Are you looking for some simple activities for preschoolers to keep them occupied for hours? I have your solution with this DIY cupcake play dough kit!

I’m always searching for simple activities for preschoolers as my kids are close in age and can do many activities together. A couple of years ago I found some great pre-made sensory bins at my local toy store. I got them for my kids for Christmas and I was amazed at how long they played with them! They would sit there for a couple of hours at a time digging, building and using their imaginations.

I think pre-made sensory kits are great, but they can get expensive. Once you see how easily you can make your own, you’ll never want to buy one again. In this post I will show you how to make a simple cupcake decorating play dough kit. With a few supplies and a little time you will have your kids mesmerized for hours!

Simple Activities for Preschoolers: Cupcake Play Dough Kit

Okay, first we need to talk about sensory kits and how great they are. I know there are moms out there that shudder at the thought of play dough, rice or kinetic sand all over the kitchen table. I get it… we work hard to keep the house clean! But sometimes we have to let it go for a little while. A lot of preschool activities at home require a little bit of a mess. I think that’s what helps preschoolers learn best. They need to be a little messy and creative. Sensory bins are so great because they are an open-ended activity. Your child can totally use his or her imagination while building those fine motor skills.

Here’s a few things I love about the cupcake play dough kit:

1. It’s a lot less messy than a lot of other sensory bins.
2. It is super quick to put together with things around your house, a local craft store or Amazon.
3. Your kids will absolutely love it!

How to put together your cupcake play dough kit: 

Step 1: Make or buy play dough

I have a very easy recipe to follow to make your own play dough at the bottom of this post. It only takes a few ingredients and turns out perfect!

If you’re short on time you can use ready made Play-Doh.

Step 2: Add cupcake decorations

Before you go out to the store, look around your house! You probably already have some of these or other craft items that can be used. For our cupcake decorations I went to Hobby Lobby and used:

• Sequins
• Pom Poms
• Birthday Candles
• Cupcakes Sticks

Other fun ideas and accessories…

• Real sprinkles
• Gemstones
• Mini Rolling Pin
• Silicone Baking Cups
• Mini Cookie Cutters
• Mini Scoops

Step 3. Set up the play area!

Place the cupcake decorating accessories out so they are easily accessible. I used the silicone baking cups to separate the sequins, poms, candles and cupcake sticks. This tray is perfect to keep everything organized in one area for your kids.

Now it’s time to play!

My kids played with this play dough kit all afternoon and woke up the next morning ready to use it again! It’s so fun to watch their imaginations at work- “baking cupcakes” for each other and making birthday cakes.

Step 4: Storage

When it’s time to clean up, wrap the play dough tightly in plastic wrap. Put it in an air tight container or plastic bag. Left at room temperature, the play dough can last for months. I placed everything in this storage container that has removable cups. Store the box close by, because your kids are going to be pulling out this fun preschool activity all the time!

If you’re searching for other preschool activities and how to homeschool your preschooler, check out this post- How to Homeschool Preschool.

This post was all about simple activities for preschoolers!