Whether you’re an art-lover yourself or not, there’s no avoiding it: Little kids love arts, crafts and any activity that unleashes their creative side (with a pretty result to boot). But when you’re dealing with little kids, you’re a little limited in terms of the art projects they can actually do. The solution: art activities for preschoolers — and preschoolers only.
From virtually mess-free “stained glass” art projects to puffy paint activities that will keep them occupied for hours, here are 12 slam dunk preschool art activities.
1. Seashell fish
Looking for one of the tidiest art activities for preschoolers? Then check out these cute seashell fish from Crafts by Amanda. Not only will kids get a kick out of creating something from collected (or store-bought!) seashells, adults will love that exactly zero paint or glitter will be left to clean up afterwards. Win-win!
2. Cotton swab rainbows
Whether you’re looking for ways to brighten up your home or are in need of preschool art activities that don’t involve a trip to Michael’s, check out these cute cotton swab rainbows from Home Is Where the Art Is. All you need are cotton swabs, some food coloring, tape and paper. Voila! Cuteness abounds!
3. Vibrantly colored coffee filter flowers
These pretty vibrantly colored coffee filter flowers from Fun at Home with Kids definitely involve the help of an adult, as it’s a bit of a science experiment/art project in one. But the results — need we even say it? — are as cheerful as it gets.
4. Ice painting
What a “cool” idea from Friends Art Lab. All you need for this ice painting activity is, well, ice and paint (any kind will do). And in addition to it yielding actual art results (if you press paper into the bin), it also doubles as a sensory bin.
5. Homemade puffy paint
Move over, regular paint, this homemade puffy paint recipe from Kid Friendly Things to Do is about to reign supreme! Using only a few ingredients that you probably already have in your house, puffy paint dries in a raised fashion, giving kids’ masterpieces some texture. Very cool!
6. Apple stamping
It’s an art activity! It’s a food game! It’s apple stamping! This cute and simple craft from Little Bins for Little Hands is sure to delight little ones who are used to, you know, eating their food. And pro tip: You can also do a “stamping” craft with potatoes.
7. Felt jellyfish craft
If you’re not in the mood to get out the paints, try this felt jellyfish craft from Beyond the Playroom that is virtually mess-free. And if you don’t have felt in the house, all good! You can use either a halved paper plate or cardboard for the head. (And you can draw on the eyes if you don’t have googlies lying around!)
8. Popsicle stick monsters
Let your little one unleash their creepy side with these, let’s face it, not-so-creepy Popsicle stick monsters from I Heart Arts n Crafts. You’ll have to help out with the gluing, but everything else is up to them. (And if you don’t want to deal with paint, buy colored Popsicle sticks.)
9. Fork painting
There are so many things to love about this fork painting project from Kids Study Zone. For one, it results in a seriously pretty picture, and two, kids will get a kick out of painting with a utensil. Also, if you and your little ones get into the idea, there are tons of other fork painting projects to try.
10. Heart suncatchers
These heart suncatchers from Jillian Plum Creative are another great preschool craft that’s low on mess. All you need for these is some colored tissue paper, wax paper and glue, and you’ve got yourself an eye-catching, window-worthy craft.
11. Cotton ball art activity
For a joint preschool art project, try this cute cotton ball art activity from Yukti’s Art World. Simply paint (or draw) a picture and then have your kiddo glue on cotton balls to finish it up. From snowmen to swans, the possibilities are endless!
12. Contact paper and cuttings
Talk about smart! Bubble and Beep had the brilliant idea of taping contact paper to the window, offering little ones colorful paper cuttings and letting them go nuts. Such a smart stained glass art idea that will keep kids occupied for a while.
