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11 Painting Art Activities for Preschoolers

by Jean Van't Hul
July 5, 2023
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Our favorite painting art activities for preschoolers. Try process art ideas like spin painting, marble rolling, and marbling.

Updated July 2023

Looking for painting activities for preschoolers?

Here are 11 of our all-time favorites that are process-oriented and developmentally appropriate yet super fun. Everything from spin painting and puffy paint to watercolor resist and shaving cream marbling.

And, bonus! The results are usually pretty cool, too.

painting activities for preschoolers pin

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But first, a quick note about paints. We use and love a variety of paints, but our favorites for the preschool age are:

Art Activities for Preschoolers

spin painting
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

1. Spin Painting

Spin painting is such a fun painting activity for preschoolers as well as older children! We use a salad spinner for our spin art, but you can also do this with a special purchased spin art kit as well.

painting activities for preschoolers with marbles
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

2. Marble Painting

I don’t know about your kids, but mine love marbles. And painting with paint covered marbles is a favorite that we return to again and again. We’ve even used this technique to make spider webs at Halloween!

pink, purple and blue splatter painting
Photo by Rachel Withers

3. Splatter Painting

Who doesn’t love splatter and drip painting? This one is a messier, action-oriented art activity best suited to outdoors.

Body tracing for kids
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

4. Body Tracing and Painting

Body tracing art is a lovely way for preschoolers to create self portraits, work on self-image, and to work large.

Shaving cream Marbling for kids
Photo by Rachel Withers

5. Shaving Cream Marbling

If you haven’t tried shaving cream marbling yet, you must! It’s so fun and so beautiful! And here are some of our favorite ways to use that lovely marbled paper!

Once you get bitten by the bug, you’ll want to try 6 Ways to Marble Paper.

Photo by Rachel Withers
Photo by Rachel Withers

6. Painting with Cars

Who says you need paint brushes to paint? Try rolling your paint onto paper with a mini paint roller (sold for painting trim) or rolling the wheels of a toy car through a puddle of paint.

Painting-shaving-cream-donuts_instagram
Photo by Catalina Gutierrez

7. Shaving Cream Painting

I couldn’t write a post about favorite art activities for preschoolers without including shaving cream painting! We’ve done this on mirrors, the window, plastic toys––and now on donuts (thanks to our contributing writer Catalina Guiterrez)!

watercolor wax resist
Photo by Andrea Martelle

8. Watercolor Wax Resist Painting

A childhood classic, watercolor resist can be done a number of different ways. These artworks are fun to make and beautiful enough to give as gifts.

raised salt watercolors painting activities for preschoolers
Photo by Andrea Martelle

9. Raised Salt Painting

This is one of these art activities that never grow old. Watch the magic of paint traveling along salt-covered glue lines. Adaptable for various seasons and holidays (spiderweb, snowflakes, hearts, etc) or fun for everyday process art!

Bubble wrap printing - painting activities for preschoolers
Photo by Rachel Withers

10. Bubble Wrap Printing

Kids love rolling and painting bubble wrap and then printing it onto paper, canvas and cardboard. Create layers of printing with this easy and fun technique. A wonderful art activity for a variety of ages!

watercolor painting activities for preschoolers with alcohol resist technique
Photo by Rachel Withers

11. Watercolor Resist Art

Kids love to see how watercolors react with different materials! This post has a lot of fun watercolor techniques to try with children.

More Art Activities for Preschoolers

Want even more creative ideas?

Check out our Artful Parent Starter Pack!

Engage your kids through art and creativity with this printable booklet where you’ll find all of our best tips, tricks, and ideas for getting started on your artful parenting journey!

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11 Painting Art Activities for Preschoolers

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