Art is the perfect messy fun for kids and makes for brilliant sensory play. So dig out the old clothes, cover the table, and crack open the paint pots — fun is guaranteed with these 22 easy painting ideas for kids.
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If you’re looking for painting ideas to inspire your kids (or rescue a rainy afternoon), you’ve come to the right place. We’ve gathered a huge range of easy techniques below, from classic finger painting twists to a few surprising ones you may never have tried.
Easy Painting Ideas For Kids
#1. Ice Painting
Image: Learning and Exploring Through Play
This painting technique is far more enjoyable than it sounds! If your child loves getting their hands messy, this is one to try. Learn with Play at Home and Messy Little Monster have their own fun versions of ice painting worth a look too.
#2. Nature Paintbrushes
Image: Messy Little Monster
These homemade nature paintbrushes are one of the most beautiful, inspiring painting ideas out there. Combine the activity with a nature walk so the kids can collect their own sticks, leaves and grasses to paint with. Danya Banya’s painting with (and on) sticks is another lovely take on the idea.
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#3. Bottle Top Art
Image: A Little Pinch of Perfect
This process art idea uses recycled bottle tops for a really effective result — a great one to add to your craft box list.
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#4. Squirty Foam Paint
Image: Learn with Play at Home
Squirty foam paint uses a few simple ingredients and some recycled bottles, and it’s easy to set up for a quick sensory session.
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#5. Watercolour Glue Resist Art
Image: Artsy Momma
A lovely technique that children of all ages enjoy — glue is used to create shapes and outlines, then watercolours are painted over the top for a resist effect. Find the instructions on Artsy Momma.
#6. Rainbow Sidewalk Paint
Image: Learn Play Imagine
Take art outdoors with your own homemade sidewalk paint. You can also try painting with it on paper, as shown by Mama Papa Bubba.
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#7. Shaving Foam Painting
Image: Learning and Exploring Through Play
A firm favourite that kids often ask to repeat again and again. Mom Inspired Life even tried shaving foam painting on a window for a fun twist.
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#8. Painted Toast
Image: Messy Little Monster
Add some colour to breakfast with painted toast — a fun, edible twist on painting. Messy Little Monster has the details.
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#9. DIY Bath Paints
Image: The Realistic Mama
Make bath time extra fun with homemade bath paint, letting little ones get creative while they splash about. Instructions are on The Realistic Mama.
#10. Fingerprinted Season Keepsake
Image: Rhythms of Play
This one doubles as a lovely keepsake — a seasonal tree made from fingerprints and thumbprints that you can display all year round. Rhythms of Play shows how it’s done.
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#11. Spiderweb Art
Image: Learn with Play at Home
A lovely painting activity from Learn With Play At Home. Try adding handprint spiders to cut out and stick onto your colourful webs.
#12. Spin Art
Image: Learning and Exploring Through Play
Spin art painting is a classic that never goes out of style — kids and grown-ups alike find it hard to resist a go.
#13. Squirt Gun Painting
Image: Mama Papa Bubba
Definitely one for the garden — let the kids loose with paint-filled squirt bottles and a big sheet of paper.
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#14. Printing with Foam Blocks
Image: Rhythms of Play
If your child loves building with blocks but isn’t so keen on painting, try combining the two. Print with foam blocks for an activity that bridges both interests.
#15. Mess-Free Painting
Image: Learning and Exploring Through Play
Some children are reluctant to get their fingers messy, while others put everything in their mouths! For those moments, this mess-free painting activity is ideal.
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#16. Painting on Salt
Image: Learning and Exploring Through Play
A fun canvas with a bit of science behind it too — painting on salt creates lovely colour effects as the paint travels along the salt lines.
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#17. Nebulae Art
Image: Mosswood Connections
A delightful way to capture a space-loving child’s interests through art. Nebulae art is a calming, colourful painting technique.
#18. Painting on Foil
Image: Learning and Exploring Through Play
This one is all about the process. Painting on foil is a lovely tactile technique with hands and fingertips — or use a paintbrush or cotton buds if your child prefers to stay a little cleaner.
#19. Coffee Filter Painting
Image: Messy Little Monster
Colour mixing with coffee filters makes for a fun, visual painting process. Find the instructions on Messy Little Monster. Children love watching new colours appear as two or more mix together.
#20. Spice Painting
Image: Mama Papa Bubba
A brilliant activity for engaging the senses — textures, scents and colours all come together with DIY spice paints from Mama Papa Bubba.
#21. Painting with Playdough Tools
Image: Learning and Exploring Through Play
Playdough tools make wonderful patterns and imprints in playdough — and it turns out they’re just as fun in paint. Try painting with playdough tools for a new twist on both activities.
#22. Homemade Paint Recipes
Image: Learn Play Imagine
To finish off our collection, here’s an amazing set of homemade paint recipes to work your way through — perfect for topping up your painting supplies without a trip to the shops.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What age group are these painting ideas suitable for?
Most of these ideas suit toddlers through to primary-school-aged kids, with a little adjustment. Younger children will enjoy the sensory techniques like ice painting, shaving foam and mess-free painting, while older kids may prefer more detailed projects like spin art or nebulae art.
Do I need special paint for these activities?
No — ordinary washable kids’ paint or homemade paint recipes (see #22) work well for almost all of the ideas above. A few, like bath paints or spice painting, use their own simple DIY recipes, which are linked in each entry.
How do I keep the mess manageable?
Cover your table or floor space, dress kids in old clothes or an apron, and choose an easy-clean spot such as a kitchen table or the garden. For a lower-mess option, try the mess-free painting idea at #15.
Can these painting ideas be done outdoors?
Yes — several of them, including rainbow sidewalk paint, squirt gun painting and nature paintbrushes, are ideal for the garden or a sunny day outdoors.
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Save These Ideas for Later
Not ready to start painting today? Bookmark this page or pin your favourite ideas so you have them ready for the next rainy day or school holiday.
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