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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
1. Clay birds + pinch pot nests
Create sweet birds and pinch pot nests. This is a perfect springtime clay activity!
2. Nature prints in clay with flowers & leaves
This easy nature craft project is fun for kids to experiment making prints in clay.
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.
4. Make a coil pot
Learn how to make a simple or more elaborate version of clay coil pots.
5. Create beaded heart ornaments
Create heart shapes with cookie cutters & decorate the clay hearts with beads.
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.
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.
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!
9. Dyed pasta mosaic in clay
These colorful flower mosaics are the perfect projects for spring!
10. Painted mosaic pinch pots
These easy painted pinch pots are great for kids to put their little treasures in.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
More Clay Projects for Kids
- How to Make Your Own Air-Dry Clay
- Why We Love Faber-Castell’s Kids Pottery Wheel
- How to Make Starry Night Scene by Painting with Clay
- How to Make a Clay Pinch Pot
- Use Modeling Clay to Make Clay Faces
- How to Make Clay Leaf Prints
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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