Creative Art Ideas for Kids: Painting and Crafts They’ll Love

Encouraging our kids' artistic side is important for building creativity, fine motor skills, and boosting confidence to express themselves. A list of go-to art ideas can make it easy to add creative activities to the roster of ways to keep the little ones entertained. From playful painting projects to seasonal craft ideas, here’s a collection of fun, simple activities your kids will love.

1. Painting Ideas

Finger Painting Fun

Kids love getting their hands messy, and finger painting is the perfect way to do it. Dipping their fingers into bright colors gives them a fun, tactile experience, and the result is often their very first masterpiece.

To get started, roll out a large sheet of paper—parchment or newspaper works perfectly. Pour washable paints into shallow trays and let your kids explore mixing colors with their hands while trying out different drawing ideas to make their own masterpieces. To add a bit of texture, try incorporating a few stamps and sponges. 

Blow Painting using Straws

These methods of creating paintings are unique and a lot of fun for the little ones. Kids get excited watching paint splatter and spread in surprising patterns.

To partake in blow painting with straws, first place a few drops of watered-down paint on paper. Take the straw and blow air through it toward the paint. This will push the paint in different directions, creating a unique painting every time.

Splatter Painting with a Toothbrush

Kids can use splatter painting with a toothbrush to let out their energy in a creative way. The random speckles surprise and excite them. These pieces can be complete on their own or used as a background for a scenic image. 

To start splatter painting, dip an old toothbrush in paint, then flick it across paper by pulling your finger across the bristles. Try layering multiple colors for a vivid fireworks effect.

Shadow Tracing with a Flashlight

Using a flashlight to shadow trace is a fun and educational project. Not only does it teach light perception, but it also improves fine motor skills and compares different item sizes. 

For this art idea, all you need is a flashlight and a few toys or objects to cast shadows, perfect for turning simple items into creative drawing ideas. Tape a sheet of paper to the table, shine the light across the objects from a distance, and let your little ones trace the outlines. Once the shapes are drawn, they can bring them to life with paint or markers.

Marble Painting

Marble painting is one of many entertaining craft ideas; watching the marbles roll paint trails across the paper feels almost like a game. It’s a great activity for kids who like to stay active with their hands. Place a piece of paper inside a shallow box and from paint-covered marbles on top of it. Tilt the box back and forth, side to side, and watch as the marbles leave colorful tracks that turn into masterpieces. 

2. Craft Ideas

Paper Plate Masks

If you have future theater kids or little ones who love to play dress-up, crafting masks out of paper plates can be a way for them to create a new character. Start by using scissors to cut eye holes in a paper plate. Then let the kids decorate their masks with markers, feathers, yarn, glitter—anything they like. Instead of attaching a string to wear it, simply glue on a popsicle stick handle for easy holding.

Egg Carton Animals

Egg carton animals are fun to make for kids because they allow them to find the magic in an everyday item. Not to mention it’s a great way to recycle your old egg cartons, a lesson you can incorporate! 

For this project, first start by picking an animal and planning your design. Once ready, cut the egg cartons into sections and paint them. Add pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and paper ears to create turtles, caterpillars, or bunnies.

Cardboard Houses or Cars

By crafting their own cardboard houses and cars, kids can enjoy their own play space, one they designed! Who knows? Maybe you’ll inspire a future career in architecture or engineering. 

For this project, you’ll want to save plenty of large cardboard boxes. Cut out windows and doors, then let the kids paint and decorate them as houses, cars, or even castles. You can attach several boxes together to build bigger creations.

Popsicle Stick Picture Frames

Popsicle stick picture frames are a great creative craft idea that the whole family can enjoy. The result is a meaningful and personalized frame that can display family photos. To build your frame, glue four popsicle sticks into a square, then decorate with paint, beads, or sequins. Tape the photo to the back of the frame before hanging it on the wall. Glue some magnets to the back, and you can hang these frames on your refrigerator. 

3. Nature-Based Art

Leaf Rubbing Crafts

This nature-based craft is like magic. Using just a leaf, paper, and a crayon, you can get the perfect sketch of a leaf, its veins, and all its intricate details. To make leaf rubbing art, place a leaf under paper and rub a crayon sideways across the top to reveal the design. Consider using the activity as a fun botany lesson and practice naming the leaves.

Flower Petal Collages

Flower petals make stunning collages with their bright colors and soft textures, making this activity irresistible. Kids will love the craft, and you will love the art. To create your own flower petal collages, gather fallen petals of all sorts of colors, shapes, and sizes. Glue them onto paper in patterns or shapes. Kids can design butterflies, hearts, or rainbows. Frame them and hang them in kids’ rooms, playrooms, or common spaces. 

Rock Painting Ideas

Painting rocks is a classic nature-inspired craft that lets you and your little ones create memorable, long-lasting keepsakes. Collect smooth stones, wash them, and use acrylic paints to design animals, monsters, or inspirational words. For extra inspiration, explore different rock painting ideas like galaxy patterns, mandalas, or silly emoji faces. These rock painting ideas are simple, colorful, and guaranteed to spark creativity.

4. Holiday-Themed Art

Halloween Art: Paper Pumpkin Painting Ideas

Kids love spooky themes, and pumpkin painting ideas are one of the easiest ways to dive into Halloween art. Instead of carving, try pumpkin painting ideas like bright colors, silly faces, or spooky designs. This gives kids the chance to be creative without the mess of carving, making it a family-friendly favorite. Best of all, it’s a festive Halloween art project that’s simple, safe, and fun for all ages.

You may also like: 50 Fun Fall Things to Do with Kids 

Thanksgiving Crafts: Handprint Turkeys

Turning handprints into turkeys is one of those classic drawing ideas Thanksgiving crafts that kids and parents both adore. Simply trace little hands on paper, color the fingers as feathers, and add eyes and a beak. This project is not only fun but also creates keepsakes you’ll treasure for years, proof that the best Thanksgiving crafts are often the simplest.

Christmas Crafts: Paper Snowflakes

Making paper snowflakes is a favorite holiday activity. The simple folds and cuts keep little hands busy, while the big reveal sparks wonder every time.

To create this favorite among Christmas crafts, fold a sheet of paper into triangles and snip small shapes along the edges. When the paper is unfolded, a one-of-a-kind snowflake appears. Hang them in windows or string these Christmas crafts together for a festive decoration.

Keep the Fun Going

There you have it—plenty of creative and fun art ideas for kids to spark their imagination. If you’re looking for even more family fun, don’t miss our guide to rainy-day kids’ activities, packed with 12 fun indoor activities that are perfect for even the cloudiest of days. 

At Stelle, we are all about childhood creativity and making it easier for parents to create meaningful moments. Explore more tips on our blog and discover more simple ways to add art, play, and connection to your kids lives.