Marker art uses a childhood favorite art material but can be more creative and unique than you might think. Here are 12 fun and easy marker art activities to do with kids.
We are big fans of markers in this house and always have been. So today I thought I’d put together a list of easy and creative marker art ideas and activities for kids using this great drawing tool.
A big thanks to Magic Stix for sponsoring this post! As always, all opinions expressed are my own.
MY LATEST VIDEOSSome people say crayons are the gold standard when it comes to children’s art materials, but I have always said markers are better in many ways.
Why?
Markers are vibrant, colorful, and easy to use for all ages, toddlers on up.
Crayons are fine, and perhaps better in some situations, but you usually have to press hard to get quality color coverage or vibrancy. Plus they are prone to breaking. And you have to continually peel away the paper.
Not that we haven’t used crayons over the years but my kids have used and preferred markers way more. And not just my kids, but also those who have come through my house for art groups and classes, playdates, and parties.
And you may have noticed recently that we have a new favorite marker in the house for kids’ art!
Magic Stix
Magic Stix are revolutionary new kids’ markers that don’t dry out even if the caps are left off for over a week! Plus, the color is great, they are washable and nontoxic, and they come in a great plastic case for carrying, storage, or travel.
So, now for our list of easy, fun, and creative ways to use markers like these!
12 Creative Marker Art Ideas for Kids
I have 6 fun marker art activities for you from The Artful Parent and another 6 from other websites.
1) Tangle Drawing and Doodling
Zentangle-style drawing and doodling is an easy and calming no-pressure drawing style for kids and adults. The link above is for a tangle star printable activity, but you can use the same technique to do any kind of tangle drawing.
2) Double Doodle Art
Double doodle art is both engaging and relaxing as you draw with both hands simultaneously. Plus it’s a great brain exercise! You can see a video of this drawing activity in action here.
3) Spin drawing with markers
Spin drawing is such a fun and mesmerizing action art activity for kids and adults alike. Here are two spin drawing techniques to try, both easy, and both with videos showing the marker art ideas in action. With one, you create your own spinning doodle tops; with the other, you use a spin art machine or lazy susan.
4) Magazine drawing prompts
Magazine pictures can make great drawing prompts for kids, giving them an interesting starting point for art. Complete the picture or change it with marker drawings.
5) Doodle cubes
Doodle cubes allow kids to see how their 2D designs can translate into 3D designs. Great for spatial awareness!
6) Drawing Games
Kids art games are fun, encourage creativity, and are easy to fit in whenever and wherever. Most of these drawing games work especially well with markers.
7) Crazy photo collages
Create all kinds of crazy creations with this simple collage activity over on Picklebums. Use your own photos, print some from the internet, or try the free printables she has to get you started!
8) Bleeding blossoms
Try this science + art experiment from Babble Dabble Do. Make “bleeding” paper blossoms with washable markers and see what happens when you leave the flowers in cups of water over time.
9) Tie dye coffee filters
Use washable markers and spray bottle of water to create a fun tie dye effect on coffee filters (on Busy Kids, Happy Mom). Plus uou can use the tie dyed coffee filters to make snowflakes, butterflies, buntings, or suncatchers.
10) Chromatography butterlies
Explore chromatography using coffee filters and markers (on Buggy and Buddy)! This is a fun STEAM art + science activity for children and you can turn the results into a butterfly craft with pipe cleaners!
11) Rain splatter drawing
This rainy day process art activity on Pink Stripey Socks starts with a washable marker drawing that you then hold out under the rain to let the water blur the marker lines. You can also try this with snow or with a spray bottle of water.
12) Drawing with cars
Add markers to hot wheels or other toy cars to make your own action art that merges art and play (on Housing a Forest).
Even More Marker Art Activities for Kids!
- 16 printable art activities for kids
- Observational drawing
- Make toilet roll scribblers (on The Craft Train)
- Shape tracing art
- Art journaling
- Add an element of drawing to other kids’ activities (on Picklebums)
- Body art and DIY tattoos
- Challenge drawings
- Color stationery store stickers or make your own stickers from mailing labels
- DIY cartoons and comics
- Color wooden craft sticks
- Scribble drawings
How about you? Which marker art idea would you like to try with your kids? And if you have any favorites not listed here, please add them in the comments below!
Again thank you to Magic Stix for sponsoring this post. All opinions expressed are my own.
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4 Comments
Michele Balistrieri
January 9, 2018 at 8:16 amFUN ideas! can’t wait.
Jean Van't Hul
January 11, 2018 at 5:12 amYay! Glad you like the ideas, Michele!
Sarah
January 12, 2018 at 3:06 pmThanks for another inspiring post! In early childhood education crayons are preferred because children have to press hard. It helps build those fine motor muscles. They can also feel the crayon as it rubs the paper. But, my kids agree, markers are more vibrant and fun to use!:)
Jean Van't Hul
January 14, 2018 at 4:25 amYep. Both are good for different reasons! :)