Foam painting is fun and irresistibly fluffy! Try these easy ideas for fun sensory play setups that kids will love.
Updated May 2023
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 stress and the kids can have all the fun they want. And clean up 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/play activity. 😎
Photo by Rachel Withers
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 scrubbers, 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).
I tried Colorations foam paint and it acts very similar to shaving foam, but smells like paint. (UPDATE: this paint is discontinued, but you if looking for a ready made you might try this one.)
Time needed: 5 minutes
- 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
Then mix in a squirt of liquid watercolors. Whisk the foam until incorporated completely.
- Continue with more colors
If you’d like multiple colors, then repeat step 2 into a new container.
- 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.
Photo by Rachel Withers
More Sensory Play for Kids
- What to Do with Foam Paint?
- DIY Puffy Paint for Kids
- The Ultimate Guide to Sensory Play
- What is Sensory Play & Why It’s Important for Kids
- Shaving Cream Sensory Play Ideas for Kids
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