50+ Art Activities for Kids

Art activities for kids have my heart.

I know. It seems scary introducing paint to toddlers or handing over a fresh pack of markers. I get it. The possible mess is not the love language for all.

But what if the potential mess also came with the possibility of increasing concentration, creativity, and self-control?

Before you click away, I assure you that I kept all art lovers and naysayers in mind when organizing this post.

This roundup is not an art list of Pinterest crafts. Instead, this post is an excellent list of art activities to develop motor skills, deepen concentration, and encourage self-expression.

RELATED: Prefer a picture to go with every activity? Here is our complete list of art activities for kids.

Table of Contents:

1. The Best List for Art Supplies
2. How art benefits young children
3. Need a painting starting place?

Inside this art activity for kids post, you will find THREE categories:

• Easy art ideas
• Painting ideas for kids
• Recyclable Art ideas

Remember – children do not need complicated art activities! I find the simplest ideas have the most longevity for play.

Keep art ideas open-ended with techniques that allow children to test their own artistic abilities.

How art benefits young children

Sure, we know that art is essential. But what are the advantages of having toddlers and preschoolers introduced to art at an early age?

• Provides an outlet for emotions
• Strengthens fine motor skills holding art supplies
• Enhances creativity
• Encourages self-control
• Increases concentration
• Allows children to take on independent tasks such as set up
• Encourages independence with clean up
• Develops a sense of self
• Increases confidence

Easy Art Ideas:

Let’s keep things simple. This list of easy art ideas for kids has precisely that: quick setup and easy cleanup.

1. Tissue Paper Eggs
2. Color the Pup Tower – Days with Grey
3. Winter Mittens – Days with Grey
4. Mystery Leaf Rubbings – Days with Grey
5. Foil and Washi Tape – The Craft Train
6. Color by Number – Days with Grey
7. Cut and Glue Snowman Art – Days with Grey
8. Table Art – Toddler Approved
9. Bubble Art – Best Ideas for Kids
10. Tissue Paper Ornament Art – Days with Grey
11. Paper Collages – Friend’s Art Lab
12. Glue the Fall Leaves – Days with Grey
13. Ruler Drawings – Friends Art Lab
14. Simple Clay Activities – Days with Grey
15. Spring Snack Bags – Days with Grey
16. Hole Punching Designs – Days with Grey

Painting Ideas for Kids:

1. 40 Easy Painting Ideas for Kids – Days with Grey
2. Paint by Dots
3. Watercolor Winter Hats – Days with Grey
4. Water Pistol Painting – Messy Little Monster
5. Free Choice Paint – The supplies to get started – Days with Grey
6. Paint by Number – Days with Grey
7. Watercolor Shape Painting – Days with Grey
8. Shower Curtain Painting – Happy Toddler Playtime
9. Paint the Ice – Days with Grey
10. Watercolor Painting for Kids – Days with Grey
11. Black Glue Watercolor Painting – Glitter on a Dime
12. Bathmat Eye Dropper Painting – Friend’s Art Lab
13. Rock Painting – Days with Grey
14. Let’s Paint Elmer the Elephant – Days with Grey
15. Sponge Painting – Days with Grey
16. Watercolor Lace Hanging – Red Ted Art
17. Bounce Paint – Days with Grey
18. Fall Leaf Painting – Days with Grey
19. Outdoor Toy Paint – Busy Toddler
20. Paint the Shredded Paper – Days with Grey
21. Paint the Sticks – Days with Grey
22. Mess-Free Monster Painting – Toddler Approved
23. Magic Chalk Painting – Days with Grey

Recyclable Art Ideas:

1. 40 Ways to Play with Paper Tubes
2. 15 Art Activities for Boxes
3. Cardboard Box Tree – Days with Grey
4. Printmaking with Recycles – Projects with Kids
5. Scrap Paper Designs – Barley and Birch
6. Yarn Wrapped Cardboard Letters – Art Bar
7. Paper Bag Turkey Art – Days with Grey
8. Window Art with Scrap Paper – And Next Comes L
9. Nature Murals – Days with Grey
10. Let’s Make DIY Crayons – Days with Grey
11. Cardboard Tubes Sculptures – Art Bar
12. Cardboard Faces – Art Bar
13. Recycled Scrap Wood Art – Barley and Birch
14. Bubble Wrap Art – Days with Grey
15. Rainbow Weaving – Days with Grey
16. How to Recycle Old Markers – Days with Grey
17. Giant Tape Resist – Busy Toddler
18. Paper Tube Color Maze – Days with Grey
19. Invitation to Create with Recycles – Days with Grey