When I was a child one of my fondest memories was making homemade play dough. I would make a batch, then color it and play with it for hours. Carefully when I was done storing it in baggies until the next time I got it out. It never did last long with brothers and a sister wanting to play too, but we did have many fun hours with it.
This is the recipe I used. Try it and enjoy it with your kids. I think Sophia is finally getting old enough to give it a go, at least she won't be constantly eating it. :)
2 cups flour
2 cups salt
2 tbsp. cooking oil
4 tsp. cream of tartar
2 cups water
food coloring
Mix flour, salt and cream of tartar in a pan, then add water, oil, and food coloring. Heat for about 3 minutes. Or until mixture pulls away from pan. Remove and knead.
Then play!