BlogActivities for Kids20 Best & Easy Painting Ideas for Kids

20 Best & Easy Painting Ideas for Kids

Developing new and exciting painting ideas can be challenging that kids can easily pull off. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we will be discussing a variety of fun and easy painting ideas kids will love.

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We’ve got you covered, from simple designs that kids can complete in minutes to more complex paintings that will require a little more time and effort. So what are you waiting for? Read this article and get your kids started on one of these fun painting ideas today!

Also Read: 25 Best Summer Activities for Kids to Have A Blast This Summer

We will divide this article into different sections to better understand the ideas. Let’s first start with paper painting.

Paper Painting Ideas Kids

Image of Sponge art with acrylic paint painting ideas kids

There are various paper painting ideas that your kids can easily pull off. Here are some fantastic ideas:

1. Use a Q-Tip To Make Polka Dots

Q-tip paintings are perfect for younger kids because they can easily control the amount of paint they use. And, they don’t have to be perfect! Just let them go crazy and have fun with it.

Things Needed: Q-tips, Watercolors, Paper

Instructions:

  • Pour a small amount of paint onto a plate or paper towel.
  • Dip the tip of the Q-tip into the paint.
  • Dab the Q-tip onto the paper to create polka dots.
  • Repeat until the entire piece of paper is covered.

2. Make A Sponge Painting

The sponge is not only used for cleaning, but children can also use it for painting! This is an excellent idea for kids who love to get their hands messy.

Things Needed: Sponges, Paint, Paper

Instructions:

  • Pour a small amount of paint onto a plate or paper towel.
  • Dip the sponge into the paint.
  • Dab the sponge onto the paper to create your design.
  • Make different patterns by using different sponges.
  • Let the paint dry before hanging up your artwork.

3. Use Your Fingers To Make Fingerprints

Fingerprints are unique to each person, so what better way to make a piece of art than by using your fingerprints? This is an excellent idea for kids of all ages.

Things Needed: Paint, Watercolors

Instructions:

  • Pour a small amount of paint onto a plate or paper towel.
  • Dip your fingers into the paint.
  • Press your fingers onto the paper to make fingerprints.
  • Make different patterns by using different fingers.

4. Use A Potato To Make Stamps

This is an excellent idea for kids who love to get their hands dirty. And, it’s a lot of fun to see the different designs you can create with potatoes.

Things Needed: Potatoes, Paint, Scissors, Paper

Instructions:

  • Cut the potatoes into different shapes with scissors.
  • Paint the potatoes in different colors.
  • Press the potatoes onto the paper to create stamps.

5. Make Spirographs with Straw

Spirograph paintings are an excellent way for kids to experiment with different colors and patterns. And, it’s a perfect activity for those rainy days when you can’t go outside to play.

Things Needed: Straws, Paint, Paper

Instructions:

  • Pour a small amount of paint onto a plate or paper towel.
  • Twist the straw into different shapes.
  • Press the straw onto the paper to create spirographs.

6. Texture Painting with Yarn

Adding texture to paintings is a great way to add interest and depth. And, kids will love using different textures to create their unique artwork.

Things Needed: Yarn, Paint, Paper

Instructions:

  • Tie one end of the yarn to the paintbrush.
  • Drag the yarn through the paint.
  • Press the yarn onto the paper to create your design.

That’s it for our paper painting ideas! Now let’s move on to craft painting ideas.

Craft Painting Ideas

Bowl dipped in colored water painting ideas kids

There are a variety of different craft painting ideas kids can easily pull off. Here are some fantastic ideas:

7. Making Mugs with Marbles

You will need a white mug, marbles, and paint in various colors.

Instructions: Place a few drops of paint onto the marbles and then roll them around inside the mug. Be sure to cover the entire inside surface of the cup. Let your child pick out which color they want for the outside of the mug and paint it on. Once the paint is dry, they can add a design with a Sharpie if they’d like.

8. Decorating Picture Frames

You will need picture frames (in any size you like), paint in various colors, and stickers or other embellishments.

Instructions: Paint the picture frames in any color or design your child likes. Once the paint is dry, they can add stickers or other embellishments to personalize their frame.

9. Painting Rocks

You will need rocks (any size or shape), paint in various colors, and a sealant (optional).

Instructions: Have your child choose their favorite rocks and paint them in any color or design they like. Once the paint is dry, they can seal the rocks with a sealant if they’d like. This will help keep the paint from fading over time.

10. Making a Suncatcher

You will need glassware (in any shape or size), paint in various colors, and a string for hanging.

Instructions: Place a few drops of paint onto the glassware and then roll them around until the inside surface is covered. Let your child pick out which color they want for the outside of the glassware and paint it on. Once the paint is dry, they can add a string for hanging. Your suncatcher is ready!

11. Painting Wooden Letters

You will need wooden letters (in any size or shape), paint in various colors, and a sealant (optional).

Instructions: Paint the wooden letters in any color or design your child likes. Once the paint is dry, they can seal the letters with a sealant if they’d like. This will help keep the color from fading over time.

12. Decorating a Mirror

You will need mirrors (in any shape or size), paint in various colors, and stickers or other embellishments.

Instructions: First, paint the mirror’s frame in any color or design your child likes for decorating a mirror. Once the paint is dry, they can add stickers or other embellishments to personalize their mirror.

13. Making Coasters with Rope

You will need a few different colors of paint, a piece of rope, and some cork tiles.

Instructions: Paint the cork tiles in any color or design your child likes. Once the paint is dry, they can add a piece of rope to the top of each tile. This will help keep them from sliding around on the table.

Now let’s discuss some easy and fun painting ideas that any kid can easily pull off!

Easy Painting Ideas

Child outside painting with paint gun painting ideas kids

Here are some great ideas for easy painting:

14. Painting with a Twist

Adding extra elements to your child’s paintings can make them stand out. One fun idea is to have them paint with a twist. Kids can do this by adding food coloring to the water and then spraying it onto the canvas. You can also add paint to a spray bottle and let your kids go to town with it. Just put down a tarp or some newspaper to protect your surfaces.

15. Painting with Feet

This is another fun and easy way to add a unique twist to your child’s paintings. Have them paint with their feet by dipping their toes in paint and then making footprints on the canvas. This is an excellent option for younger children who may not be able to use a brush or other painting tools yet.

16. Painting Gourds

Gourds make great painting canvases because they have a unique shape and texture. It would help if you dried out the gourd first by letting it sit in the sun for a few days. Once it’s dry, your child can paint it any way they like.

17. Scrape Painting

Scrape painting is a fun and easy way to add texture and interest to your child’s paintings. It would help if you had some paint, a putty knife, and a canvas. Have your child spread the paint onto the canvas with the putty knife. Then they can use the back of the blade (or their fingers) to scrape off the paint to create interesting patterns.

18. Glue and Fabric Painting

This is a super easy painting idea that even the youngest kids can do. All you need is some fabric paint, glue, and a piece of fabric. Please help your child apply the glue to the material in any design they like. Once the glue is dry, have them paint over it with the fabric paint. The result is a unique and one-of-a-kind piece of artwork!

19. Puffy Paint Painting

Puffy paint is a fun and easy way to add texture to a painting. Squirt some puffy paint onto a piece of paper and have your child go to town! They can make dots, swirls, lines, or any other design they can think of.

20. Tape Painting

All you need for this easy painting idea is some painter’s tape and some paint. Please help your child create any design they want on a piece of paper using the tape. Once they’re done, they can paint over the entire thing with one color or multiple colors. When they’re finished painting, carefully remove the tape to reveal their work of art!

Let’s Paint!

Photo of tape painitning on canvas painting ideas kids

So there you have it! Twenty easy and fun painting ideas that any kid can easily pull off. Whether your child is just starting with painting or they’re a seasoned pro, these ideas will provide hours of entertainment. Be sure to try out some of these ideas yourself – we promise you won’t be disappointed!

Explore more online educational resources for kids that will help with their learning experience and make them smarter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

My child is getting bored with painting. What can I do to spice things up?

There are many ways to add interest and excitement to your child’s paintings. Try some of the ideas we’ve listed above, or get creative and develop your own ideas. You can also try painting on different surfaces, such as cardboard, fabric, or even paper.

What supplies do I need for these painting ideas?

You’ll need some basic painting supplies, such as paint, brushes, and a canvas (or another surface to paint on). You may need additional supplies for some of the more unique ideas, such as glue, tape, fabric paint, etc. Be sure to check the specific instructions for each idea.

Can I use these painting ideas with older kids?

Most of these ideas can be adapted to work for older kids as well. Just be sure to choose a project that is appropriate for their skill level. You may also need to help them with some of the more challenging ideas, like sketching out a design or using paint to create texture.

AUTHOR
Brian Lee
Brian Lee is a writer and parent of 3 spirited children. He loves writing about his parenting experience, the lessons his kids teach him every day and parenting hacks and tricks he’s picked up along the way.
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