How to Dye Pasta Bright Colors for Sensory Play

Learn how to safely dye pasta so your kids can play with it in lots of sensory activities. This is a non-toxic recipe.

There are so many fun and educational things you can do with dyed pasta. They make the perfect base for sensory play for your kids. When you see brightly-colored pasta in non-edible activities, this is how I made it!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills: Fine Motor Skills

Ages: 2 Years +

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Dyed Pasta For Sensory Play

When you are trying to think of things to use for sensory play, pasta is one of the best things. It’s cheap – you can usually find it on sale at the grocery store. Plus, it’s the perfect size for little hands to grip and learn how to pinch and maneuver.

All the beautiful colors will captivate their imagination and encourage them to engage in artistic play too. They can match colors, create a rainbow, and create patterns.

This recipe for dyeing pasta for sensory play is the basis for so many activities that you can do later on.

Watch the Video to See the Color Mixing Carrot in Action!

How To Dye Pasta

Making your own dyed pasta doesn’t require any special skills. Visual learners, this one is for you! This really short video shows you exactly how to dye pasta. It’s such a simple tutorial that after you do it once, you’ll be hooked and wonder why it took you so long to go for it! The hardest part? Waiting for it to dry overnight, you’ll want to dig right in!

How To Dye Pasta

Making your own dyed pasta doesn’t require any special skills. Visual learners, this one is for you! This really short video shows you exactly how to dye pasta. It’s such a simple tutorial that after you do it once, you’ll be hooked and wonder why it took you so long to go for it!

The hardest part? Waiting for it to dry overnight, you’ll want to dig right in!

Materials

White Vinegar
Liquid Watercolor
Pasta, we used Penne

Re-usable container with lid, or plastic bag with zipper
Baking Sheet
Wax Paper

White Vinegar
Liquid Watercolor
Pasta, we used Penne
Re-usable container with lid, or plastic bag with zipper
Baking Sheet
Wax Paper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Split up a 1 pound box of pasta (about 1/2 cup each).

Step 2

In a reusable container add 1 tsp white vinegar and 1 tbsp liquid water color.

Step 3

Repeat for each color.

Step 4

On a baking sheet with wax paper, spread the pasta in a thin layer.

Step 5

After an hour of drying separate any pieces that may have stuck together.

Step 6

Allow to dry for several more hours or overnight.

Step 1

Split up a 1 pound box of pasta (about 1/2 cup each).

Step 2

In a reusable container add 1 tsp white vinegar and 1 tbsp liquid water color.

Step 3

Repeat for each color.

Step 4

On a baking sheet with wax paper, spread the pasta in a thin layer.

Step 5

After an hour of drying separate any pieces that may have stuck together.

Step 6

Allow to dry for several more hours or overnight.

Endless Sensory Fun with Our Activity Table!

Check out our awesome foldable sensory table – it’s perfect for all kinds of sensory play! It comes with foldable bins and double-sided lids (whiteboard and chalkboard!). It is such a hit! It’s great for all types of sensory play. Try using kinetic sand, play dough, or even shaving cream for different textures and sensations. Our sensory table makes it super easy to set up and pack away, so you can have fun anywhere, anytime!

SHOP NOW

Endless Sensory Fun with Our Activity Table!

Check out our awesome foldable sensory table – it’s perfect for all kinds of sensory play! It comes with foldable bins and double-sided lids (whiteboard and chalkboard!). It is such a hit! It’s great for all types of sensory play. Try using kinetic sand, play dough, or even shaving cream for different textures and sensations. Our sensory table makes it super easy to set up and pack away, so you can have fun anywhere, anytime!

SHOP NOW

Activities Using Dyed Pasta

There are so many different sensory play activities you can do with the pasta after it dries. Make rainbow art with the pasta or make your own DIY jewelry. You can even fill a tub with the colorful pasta and let them have a fun time digging in!