83 Easy-Peasy Painting Ideas For Kids That Are Fun and Creative! (2024)

By: Author Jasmine Dhillon

Posted on Published: May 13, 2022- Last updated: April 6, 2023

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Categories Acrylic Painting, , Kid Painting Ideas, Painting Ideas

If you’re looking for some easy and fun painting ideas for kids, you’ve come to the right place! Below you’ll find various painting projects and activities for a wide variety of ages. From toddler-friendly painting ideas to painting ideas for young children and older children. Painting is a great way to both build self-esteem of kids and also to help them develop their creativity.

If you’re looking for more painting goodness, check out the following posts: painting ideas (for older kids and adults), landscape painting ideas, 90+ Disney rock painting ideas, and pumpkin painting ideas.

What Do Kids Use For Painting?

There are a few types of paints that are both safe and easy for kids to use. The types are: acrylic paints, tempera paints, washable paints, watercolor paints, food coloring /DIY paints and fluid paints. I’ll go over them in detail below.

83 Easy-Peasy Painting Ideas For Kids That Are Fun and Creative! (1)

Types of Paints

Acrylic Paint /Craft Paint. This is the most popular choice as it’s easy to use with a variety of projects. Keep in mind that acrylic paints are permanent so once dried they don’t wash off.
Tempera Paint. Very similar to acrylic paint but is washable in nature. It dries matte and fades in color over time compared to acrylic that dries glossy and doesn’t fade as much. Use tempera paints for cheap projects where the longevity of the colors doesn’t matter.
Washable Paints. Some brands like Crayola carry a line of paints that are both designed for kids and are washable.
Watercolor Paint. Watercolor paints are quite different in nature compared to acrylics/tempera. Watercolors are transparent while acrylics are opaque. Both acrylic and watercolor are water soluble, however watercolors are not permanent. If water touches any dried paint, the paint will reactivate, unlike acrylics which are permanent once dried.
Food Coloring / DIY Paints, Food coloring is another cheap/easy item that can be used in kid-friendly paint recipes (below). You can use food coloring to create ice paints, DIY sidewalk chalk/paint, bath paints, use in salt paintings and even create some safe edible paints.
Fluid Paints: Kids can make some messy and fun pour paintings with a more fluid type of paint. Use acrylics paints or washable paints mixed with a pouring medium to make fluid paint. Once mixed with the pouring medium the paints become fluid and kids can tilt their canvases to move the paint in different designs.

Types of Brushes

The best of of brushes to use with acrylics is synthetic brushes. You can get a variety pack with different shapes and sizes. Kids can use the brushes to make different marks and get creative with them.

Types of Surfaces

Kids can use a variety of surfaces with acrylics. A few of them are listed below.

White card stock paper
Construction paper
Stretched canvas
Cardboard box
Watercolor paper
Canvas board
Rocks
Glass jars / mason jars
Foil paper
Large leaves

Safety Tips

Acrylic paints / art supplies can be safe to use, but it’s best to still supervise kids (especially young kids). You’ll want to make sure they use them responsibly, and don’t in-jest it/ inhale them. It’s also important to make sure the paints you use are safe for kids.

The pigments in some high end acrylic paints can contain some chemicals (like lead, cobalt, chromium, cadmium, and manganese). To rest assured the paints don’t have harmful/toxic ingredients in them you can look out for the AP (Approved Product) Seal by ACMI (The Art & Creative Materials Institute).

83 Easy-Peasy Painting Ideas For Kids That Are Fun and Creative! (2)

Kid-Friendly Painting Ideas

Below you’ll find 83 fun, easy and creative painting ideas for kids. Theres something for all ages from toddlers, and younger and older kids a-like!

A collection of fun, creative and easy painting ideas and art activities for kids of all ages.

How To Paint a Snowman For Beginners Canvas Painting

Photo Credit:feelingnifty.com

Get into festive cheer and get the kids to paint a cute snowman in this fun acrylic painting step by step tutorial. This painting idea is ideal for older kids (7-10).

How To Paint Fireflies & Mason Jar Canvas Painting

Photo Credit:stepbysteppainting.net

Older kids will love painting this magical fireflies in a jar painting. This is an acrylic canvas painting that can be followed in Tracie's step by step tutorial.

Rose Art Watercolor Painting Project

Photo Credit:rhythmsofplay.com

This gorgeous rose is a simple painting project for kids to get into. They'll use black glue as the outline of the rose (free stencil is included in the post). Then they'll fill it in with some vivid watercolor paints.

How To Paint a Butterfly Step By Step

Learn to draw and paint a butterfly in an aesthetic pink sunset with clouds and stars. This tutorial would work best for older children. Tutorial also includes step by step instructions on how to draw the butterfly.

Sweet Strawberry Painted Rocks

Photo Credit:sustainmycrafthabit.com

Use a simple rock as the canvas and get the kids to paint these sweet strawberry painted rocks. Kids can then have fun hiding them around your neighbourhood.

Painting Crafts for Kids: Fork Tulips

Photo Credit:growingupgabel.com

The kids will have fun painting these easy peasy fork tulips. They'll simply use a fork, dip it in their paint and stamp tulips down on their paper or canvas. Great Spring craft/activity and easy enough for young children to paint.

Footprint Rocket

Photo Credit:www.thebestideasforkids.com

This super cute footprint rocket makes a great keepsake or gift idea.

DIY Sidewalk Chalk Paint: Fun Fall/ End of Summer Outdoor Activity

Photo Credit:feelingnifty.com

Summer is the perfect time to paint outdoors. Make some simple DIY sidewalk chalk with cornstarch and food coloring in this easy painting idea for the kids. Give them a bunch of paint brushes and let the driveway be their canvas!

Fizzy Paint Moon Craft

Photo Credit:littlebinsforlittlehands.com

This painting idea is a creative way that combines a lesson in chemistry with art. Kids will have so much fun watching the reaction between vinegar and baking soda "fizz" while ending up with a nifty moon painted texture effect.

Cherry Blossom Tree Painting with Acrylics and Q-Tips

Photo Credit:feelingnifty.com

This fun and easy cherry blossom tree painting is painted with Q-tips and 3 simple paint colors. This acrylic painting ideas for kids is ideal for older kids ( 7-10 year olds)

Sun and Moon Watercolor Project

Photo Credit:makeandtakes.com

This magical sun and moon painting comes to life with some oil pastels to give texture in this layered watercolor painting. First the sun and moon is drawn on with a black marker, then kids use a combo of oil pastels and watercolors in layers.

How To Paint Rocks with 20+ Easy Ideas {Rock Painting 101}

Photo Credit:feelingnifty.com

Rock painting is an easy and cheap painting idea for kids. Get them to find rocks around the neighbourhood, then get them to get creative with some paints and brushes. If you're also looking for new ideas, this post will go over a few to their creative juices flowing.

Simple Fork Print Sunflower Craft

Photo Credit:www.craftymorning.com

Want an easy way for kids to paint a sunflower? This easy sunflower painting uses basic acrylic paints and a fork dragging method for the petals.

Inspirational Splatter Paint Art Project for Kids

Photo Credit:buggyandbuddy.com

This fun art activity gets the kids to have fun with splatter painting overtop simple yet dramatic black paint. Use the blank masking tape marks for the kids to write or draw in words that inspire them.

Black Glue Jellyfish Art

Photo Credit:www.artycraftykids.com

Kids will enjoy painting this beautiful jellyfish using black glue as the outline and then fill it in with watercolor paints.

Cherry Blossom Painting with Cotton Balls

Photo Credit:www.projectswithkids.com

Another simple cherry blossom painting that even the younger kids can do. In this painting idea. kids will use cotton balls dipped in paint and create the cherry blossom art.

How to Make Puffy Paint

Photo Credit:onelittleproject.com

Make some 3-D puffy paint with 3 simple ingredients: shaving cream, glue and food coloring. Kids can let their imaginations go wild with what they can make with their puffy paints.

Super Fun Bubble Paint Flower Craft for Kids

Photo Credit:www.myjoyfilledlife.com

Kids can create some gorgeous hydrangea flowers using the bubble paint technique. And kids will have fun blowing bubbles to boot!

Wrapped Yarn Resist Birch Tree Paintings – The Pinterested Parent

Photo Credit:thepinterestedparent.com

Pineapple Finger Painting

Photo Credit:www.pennypinchinmom.com

Kids will use their thumbprints to create this fun pineapple summer painting.

Colorful Q-tip Painted Dragonfly Craft

Photo Credit:www.projectswithkids.com

The kids will have fun with this summer inspired painting idea. Use some cardstock to cut out some dragonfly shapes. Then get the kids to paint in their own designs with a dotting method using q-tips and different colored paints.

Milk Caps and Lids Squish Painting: Process Art for Kids

Photo Credit:alittlepinchofperfect.com

Save the lids from your milk jugs, soda bottles , etc. and get kids to use them as stamps. Kids will have fun creating a variety of patterns and designs.

Leaf Painting

Photo Credit:www.thebestideasforkids.com

Get the kids to use big simple leaves as their canvas. Collect them on a nature walk then come back and get them to use a dotting method using puffy fabric paint.

How To Paint A Flamingo Canvas Painting

Photo Credit:stepbysteppainting.net

Flamingos are a fun summer bird to paint for the older kids with Tracie's step by step tutorial. This tutorial uses acrylic paints on canvas.

Easy and Fun You Rock Valentine Kids Paintable Craft

Photo Credit:www.janinehuldie.com

This valentine's inspired painting idea uses rocks and simple red and white paint. Get the kids to make their own unique valentines for their classmates and family/friends.

Yayoi Kusama

Photo Credit:www.kitchencounterchronicle.com

This unique are idea uses created simple varying sizes of polka dots in one color to make this beautiful painting technique.

Water Gun Painting - Squirt Gun Painting - Fun Art Project

Photo Credit:www.madewithhappy.com

This super fun summer painting idea for kids is sure to be a hit! Take some simple water guns and mix in some acrylic paint and water for a fun afternoon painting outdoors. Add this to your collection of art projects to try.

Sensory Painting! DIY Spice Paint Recipe

Photo Credit:mommyevolution.com

Have you ever thought about infusing your child’s paint with spices? It brings a whole new level to Sensory Painting which is an important thing to involve kids in.

Marshmallow Edible Paints for Rainbow Toast

Photo Credit:thetiptoefairy.com

In this fun painting idea the kids get to eat their creation! The edible paint is made using marshmallows, food coloring and a couple other ingredients.

Swing Painting Activity for Kids

Photo Credit:www.glitteronadime.com

What better way to combat boredom than to combine paints with play? Hand them a simple cardboard box, paints, brushes and let them swing away to create a very fun masterpiece.

Geometric Canvas Art

Photo Credit:www.burlapandblue.com

This simple painting idea for the kids uses masking tape to create a geometric design (kids can have fun creating their own design). Then they have can have fun adding paint colors overtop. The fun part is when they remove the tape to reveal their beautiful art.

Painting Fun - Make Bubble Art!

Photo Credit:chicnsavvyreviews.net

Take a childhood favourite activity of blowing bubbles and create an a fun painting with it. Simply add a couple drops of food coloring to the bubble solution and a simple piece of paper and let the kids enjoy making their bubble art creation.

Baby’s First Edible Fingerpaint- Made from Yogurt!

Photo Credit:thesaltymamas.com

Even the little kids can learn to paint with this completely edible, yogurt-based paint recipe! The best thing about this project? You don't have to worry about young kids putting paints into their mouths since its 100% edible.

Jackson Pollock Inspired Art Project for Kids: Toddler Art You Will Actually Put on Your Walls!

Photo Credit:thediynuts.com

Little artists will have fun with this abstract expressionism painting idea. Have fun using liquid watercolors and straws in this easy watercolor painting idea.

DIY Bath Paints

Photo Credit:www.modernlymorgan.com

Let the kids taking their painting project to the bath with these DIY bath paints recipe. This recipe uses simple items like baby wash, cornstarch, food coloring to create these washable paints.

Window Painting: Rainy Day Activity for Kids

Photo Credit:www.whatdowedoallday.com

Looking for creative ideas on how kids can use paints? This unorthodox painting idea uses washable paint on a window (great rainy day activity). Use masking tape to give your kids they "canvas" on the window and let them enjoy painting it in! Keep in mind the kind of paint you use is important - make sure you use washable paints.

How to Make a Beautiful Watercolor Flower Painting

Photo Credit:www.projectswithkids.com

This fun flower painting idea uses black oil pastel to trace the outline of the large flower. Then the kids can use some simple watercolors to paint in the petals and background. Makes a great painting idea for school-aged kids.

Ice Painting – Make Your own Ice Paint

Photo Credit:www.easypeasyandfun.com

This fun ice painting is an easy painting idea that doesn't require many items. All you'll need is some water, food coloring, ice cube tray and popsicles sticks.

Rock Painting - Zinnia Flower Rocks

Photo Credit:sustainmycrafthabit.com

Get the kids to make these zinnia flower rocks as a fun summer painting idea. The tutorial covers step by step instruction on how to paint the zinnia flower in various colors.

Fork Painted Monsters

Photo Credit:www.ourkidthings.com

Watch kids creative side come to life with these cute monsters using a fun fork swiping method. They can have fun making their monsters in variety of ways, sizes, different shapes and colors. Kids can even add googly eyes as a finishing touch to this adorable craft.

Best Acrylic Flower Painting Techniques for Beginners

Photo Credit:feelingnifty.com

Flowers are one of the easiest things to paint, even for kids! This post will go over ideas and new techniques like a fun tulip painting with a fork , q-tip lavender flowers, a fun flower finger painting idea, using a plastic bottle as a flower stamp, etc..

Bird Silhouette Art Project for Kids

Photo Credit:www.artycraftykids.com

This easy painting idea uses some gorgeous sunset colors using different brush strokes. Then kids can paint in their birds using a stencils (free download in post) to create this bird silhouette art project.

Sparkly Winter Paintings Make Gorgeous Winter Process Art Activity

Photo Credit:stayathomeeducator.com

This sparkly winter process art activity is a fun winter painting idea kids can try. This project uses paints, glue and epsom salts to create the funky texture and glittery effect. It's a great way for kids to explore adding different textures into their paints.

Ballerina Silhouette

Photo Credit:www.thebestideasforkids.com

This cute ballerina painting idea uses coffee filters and liquid watercolors to make this sweet artwork.

DIY BALLOON DART PAINTING WITH KIDS

Photo Credit:www.hellowonderful.co

Add this balloon dart painting to your list of fun painting ideas to with kids during the summer. It can also make a fun birthday party idea or an afternoon with friends.

Big Art: Painting with your Feet!

Photo Credit:www.funathomewithkids.com

The kids will love painting with their feet and getting messy with this fun and unique painting idea. This activity is perfect for young children.

Abstract Giraffe Painting Idea for Kids

Photo Credit:www.artycraftykids.com

This abstract painting of a giraffe is a fun and simple painting idea the kids will love. It uses black and white crayons to make paint resist marks then fills in the giraffe with watercolor paints.

How to Do Salt Painting for Kids

Photo Credit:artfulparent.com

This fun salt painting idea uses school glue, salt and vivid watercolor paints. A fun painting idea for young kids and older kids alike.

Marble Painting for Kids

Photo Credit:artfulparent.com

This unique and fun art project and activity will be sure to delight kids of all ages. Use simple marbles dipped in paint and get them to move them around on paper or canvas using a shallow cardboard box.

Bubble Wrap Printing

Photo Credit:www.artycraftykids.com

If you have extra bubble wrap laying around your home, you can use it in this simple bubble wrap painting idea. This activity is easy enough for younger children but can still be fun for the older kids too.

Kids Pour Painting with DecoArt

Photo Credit:www.craftsbycourtney.com

Pour painting / fluid art is a fun technique that kids can try in this kid-friendly pour painting tutorial.

How to Paint with Spray Bottles: 3 Simple Ways

Photo Credit:earlylearningideas.com

The kids will have a fun time using a spray bottle in conjunction with paints. The post will show you 3 ideas you can use with kids.

How to Do Spin Art with a Salad Spinner

Photo Credit:artfulparent.com

Use a salad spinner and some bright neon paints to create this lovely spin art. Add a few drops of paint into the salad spinner and let kids enjoy this unique painting activity.

Bubble Wrap Printed Fruit & Veg

Photo Credit:intheplayroom.co.uk

Kids will have fun using bubble wrap to create nifty painted patterns on paper. They can then cut out paper patterns into various fruits and vegetables.

Simple Pointillism for Kids Art project

Photo Credit:www.projectswithkids.com

This fun art project gets kids to use the art technique of pointillism (using q-tips) to create a beautiful work of art.

The Art of Stories- Vol.1

Photo Credit:www.paintedpaperart.com

This creative painting idea gets the kids to paint different designs on paper using tempera paints. Then get kids to cut the paper into the shape of trees as a lovely collage art piece.

Ours color� (art visuel et graphisme)

Photo Credit:www.lepaysdesmerveilles.com

This creative and simple painting idea gets the kids to first draw then paint in a bear using a black marker and water color paints on white paper.

SEA REFLECTIONS

Photo Credit:krokotak.com

This beautiful ocean inspired art is created using white oil pastel and watercolor paints.

Painted Handprint Flamingo Canvas - Kid Craft Idea

Photo Credit:www.gluedtomycraftsblog.com

Use your kids little hands to create this keepsake handprint flamingo painting. It also makes a special gift idea to give to loved ones.

How To Paint A Unicorn Canvas Painting

Photo Credit:stepbysteppainting.net

Unicorns are a popular and fun painting idea for kids. Tracie's step by step tutorial will walk older kids through the entire painting from start to finish.

Painting Swirly Flowers with a Simple Technique

Photo Credit:makeandtakes.com

Another fun and easy peasy flower painting idea for kids. The'll use tempera paints to create the basic swirl shapes in their choice of paint colors.

Crayon Resist 'Magic' Paintings – Danya Banya

Photo Credit:www.danyabanya.com

Use a combination of crayons and watercolors to create the magic of crayon resist water colour paintings. A sure to delight and wow kids of all ages.

Easy Fireworks Painting for Kids

Photo Credit:www.danyabanya.com

Get the kids to paint fun fireworks on black construction paper (could be used a 4th of July craft). This painting idea uses a toilette paper roll that's been cut into strips then used as a stamp. Kids can grab their own paint colors to make the fireworks.

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