Fizzy Dough Fun: A Simple Sensory Play Activity for Kids

Looking for a fun, easy way to engage your toddler or preschooler at home? Fizzy dough is a sensory play favorite at Little Bug Play Hub, and the best part? You only need a few kitchen staples to make it! It’s squishy, moldable, and when you add vinegar - it fizzes like magic!

How to Make Fizzy Dough

You’ll need:

1 cup baking soda
4 tablespoons water
A few drops of food coloring (optional, but fun!)
Vinegar (or lemon juice!) in a squeeze bottle or small cup
Bowls, toys, squirt containers, etc. to enhance the fun! See below for some of our tried-and-true favorites

Instructions:

In a large bowl, add the baking soda, water, and food coloring (if using).
Mix until you get a soft, doughy texture. We found using our hands is best!
Let your child squish, shape, and explore the dough.
Then, for the fizzy surprise drizzle or squirt vinegar onto the dough and watch it bubble and fizz!

Tips:

The recipe isn’t exact, and a lot of the fun is in the process! If the dough is too runny, add some more baking soda - if it’s too crumbly, add more water. It will make a nice, moldable, dough consistency when right!

Why We Love Sensory Play!

Sensory play isn’t just fun- it’s also super beneficial for little learners!

It helps build fine motor skills and hand strength
Encourages curiosity, creativity, and independent play
Offers a calming, hands-on way to explore textures and cause & effect

At Little Bug Play Hub, we use sensory activities like fizzy dough to spark joy and learning. You can do the same at home or come join us for a class and let your little one explore with friends!

Want more fun ideas like this? Check out our upcoming classes or drop-in play sessions… we’d love to play, learn, and explore with you!

Our Favorite Tools!

These are tried-and-true products that we use each week! They hold up to the rough and tough play of kiddos, are easily washable, and fit perfectly in little hands!