Easy Painting Activities for Kids!

These painting activities for kids will mean you never run out of fun and easy ways for your kids to make art!

With 18 process art ideas, there is a children’s painting idea to suit all ages, from toddlers to teens! From simple, low mess painting ideas, to interesting experiments with paint, there is a painting idea on this list for everyone!

easy painting ideas for kids - collage of images

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What do kids learn from painting?

If you are wondering if it is really worth the hassle and mess of getting out the paints, here are a few things that kids learn from painting.

Painting helps develop eye-hand co-ordination.
Painting is a great way to develop fine motor skills and practice pre-writing skills.
Painting uses both the left and right sides of the brain. Being able to use and integrate both sides of the brain is important for complex thinking and problem solving skills.
Painting lets kids practice creative thinking, decision making and problem solving in a non-threatening environment.
Painting provides lots of opportunities to learn about colours, shapes.
Painting allows kids to express their ideas and creativity.
Painting can be calming, and a way to work through stressful situations.
Painting can be a social activity or done on your own, depending on your mood and needs.

The Best Painting Supplies for Kids.

To get started with painting with kids you really only need paint and paper, but here a few of our favourite painting supplies for kids.

Lots of large sheets of paper – the younger the child the bigger the paper! Try a roll of paper, or a pad of easel paper.
Washable, non-toxic paint – a good option to start with is liquid tempera paint, an easy, low-mess option is a watercolour set, and liquid watercolors are super fun!
Brushes – Short and stubby brushes for toddlers, and longer thinner brushes for older kids.
Art smock or apron – or old clothing!
Optional extras – no-spill paint pots (or save your yoghurt containers!), watercolor paper, rollers and foam brushes, a standing easel, or make your own temporary window easel.

Of course many of the best ideas for painting are when you use unusual painting supplies! There are so many fun painting activities that don’t use paint brushes, or paper! You might want to collect some household items like newspaper, q-tips, and bubble wrap. You can even turn old markers into liquid watercolor paints!

Painting Activities for Kids.

This collection of painting ideas for kids includes lots of easy ways to use paint with your kids at home, or in the classroom. There are lots of different painting techniques to try, some interesting ways to use paint, and many process art ideas that kids of all ages will love!

Click on the link below each image for full instructions for each painting activity.