play doh makes a mess... We don't use it.
-Large outdoor area: trampoline, balls, frisbees, etc. Thrift store almost always has used Nerf guns for a few bucks. Water guns! If you have pavement, a $20 Razor scooter and (thrift-store) helmets!!
-Indoor: your ideas about coloring books, crayons, etc are good. Hot wheels cars, etc.
-TV has a bad rep, but there's a few shws such as Little Einsteins, Wild Kratts, etc which are mildly educational and 'less bad'
Good luck!!