After making our own pumpkin spice play dough and a second batch of cinnamon play dough, the kids were ready to make a pretend pumpkin pie shop! Our house smelled like an Autumn café, and this activity kept the kids happily entertained for a long time. I love that they were able to practice some basic Math skills too! The play dough can be stored in a plastic zipper bag for a few weeks.
To make your own play dough pumpkin pie shop, you will need:
- homemade play dough — we followed this tutorial to make our own pumpkin spice play dough, and made a similar cinnamon version for the play dough crust (see recipe below). This play dough is not meant to be eatten, so be sure to use with kids who are old enough to understand not to put it in their mouths.
- mini pie tins
- poster board and markers (to create signage)
- notepad and pencil (or a toy cash register)
- cutting board
- mini rolling pins and cookie cutters (leaf shapes are great for Fall)
To make cinnamon play dough, you will need:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup salt
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 cup flour
- dash of cinnamon
Heat the water, salt, and cream of tartar in a medium sauce pan on low heat. Add the oil, and slowly add the flour and stir. Soon the dough will begin to form, and you can transfer it to a lightly floured cutting board. Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon and knead until it is well-mixed.
For the shop:
Gather your supplies. The kids may want to create their own signage using poster board and markers, but if they are not old enough adults can help create the signs and/or menu.
Invite your child to roll out the play dough pie crusts and fill the mini pie tins with play dough pumpkin pie. Other menu options include: pumpkin donuts, pumpkin croissants, pumpkin bread, and of course pumpkin cookies!
Add price tags to the items and take turns pretending to be the store owner or a customer. This is a fun way to sneak in a little Math practice (totaling up items and calculating change). Afterwards, you may want to indulge in some real pumpkin pie and settle in for some Fall-themed story time with these festive book recommendations!
Have fun!!
More Pumpkin Fun to Explore:
- Candy Pumpkin Addition Game
- Spelt Pumpkin Muffins Recipe
- 5 Tips for Hosting a Pumpkin Painting Party
- Favorite Pumpkin Crafts
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.
