Playtime is a golden opportunity for kids to learn, explore, and let their imagination run wild. But what if you could turn an ordinary bath time into an extraordinary playtime? Sounds fun, doesn’t it? Today, we’re going to share how to prepare a soothing lavender bath time playdough that’s amazing for calming and soothing bath time sensory play.

An easy hands-on tactile activity, this bath time playdough is more than just a playful delight. It offers a relaxing aroma from lavender essential oil, is great for skin with the oatmeal water, and the best part? Your kids can play with it during bath time for a whole lot of fun.

How to Make Lavender Playdough for Bath Time
This recipe yields a one-time-use bath playdough. Be sure to discard it after your kids are finished playing as it will mold.
For an extra splash of fun, you can substitute bath soap with bubble bath! And while the oatmeal water adds a soothing touch for your little one’s skin, it’s optional and can be left out if desired or if you don’t have the oatmeal available.
The delightful aroma of Lavender coupled with the soft, fun texture of the playdough promises a relaxing bath before bedtime. The playdough is perfect for those with sensitive skin, as the oatmeal water creates a soothing bath experience.
So there you have it! With our lavender bath time playdough, bath time is transformed from a routine task into a world of fun, relaxation, and sensory play.
Get ready to watch your little ones giggle with joy as they mold and squish this therapeutic dough.

Homemade Lavender Playdough Recipe for Bath Time
Our Bath Time Playdough activity is a captivating blend of sensory exploration and creative play that turns bath time into an exciting adventure.
With the calming aroma of lavender essential oil and the soothing touch of oatmeal water, this activity combines fun, learning, and relaxation. Kids can enhance their fine motor skills as they knead and mold the dough, while the vibrant colors spark curiosity and creativity.
This immersive activity promises not only endless moments of joy, but also a soothing, enriching bath time experience.
Materials
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup oatmeal
- ½ cup corn starch
- ¼ cup kid’s bath soap (I used Honest Company)
- 8 drops lavender essential oil
- 1 teaspoon purple mica powder
Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Microwave
Instructions
- Gather all your supplies ready to start making your own lavender playdough for bath time
- Pour the water into the oatmeal.
- Let the oatmeal soak for 15 minutes
- Then strain.
- Combine the mica powder with the baking soda.
- Mix until it is the color you desire. You might need to add more mica powder, depending on how strong you want the color.
- Mix the baking soda, oatmeal water, corn starch and kid’s bath soap together. Mix thoroughly.
- Add 8 drops of lavender essential oil and mix to combine.
- Microwave for 30 second intervals, for a total of two minutes. Stir in between. If the mixture is still sticky after 2 minutes, continue until it is not sticky. Let sit for about 10 minutes or until it cools down.
- Start kneading the dough until it becomes soft.
- It won’t be as soft as normal playdough, but it shouldn’t crumble completely.
Notes
This is a one-time use bath playdough. You do not want to save it when your kids are finished as it will mold.
You can substitute bath soap for bubble bath for more fun!
You do not have to do the oatmeal water, this just is extra soothing for your little one’s skin.
You also do not have to use essential oil. If you do, make sure they are safe ones for kids, like lavender.
Preparation time: 20 minutes (15 minutes for soaking oatmeal and 5 minutes for combining ingredients)
Active time: 2 minutes (Microwave cooking)
Extra time: 10 minutes (Letting the playdough cool down)
You can whip up a batch of this lavender play dough before bath time, or even get the kiddos involved with mixing it up if you have plenty of time for that.
With this fun-filled activity, we introduce the magic of transformation, color recognition, sensory exploration and the joy of creation to the little curious minds.

As your child kneads and molds the bath time playdough, they are working on improving their fine motor skills. Their little fingers become stronger, enhancing their ability to write, cut, and engage in other activities that require manual dexterity.
The activity of making the playdough provides an opportunity for color exploration. As kids mix the mica powder and baking soda, they learn about color changes and how different shades can be created. This aspect of the activity encourages curiosity and a basic understanding of color science.
Finally, the bath time playdough encourages creativity and imaginative play. Children can shape the dough into anything they desire – from their favorite animals to dreamy fairyland characters. This helps boost their creative thinking and imagination.
In a nutshell, the bath time playdough activity is a fun-filled, educational experience that ensures your child’s bath time is transformed from a routine chore into a fascinating journey of discovery, learning and relaxation.
The soft texture, beautiful color, and soothing smell of lavender make it a hit among kids, promising endless moments of joy and learning.

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Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.