Children are natural creators, whether it’s in the (play) kitchen, on Minecraft, or when they tackle a variety of arts and crafts for kids.
In our house, classes, and camps we try a lot of projects, some amazing, some complete duds (though I don’t alwaystalk about those!) and many just plain colorful and engaging. Whatever you try however, embrace children’s’ instinct toget messy and explore the process of making.
Between making YouTube videos, gymnastics, and swimming here are some of the arts and crafts projects we have squeezed in that my kids and students have thoroughly enjoyed. Some develop that sense of wonder and creative passion in kids, others are just plain pretty to look at and show off to friends, all of them give kids a chance to tap into theirinner tinkerer!
Arts and Crafts for Kids Categories
This post covers the following types of arts and crafts for kids. Click on any of the links to be taken directly to the section or just scroll down to see them all!
Art Projects for Kids
Process Art Projects for Kids
Craft Projects for Kids
Jewelry Projects
Classic Crafts for Kids
Holiday Crafts
ArtProjects for Kids
There are countless art projects for kids so I’ve collected a few of our more offbeat and favorite ideas for you to try! When we do art project at home or with students we try to highlight what you can learn from each project whether that be an art technique, a little bit of science, or the maker skills you learn while you create.
1. Sharpie Tie Dying
Learn this easy faux tie dye technique using Sharpies and rubbing alcohol.
2. Color Theory Candy
Color theory never tasted so good! Make candies and at the same time explore color mixing.
3. Stained Glass Pasta
Pasta crafts are a fave of ours but have you ever thought to dye lasagna noodles and turn them into “stained glass?”
4. Rainbow Tree
Save your fallen branches and paint ’em. Fun collaborative art project for families or groups of kids!
5. Art on the Go
One of the most fun art expenses we have hades taking a watercolor set while out and about. Sketching from nature teaches kids some valuable lessons in creativity and resourcefulness.
6. Polymer Clay Coil Pots
Clay can be a completely intimidating medium for adults but psst…little secret here… kids loveclay! Let me repeat it : they LOVE it! Polymer clay is one of our favorite types of clay to work with because it can be dried in a standard oven, no kiln necessary!
7. Instant Scratch Art
All you need are oil pastels and paper. That’s it! Okay and maybe some things to scratch with…oh the possibilities!
8. Faux Stained Glass
Who said stained glass can’t go Minecraft style? My son sure thought some Creepers would make for excellent stained glass subject matter…
9. Reflection Art
Reflection art is an incredible hands-on lesson in math, art, and science! A great STEAM activity for kids of all ages.
10. Color Wheels
A simple and lovely color wheel project for kids featuring 3 easy art techniques. Download our template and get started with color theory!
11. Edible Mosaics
Easy {and EDIBLE} Mosaics for Kids: An art project you can eat afterwards!
12. Paper Shapes
Learn how to make 3D geometric shapes out of paper. A great math art project teaching kids about geometry.
13. Resist Art
A classic resist art technique with a hidden pictures twist!
14. Hojalata Tin Art
Explore this Mexican style of folk art that emphasizes a creative use of unique materials.
15. Wire Sculptures
Wire sculpture is an easy art project for kids that introduces the concepts of line and space.
16. Paper Water Blossoms
This artful paper flower for kids to make is magical….and scientific! Explore absorption, diffusion and kirigami in this STEAM project.
Process Art Projects for Kids
Are you familiar with process art? Process art differs from traditional art projects in that the emphasis is on the experience of making rather than the final product. We love process art because it feels like an experiment and there is no right or wrong EVER. It’s the chance for kids (and adults) to cut loose and have fun while making art.
17. Salty Rainbows
How about using salt as your canvas?Yup, who knew!
18. Stencil Process Art
Sometimes it’s fun just to pull out an assortment ofmaterials and experiment.
19. Watercolors on Tile
Why not decorate your patio with watercolors? It washes off over time and signals kids to try painting on something new!
20. Bike Spin Art
The messiest, most fun action art project we have ever tried. Watch the crazinesshere:
21. Melted Crayon Art
A classic art expereince: use crayons to draw on a warmed cookie sheets. It feels like drawing with butter!
22. Washable Graffiti
Don’t have a good place to draw with chalk? Use a piece of black fabric! The chalk stands out and the results look like graffiti. When you are done you can wash it and start agin!
23. Glow in the Dark Art
Make glow in the dark art with neon paint and black light.
24. Spin Art Tops
Make crazy fun art using yogurt paint and yogurt containers!
25. Diffusion Art
Easy art and science project that teaches kids the concepts of diffusion, solubility, and color mixing.
26. Muffin Tin Prints
Introduce your children to the joy of process art through this easy art project using…muffin tins?
27. Styrofoam Patterns
Recycle Styrofoam trays to create a simple activity exploring color and pattern.
28. Art Spinners
Make spin art using DIY tops made from marker caps, marbles, and old CDs.
Sewing & Weaving Projects for Kids
Of all the arts and crafts for kids, sewing and weaving are some of the most challenging but in the best of ways. Both activities really help kids hone fine motor skills, coordination, and pattern making/recognition. They can be frustrating for kids for the same reasons but remember to keep encouraging your children or students and they will be amazed at what they can accomplish!
29. Natural Loom
Make a natural loom from a tree stump.
30. Frame Lacers
Frame Lacers are a colorful DIY toy that doubles as a great fine motor skills activity for kids.
31. Recycled Plastic Looms
The surprising loom is made from fruit packaging!
32. GIANT Box Loom
We turned a GIANT cardboard box into a makeshift loom. I strung yarn from top to boots of the box, then cut scraps of fabric and other chunky yarn for our playgroup to weave with. It turned out to be a lovely collaborative art piece.
33. Paper Weaving
A great fine motor activity that makes great use of paper scraps!
34. Burlap Embroidery
A simple first sewing activity for littles
Craft Projects for Kids
My fondest memories of childhood are sitting down and crafting, wether it was at home for the holidays, in girl scouts, or at summer camp. Children love making things and are so proud of their creations so make sure to give them opportunities to create their own maker memories.
35. Fancy Feathers
Learn two methods for transforming white craft feathers into colorful, beautiful fancy feathers!
36. Craft Stick Wreath
Make a gorgeous wreath out of craft sticks and paper plate.
37. Yarn Sticks
Make these as a standalone craft or for use in other projects.
38. Puffy Painted Rocks
A classic craft with a twist! Use Puffy Paint to give rocks a rubbery texture and create bold, bright designs.
39. Dreamy Suncatchers
Make dreamy suncatchers for kids from melted pony beads.
40. Mini Bookmarks
Make mini bookmarks out of Perler beads and paper clips.
41. Chalk Rocks
Make chalk rocks out of the leftover bits and pieces of chalk you have lying around!
42. Pasta Suncatchers
Make this colorful suncatcher craft using dyed pasta and glue.
43. Treasure Tiles
Try making mosaic treasure tiles from colorful found objects.
Jewelry Crafts
Of all the arts and crafts for kids, jewelry is one we frequently return to and the reason is simple: Kids love to wear their work! There’s nothing nicer than displaying your handiwork by showing it off in your outfit!
44. Polymer Clay Bracelets
Learn how to make polymer clay bracelets with these 6 easy methods.
45. Upcycled Glow Stick Bracelets
Upcycle used glow sticks into fancy DIY bracelets; no one will ever guess there is an old glow stick underneath!
46. Office Supply Jewelry
Make funky fun jewelry from office supplies.
47. GIANT Clay beads
If you are looking for polymer clay ideas, try making GIANT clay beads using aluminum foil as the base. Use them for your next creative project.
48. Tubing Bracelets
Science meets fashion in these DIY glitter bracelets for kids!
49. Crepe Paper Bracelets
Learn how to make bracelets using leftover crepe paper!
50. Paper Pulp Pendants
Paper Pendants made from recycled tissue paper.
51. Polymer Clay Beads
A classic material for making homemade beads!
52. Eraser Beads
Make needs out of eraser clay.
53. Seed Bomb Necklaces
Seed Bomb Necklaces: Make mini seed bombs into beads!
54. Mini Clothespin Necklace
Mini clothespins make the cutest necklace!
Classic Crafts for Kids
How many of these projects did you do as a kid? This is just a micro list of all the classic arts and crafts for kids out there, but I can say one thing about all of them, they are classic for a good reason, they are colorful, engaging, and fun to make!
55. Glue Batik
Learn how to do batik style fabric art with this kid-friendly technique!
56. Paper Bag Stars
Learn how to make paper stars out of lunch bags. These can be made quickly and inexpensively!
57. Homemade Stamps
Learn how to make a stamp using fun foam and a wood blocks.
58. Paper Houses
3 Templates for PAPER HOUSES you can print, cut, and decorate!
59. Pom Poms
Learn how to make pom poms using two easy methods…psst…one method requires no special tools!
60. God’s Eyes
We were shocked at how popular this craft was at our summer camp! Not because it isn’t beautiful but because it takes some time and commitment to make one. We found that our campers were totally hooked on them once the learned the technique. To read about the history of God’s Eyes hop over here.
61. Sand Art
Another very popular craft at summer camp! This project really helps kids with their hand eye coordination and fine motor skills, plus it’s super relaxing.
62. String Art
Learn how to do string art at two different scales (GIANT and mini) and use it as an opportunity to teach kids about geometry & levers.
63. Geometric String Art
Use string art to teach math and geometry concepts to kids
64. Yarn Rope
Learn how to make rope out of a few strands of loose yarn.
65. Homemade Books
How to create books with 5 simple book binding methods. Use for kid’s art, handmade journals & more!
66. DIY Geoboard
Make the easiest DIY geoboard ever and explore concepts like area and perimeter with kids.
67. Pop-Up Book
Learn how to make a simple pop up book.
68. Paper Lace
Paper lace is a beautiful kirigami project!
69. Pinwheels
Decorate and make your own op-art pinwheels. Template included in post.
70. Paper Clay Fruit Bowls
Make a fruit bowl using fruit as your form!
71. Whirligigs
A 5-minute paper craft that illustrates dynamicsto kids.
72. How to Make Paper
Learn how to make paper with this step-by-step tutorial.
Holiday Crafts
Crafting and holidays go together! One of the nicest things to do to celebrate a holiday with your kids is to make holidays arts and crafts projects together. And holiday crafts always look beautiful on display.
73. Coffee Filter Snowflakes
Make a Psychedelic Snowflake out of a coffee filter.
74. Tie Dye Gift Wrap
Try this DIY gift wrapping idea and wow your friends and family!
75. Winter Terrarium
Learn how to make an “instant” winter terrarium.
76. 3D Paper Ornaments
Cheap, easy, magical…what more can you want from a holiday project? 3D Paper Ornaments are an easy Christmas craft and a lovely decoration for the tree!
77. Folded Paper Stars
A colorful paper art project with a big reveal!
78. Post It Note Stars
Make 3D Paper Stars from Post-it notes!
79. Bell Tota
Make a Holiday Bell Tota for your front door! Printable template included.
80. 5-Minute Embossed Ornaments
This is an easy project for kids and adults with stunning results! We used household aluminum foil to make them.
81. 3D Paper Hearts
A colorful 3D paper heart craft for Valentine’s Day
82. Citrus Pomanders
Learn how to make fall/winter pomanders for a breath of citrusy fresh air
83. Kirigami Webs
Supersize your kirigami into huge paper spider webs
Morearts and crafts projects
That wraps up our MASSIVE list ofarts and crafts for kids! For more ideas to keep your kids busy crafting hop over to our list of 80 EASY creative projects for kids.
