As a dad who’s weathered countless paint spills and proudly displayed dozens of abstract interpretations of our family portrait, I can tell you firsthand that painting with kids is about much more than just making art — it’s about strengthening connections, nurturing creativity and sometimes getting delightfully messy in the process.
There’s something magical about watching your child’s face light up from mastery and accomplishment. If you’re considering painting with children, here are some great ideas.
1. Create Keepsake Handprint and Footprint Art
Remember those hand turkeys from your childhood? Handprint and footprint images help capture children’s growth in a fun, interactive way. These projects improve hand-eye coordination and fine and gross motor skills, which are essential for daily tasks.
Simply dip their hands or feet in washable paint and press them onto paper or canvas. After the handprints or footprints dry, you can transform them into animals, trees, flowers or whatever your child fancies.
2. Embrace Fingerpainting
Younger children, even one-year-olds, immensely enjoy finger painting. It’s a great way to introduce them to the world of art. Perhaps it’s the tactile sensation of squishy paint between their fingers or the action of using their hands to form shapes and paint objects.
You’ll be amazed to witness how the joy of creation captivates children. I remember the first time I let my son dip his fingers into paint. He was hesitant at first, but once he started seeing the marks he was making, it was as if a lightbulb went off in his head.
3. Experience the Magic of Watercolor
Watercolor painting is a fantastic option as kids get older. Over the years, my son and I have spent hours experimenting with watercolors. It’s one of those activities that taps into our creative juices.
Compared to other types of painting, it’s relatively less messy and produces less waste. Painting watercolors is also cost-effective — they are dilutable, meaning they last longer, and even when some is left over on the palette, all you need is a damp brush to re-activate the dry paints. Besides being less wasteful, watercolors are done on paper, which is cheaper than canvas.
Watercolor resist painting is a fantastic way to introduce kids to different painting styles. The water-based paints can be manipulated using an array of strokes and techniques to achieve diverse effects and create abstract designs. You use a material that resists the watercolor paint, such as wax crayon, to form images or patterns on paper. Once the paint is applied, the areas with the crayon won’t absorb the color, creating a remarkable contrast.
Kids love this technique because it’s easy to understand and results in colorful, textured art. You can use it to make personalized holiday cards or construct fun decor to hang around the house. It’s a great way to turn an afternoon into a bonding session. Plus, the results could be stunning enough to frame.
4. Paint Your Kid’s Room
Painting the kiddo’s bedroom is perfect for letting their personality shine through. Maybe they’re obsessed with outer space or a particular superhero — whatever their current interests are, turn them into a project.
Collaboratively painting their room can be a great way to both have fun and feel like you’re really improving your home. There are plenty of resources online to help you complete the project in the most cost-effective ways possible. You can paint a whole wall or add small, themed touches around the room. Let them choose the color so they feel some ownership.
Traditional rollers and brushes are easy to use for kids and can be great for affordability. Your child can try their hand with the brush while you take the roller to reach areas they can’t get to. Paint pads similarly compare the best of both worlds, allowing for smooth finishes with a little bit less splatter. Keep in mind though that children don’t always have the patience for longer projects. If you want to keep things moving quickly while letting your kids do their thing, having an airless paint sprayer on hand can help cut the project down by about half the time compared to a roller.
5. Head Outdoors for Painting Fun
If you have the space, take your painting session outside. Kids often love outdoor painting because they can use nature for inspiration and paint on larger surfaces. Combining a nature walk with an art session is a fantastic way to stimulate children’s imagination while teaching them about the environment. I always find that when my son and I go outside for art, the change of scenery sparks new ideas and fresh energy.
Here are a few ideas to try:
- Chalk and water art: Use sidewalk chalk to draw on the pavement, then let your child paint over the chalk drawings with water-based paints. The colors will blend, resulting in cool patterns.
- Nature prints: Go on a walk and collect leaves, flowers or rocks. Use these natural items as stencils for painting, pressing them into the canvas for a beautiful, textured effect.
6. Try Mess-Free Painting
Yes, it’s possible. While painting is a fun activity, it can get messy fast. If you’re looking for a more contained way to paint, try “mess-free” options like painting inside gallon-sized zip-close bag bags. This trick has saved me from many cleanup sessions, and the best part is that my son loves it just as much.
Simply add a few squirts of paint to the bag, seal it and let your kiddo squish the pouch to move the colors around. This provides the same sensory experience as finger painting but without the mess.
If you’re wondering what paint is child-friendly, always check the label for “low-VOC” and “non-toxic” to ensure the brand is safe for your little one.
Gather Your Supplies and Get Started
Painting with kids isn’t just about creating beautiful artwork — it nurtures creativity, allows your child to express themselves in a fun and supportive environment, strengthens bonds and helps build lasting memories for both of you.
Whether you’re finger-painting or tackling a full room makeover, painting with your kids is an opportunity to create something special together. The results will be cherished for years to come.