One of the easiest doughs to make for kids is with flour and salt. You'll need 1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup water and 1 cup flour. Mix together until you can form it all into a large ball. You can also tint it with food coloring or a coloring used for homemade bath products.
Combine 4 c. of flour and 1 c. salt. That's all-purpose flour, not self-rising. Add 1 c. of water to make a stiff ball. Lastly, knead it for 10 minutes.
2 cups flour
2 cups warm water
1 cup salt
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 Tablespoon creamoftartar
Mix well over low heat until dough pulls away from sides of pan.
Just remember - when using FOOD COLORING, unlike Play-Dough, it can stain carpets, upholstery, and clothes... permanently! Supervision (as ALWAYS) and a prepared play area are very important!
The best art dough recipe is one that hardens after it dries; it is very, very simple: combine regular (not self rising) flour with a spoon or so of salt and a little water. Mix. Knead. And add a little food coloring if you like. And there you go, play dough.