Play Dough Spider Race Activity

2 min read September 13, 2026 Missy and Kristen
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Play dough is a fun and mess-free activity that we love to incorporate into our classroom whenever possible. And when we can use it for a Halloween-inspired lesson plan, it's more fun both the teacher and students! Here's how to start this simple classroom activity.

Project Time
15 to 20 min
Difficulty
Beginner
Step
1

Combine 2 c. flour, 1/2 c. salt, 3 tsp. cream of tartar, 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil and 1 c. boiling water. Mix until it turns into the proper play dough consistency.

Play Dough Spider Race Activity step 1
Step
2

Add approximately 10 drops of red and 10 drops of yellow food coloring to the dough and mix until you have the perfect Halloween orange color.

Play Dough Spider Race Activity step 2
Step
3

Add a bit of neon orange glitter for a hint of spooky sparkle.

Play Dough Spider Race Activity step 3
Step
4

Prepare a cool craft tray with a small ball of your homemade orange play dough, a black and white striped paper straw, a colorful foam die and a few neon spider rings.

Play Dough Spider Race Activity step 4
Step
5

Have each student place a straw upright in the ball of their play dough.

Play Dough Spider Race Activity step 5
Step
6

Have the kids roll their colorful foam die. Whatever number the die lands on, the student has to count out that many spider rings.

Play Dough Spider Race Activity step 6
Step
7

Have students place the correct number of spider rings onto their straw. Whoever reaches the top of the straw first wins!

See the complete Ghoul Gang Classroom Halloween Party as well as how to make a Halloween Bulletin Board. Be sure to download our free Halloween Printable Alphabet Cards too!

Play Dough Spider Race Activity step 7

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