If you’re looking for new painting ideas for kids, here are seven that you may not have tried yet. Each involves little more than paint and paper, but all are fun and unique!
Updated January 2025
We love painting, but sometimes it can feel like we do the same old painting activities over and over again. To keep things fresh and exciting, we’ve rounded up 7 new painting ideas to try!
These creative activities are perfect for kids and are sure to inspire some colorful fun and unique artwork. We hope these ideas will bring a fresh spark to your kids’ painting time.
And if you are looking for recommendations on what paint to use, check out our post on the best paints for kids.
Painting Ideas for Kids
1. Spin Painting
All you need is paint, paper cut into small circles or squares, and a salad spinner for this super-fun action art activity. You can also do this with a commercial spin art machine.
2. Drip Painting
Explore gravity in art with this easy and fun art activity that results in unique artwork every time. This is especially fun on 3D objects, like pumpkins!
3. Blot Art
Also known as blotto painting, smush painting, or squish painting. No matter what you call it, though, it’s a super fun art activity. This is an Artful Parent favorite for Valentine’s Day, too!
4. Pointillism Art with Cotton Swabs
Q-tip painting is an easy art project you can set up quickly. Kids love making both abstract designs and fun, seasonal images with dots. Here are some more dot art ideas for kids.
5. Blow Painting with Straws
Simple, yet lots of fun for kids of all ages. Use a straw to blow liquid paint around on the paper, creating interesting designs. This activity is perfect for making fireworks, too!
6. Splatter Painting
Splatter painting is a favorite messy art activity for kids of all ages! For a similar activity on a smaller scale, try splat painting!
7. Rainbow Scrape Painting
Scraper art is a fun, process art activity for kids and can be used to create a variety of textures and looks, including scraper art rainbows, or cats and ghosts for Halloween!
We hope these ideas spark some creativity and fun in your painting!
More Painting Ideas for Kids
- The Best Art Ideas for Kids in 2023
- The Best Paints for Kids
- 11 Amazing Painting Activities for Preschoolers
- Painting with Wheels
- Splat Painting: Easy and Fun Action Art for Children
- Painting for Kids at The Artful Parent
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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