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15 Amazing Clay Projects for Kids

by The Artful Parent Editorial Team
September 2, 2024
clay projects for kids_feature

We love air dry clay and have used it for years! Here are our top 15 air dry clay projects for kids that are easy and fun.

Updated July 2024

Have you used air dry clay? This stuff is awesome for kids’ arts & crafts! It feels a lot like regular potter’s clay, but it’s not as messy. And it dries hard without needing to be fired.

Is it unbreakable? No. But neither is fired pottery. And it is quite strong.

We use and love Crayola Air Dry Clay and have for years.
The quality is good, the price is reasonable, and there’s just so much that can be done with it! You can get it at most big box stores, craft stores, or online. You can also make your own with our super easy recipe!

For more of our recommended kids’ arts and crafts supplies, be sure to check out our post featuring the Best Tools & Art Supplies for Kids.

Here is a list of our favorite clay projects for kids. We hope you get inspired and try a few!

Clay Projects for Kids

clay birds and nests
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

1. Clay birds + pinch pot nests

Create sweet birds and pinch pot nests. This is a perfect springtime clay activity!

Nature prints in air dry clay
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

2. Nature prints in clay with flowers & leaves

This easy nature craft project is fun for kids to experiment making prints in clay.

clay hand bowls
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

3. Create hand dishes

These clay dishes are easy & fun to create and decorate! Use them to hold small trinkets, for display, or to gift to others.

painted clay coil pot
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

4. Make a coil pot

Learn how to make a simple or more elaborate version of clay coil pots.

Child decorating air dry clay heart ornaments with beads
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

5. Create beaded heart ornaments

Create heart shapes with cookie cutters & decorate the clay hearts with beads.

Bunny-rabbit-with-colorful-pom-pom-trees-and-toad-stool-1024x768
Photo by Danielle Falk

6. Creative small world play for kids

Your child can explore whatever their current interest is by creating their own figures for a small world or diorama. This is a fun open-ended clay activity for kids.

Making Lace Hearts in Clay
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

7. Experiment with textures in clay

Use doilies or lace to create unique textures in clay. Then cut into hearts or other shapes to use as ornaments or magnets.

Clay Coral Reef
Photo by Catalina Gutierrez

8. Create a clay coral reef

Use air dry clay and clay tools to create a 3D, textured coral reef. You can even use glow in the dark paint so that it really shines!

Photo by Buggy & Buddy

9. Dyed pasta mosaic in clay

These colorful flower mosaics are the perfect projects for spring!

Painted mosaic pinch pots by Handmade Charlotte
Photo by Handmade Charlotte

10. Painted mosaic pinch pots

These easy painted pinch pots are great for kids to put their little treasures in.

A_fairy_house_for_kids_made_with_clay
Photo by Danielle Falk

11. Create A Fairy House

Learn how to make a fairy house using air dry clay, beans, & found nature items. Kids love creating these little houses & they encourage hours of imaginative play. 

Child-painting-clay-beads-for-nature-mobile2
Photo by Abbey Donald

12. Make a Nature Mobile for Kids

Go for a nature walk and gather natural materials to use for this beautiful nature mobile. Painted air dry clay beads add the finishing touch!

painting pinch pots
Photo by Andrea Martelle

13. Make a Clay Pinch Pot Keepsake

Learn how to make a sweet pinch pot keepsake using air dry clay. Once dried and painted, these make a lovely gift!

Clay-relief-tiles-for-kids
Photo by Danielle Falk

14. Create Colorful Clay Relief Tiles

Create gorgeous decorative tiles with air drying clay and a surprising method for adding color. This is a fool-proof project for novice potters.

Clay Coil Hearts – clay projects for kids
Photo by Danielle Falk

15. Clay Coil Hearts

These clay coil hearts are super easy to make and suitable for all ages from 4 years and up. I’ve made them with little kids and adults, and they never fail!

clay projects pin
Photo by Rachel Withers

More Clay Projects for Kids

Want even more Sensory Exploration fun?

Check out our Sensory Creativity Pack!

This 30-page printable eBook is stuffed full of sensory play fun! An ultimate guide to sensory play, complete with our favorite recipes and tips for success!

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15 Amazing Clay Projects for Kids 15 Amazing Clay Projects for Kids 15 Amazing Clay Projects for Kids

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