blue play dough have been revealed from the inside

What can I use to color play dough?

I often use liquid watercolors, but food dye also works great.

I have also used gel food coloring and love it for playdough.

A hand holds lumps of pink, blue, and purple play dough

Mystery play dough colors are a winner

Store your play dough as you usually would and grab for fun, easy, quick sensory play.

I love how this activity feels like a Buy 1 Get 1 Free.

Have fun!

FAQ

What age is this recommended for?

Any age that can safely use the materials!

Have you ever made the play dough recipe with gluten-free dough?

I have not, but if you have, please let me know how it works!

Is homemade play dough easy to make?

It is! I think it’s made even easier by using a stand mixer (see my recipe), but a bowl + spoon is perfect, too!

Friends Art Lab Best Resources:

GIANT 10-Foot Coloring Banners 🎨
Printable Coloring Pages for Kids ✍🏼
Learn About Virtual Preschool 🖥️
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
← Previous Post
Fingerprint Apple Trees – Preschool Art
Next Post →
Apple Vocabulary: Preschool Literacy Activity

EXPLORE A CATEGORYSensory

Related Activities

  • A large circle of black dough is adorned with loose parts: glow in the dark stars, acrylic gems, bouncy balls, and star beads.
    Outer Space Play Dough Activity
  • The EASIEST Play Dough Recipe Ever
  • A close up shot of sensory water play: a hand holds a clear cup filled with purple sparkly water. The top part of the water shines in the sun and looks pink.
    Sparkly Water Table
  • A purple tray sits on a table and is filled with lemon oobleck and lemon slices. A jar of water, a small jar of coloring, a lemon half, and a box of cornstarch sit next to the tray.
    Lemon Oobleck Sensory Play

Let’s Stay Connected!

Get our favorite ideas and news sent directly to your inbox.

Reader Interactions

LEAVE A COMMENT

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Kristian

Hi, I’m Kristian!

I have spent over 15 years in the preschool classroom, I have a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, and I was a college professor of education for eight years. My passion is sharing creative learning activities for children and I'm so happy you're here.

LEARN MORE

Best Summer Activities

A collage of water table activities around the perimeter and in the center reads the text "30+ water table activities for kids"

Water Table Activities for Kids

A smiling preschooler stands outdoors at a water table, holding and squeezing a yellow sponge over a bin of turquoise water. The child’s colorful shirt and the bright green yard create a playful backdrop for this joyful moment during sponge water play for kids.

Sponge water play for kids

Hands holding a set of freshly frozen neon paint popsicles with distinct rainbow stripes of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, ready for painting outdoors on a white surface.

How to Make Neon Paint Popsicles

A young girl with long blonde hair and a pink shirt smiles while playing at a white table filled with colorful neon water bins. Each bin holds a different bright color, and paint bottles are lined up behind them. The scene takes place on a sunny patio surrounded by greenery. This playful moment highlights the joy of neon water outdoor play for preschoolers.

Neon Water Outdoor Play Preschool Summer Activity

ALL SUMMER POSTS

Best Sensory Activities

A collage of water table activities around the perimeter and in the center reads the text "30+ water table activities for kids"

Water Table Activities for Kids

A smiling preschooler stands outdoors at a water table, holding and squeezing a yellow sponge over a bin of turquoise water. The child’s colorful shirt and the bright green yard create a playful backdrop for this joyful moment during sponge water play for kids.

Sponge water play for kids

A young girl with long blonde hair and a pink shirt smiles while playing at a white table filled with colorful neon water bins. Each bin holds a different bright color, and paint bottles are lined up behind them. The scene takes place on a sunny patio surrounded by greenery. This playful moment highlights the joy of neon water outdoor play for preschoolers.

Neon Water Outdoor Play Preschool Summer Activity

Side-by-side image showing a box of food coloring and a bin of green glitter water with two wooden spoons, part of a taste-safe sensory play setup.

Taste-Safe Sensory Play Shimmer Water

ALL SENSORY POSTS

Footer

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok

Friends Art Lab Shop

  • Coloring Banners
  • Virtual Preschool
  • Coloring Pages
  • Directed Draws
  • Affiliate Shop

Visit the Blog

  • Sensory
  • Art
  • Outdoor
  • Science
  • Draw
  • Math

Customer Service

  • Contact Us
  • Shipping
  • Return Policy
  • Gift Card
  • FAQ
  • About Us

© 2025 Friends Art Lab ·  Privacy Policy ·  Terms & Conditions ·  Disclosure ·  SITE CREDITS