Painting for Kids, Sensory Play for Kids

How to Do Foam Painting for Kids

June 5, 2024

Foam painting is fun and irresistibly fluffy! Try these easy ideas for fun sensory play setups that kids will love.

Updated April 2024

My kids LOVE foam painting. It’s fun, it’s fluffy and they like to paint their toys, cars, bodies and anything else in reach.

It’s easy to cleanup, I promise!

This is one of those art activities that we save for warmer weather. Then the mess is less stressful, and the kids can have all the fun they want. And cleanup is easy. Keep everything contained on a tray or hose the kids down with water afterwards.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, back to how much my kids love this art and play activity.

Foam Painting for Kids

We use our foam paint for sensory play mostly. I set out some animals, dinosaurs, or transportation vehicles and let my kids paint. (This usually leads to painting their whole bodies so I keep them minimally dressed for this project.)

To include the kids on the cleanup, I like to set out a tub of soapy water and extend the play. With sponges, they get to work with giving their toys a bath.

(If you’re looking to try foam paint on paper, see this post. You can use the same supplies with a totally different art experience!)

How to Make Foam Paint

MATERIALS

I make foam paint with just two ingredients––shaving foam and liquid watercolors.

Mix together and whip to combine. Be sure there is no remaining unmixed paint (which can seriously stain clothing).

If you are looking for a ready-made paint, you might try this foam paint. It acts very similar to shaving foam, but smells like paint.

Time needed: 5 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS

Gather materials
If mixing up your own foam paint, then gather a tray, shaving foam, liquid watercolors and something to stir with.
Add shaving cream to paint container
Mix in a squirt of liquid watercolors and whisk the foam until incorporated completely.
Continue with more colors
If you’d like multiple colors, then repeat step 2 into a new container. We love using a chip and dip container for all of the different colors.
Set out materials
Gather a bin or prepare a painting surface for your child. I like to set out a bin with toys, then add paint brushes and the foam paint.

We guarantee your kids will love painting and playing with foam paint!

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Rachel Withers

Rachel is the Editorial Manager at The Artful Parent. She is passionate about engaging with kids through art, whether at art groups or through teaching photography at a local elementary school. Rachel lives in Portland, Maine, and loves going on adventures with her family. As a mother of two young kids, she is excited to explore how nature, art, and play combine in a child’s learning and development. Creating art with her kids and hosting a toddler art group are current highlights.

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