I love easy painting activities for kids.
Shout it from the rooftops; easy painting activities are simply the best! Spin art, ice painting, bubble wrap, smash painting, and so much more are inside this collection of simple (and unique) painting ideas for kids.
Painting and art activities calm the chaos, boost creativity, and redirect energy to help process emotions. Don’t be fooled by thinking painting with kids equates to a mess. Many times the setup is simple, and the time designing is well spent. Children become engaged and absorbed with fun painting ideas.
From watercolors to washable paint and paintbrushes to Q-tips, this collection of easy painting activities has something for every age and stage.
I am pretty sure that you will find yourself joining in the fun.
RELATED: 50+ kid’s activities at home can be found right here!
What kind of paint do you use with kids?
Finding art supplies can seem overwhelming.
I eagerly awaited painting with my oldest, which also meant I aimlessly walked up and down the aisles of Hobby Lobby, unsure where to begin.
Did I need watercolors? What exactly is tempera paint? Do the paintbrushes need to be a certain size? I was confused, to say the least.
Fast forward seven years later, and I can confidently point you in the right direction to get started. Here are the basic painting supplies for you to get started!
Painting supplies for kids
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Painting supplies we use and enjoy often
- Watercolors
- Washable liquid paint – starter set
- Washable liquid paint – 16oz
- Paintbrushes for kids
- Heavyweight white paper
- Use builder’s paper from a home improvement store to layer your tabletop. This is typically found in the painting aisle.
RELATED: Want to paint with tissue paper? Here’s how!
Begin with these easy painting ideas
I wrote these two painting posts to show how we begin painting without toddlers at a young age is possible. – it is a creative idea that I think you will adore!
- Painting with a Toddler – Days with Grey
- How to Paint with Kids – Days with Grey
Fun fact: Did you know that painting improves fine motor skills? I have a list of 50+ Fine Motor Activities here, and painting is included!
Can you teach your child how to paint?
Teach your child how to paint by providing them the time and experience to do just that – paint! The more kids paint, the more comfortable painting gets for all. – even us!
Painting is a gift that comes from within. It is something that is created with feeling as emotions and creativity guides each stroke. You can teach a child how to hold a paintbrush, but the painting itself is more about the journey and practice along the way.
Holding a paintbrush is a lot like holding a pencil. The best way to perfect grip is time and practice.
Try these 40+ easy painting activities for kids to get things started!
RELATED: This art cart will help sort and organize all your art supplies!
To begin, I broke these painting activities into three groups.
Fantastic painting ideas for kids – Grab the brushes, and let’s get started.
Creative ideas without paintbrushes – Ever paint with a Q-Tip? How about with paper rolls? Now is your chance to give a few different painting techniques a try. Bonus – these are also loads of fun!
Holiday and celebration craft ideas – Simple art activities that make great gifts.
To make this easier to navigate, most painting ideas align with the number shown in the main image above the category. Hooray!
Fantastic painting ideas for kids
- Paper Roll Color Maze – Days with Grey
- Leaf Painting – The Best Idea for Kids
- Giant Collaborative Painting (Great for playdates!) – The Art Bar
- Fall Leaf Painting – Days with Grey
- Rainbow Art for Preschool – Little Bins for Little Hands
- Bubble Wrap Art – Days with Grey
- Giant Coffee Filter Paintings – The Art Bar
- Paint the Sticks – Days with Grey
- Mirror Painting – The Workspace for Children
- DIY Sidewalk Chalk Paint – Books and Giggles
- Tabletop Painting Activity – The Workspace for Children
- Painted Coral – The Art Bar
Creative ideas without paintbrushes
- How to Recycle Watercolors – Days with Grey
- Painting with Nature – Glitter on a Dime
- Magic Chalk Painting – Days with Grey
- Squeegee Painting with Toddlers – Hello Wonderful
- Rainbow Blow Painting – Toddler Approved
- Smash Paint – Art Bar
- Pendulum Painting – Hello Wonderful
- Frozen Ice Paint – Busy Toddler
- Paint with Ice – Days with Grey
- Marble Painted Butterflies – Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds
- Fingerpainting with Kids – Days with Grey
- Toilet Paper Stamp Flowers – Taming Little Monsters
Try these unique painting ideas without paintbrushes as well!
- Rainbow Mickey Mouse Craft – Grace, Giggles and Naptime
- Wooden Peg Dolls – The Purposeful Nest
- Squirt Painting Mix Up – Days with Grey
- Body Tracing with Paint Sticks – The Workspace for Children
- Potato Stamp Rainbows – Toddler Approved
Holiday and celebration craft ideas
- Easy Art Painting for Easter – Days with Grey
- Giant Cardboard Donuts (Great for birthday celebrations!) – The Art Bar
- Framed Valentine Hearts – Hands on as We Grow
- Christmas Q-Tip Art – Busy Toddler
- Shamrock Scrape – The Best Ideas for Kids
- Halloween Art Activity – Days with Grey
- Easter Egg Roll and Paint – Busy Toddler
- Pumpkin Sponge Painting – Best Ideas for Kids
- Cardboard Box Christmas Tree – Days with Grey
This is a remarkable list of easy painting activities for kids!
Which will you try first?
We love painting cardboard! It is easy to find and a huge hit.
LOTS! We enjoy painting favorite characters, ideas from books, shapes, cardboard egg containers, bubble wrap, and paper tubes. Enjoy our entire collection of art ideas for kids. 
