Our favorite painting art activities for preschoolers. Try process art ideas like spin painting, marble rolling, and marbling.
Updated July 2023
Looking for painting activities for preschoolers?
Here are 11 of our all-time favorites that are process-oriented and developmentally appropriate yet super fun. Everything from spin painting and puffy paint to watercolor resist and shaving cream marbling.
And, bonus! The results are usually pretty cool, too.
But first, a quick note about paints. We use and love a variety of paints, but our favorites for the preschool age are:
- Tempera paint (tempera paint is widely available at craft stores and drug stores, but we like Colorations brand Simply Washable Tempera Paint
) - Watercolor paint (you can use watercolor cakes or liquid watercolors)
- BioColor Paint (this one is more expensive than tempera paint but extra shiny and vibrant when dry, plus it adheres to more surfaces)
- Finger paints (because fingerpainting is such a classic preschool art activity)
- We also like to make our own paints!
Art Activities for Preschoolers
1. Spin Painting
Spin painting is such a fun painting activity for preschoolers as well as older children! We use a salad spinner for our spin art, but you can also do this with a special purchased spin art kit as well.
2. Marble Painting
I don’t know about your kids, but mine love marbles. And painting with paint covered marbles is a favorite that we return to again and again. We’ve even used this technique to make spider webs at Halloween!
3. Splatter Painting
Who doesn’t love splatter and drip painting? This one is a messier, action-oriented art activity best suited to outdoors.
4. Body Tracing and Painting
Body tracing art is a lovely way for preschoolers to create self portraits, work on self-image, and to work large.
5. Shaving Cream Marbling
If you haven’t tried shaving cream marbling yet, you must! It’s so fun and so beautiful! And here are some of our favorite ways to use that lovely marbled paper!
Once you get bitten by the bug, you’ll want to try 6 Ways to Marble Paper.
6. Painting with Cars
Who says you need paint brushes to paint? Try rolling your paint onto paper with a mini paint roller (sold for painting trim) or rolling the wheels of a toy car through a puddle of paint.
7. Shaving Cream Painting
I couldn’t write a post about favorite art activities for preschoolers without including shaving cream painting! We’ve done this on mirrors, the window, plastic toys––and now on donuts (thanks to our contributing writer Catalina Guiterrez)!
8. Watercolor Wax Resist Painting
A childhood classic, watercolor resist can be done a number of different ways. These artworks are fun to make and beautiful enough to give as gifts.
9. Raised Salt Painting
This is one of these art activities that never grow old. Watch the magic of paint traveling along salt-covered glue lines. Adaptable for various seasons and holidays (spiderweb, snowflakes, hearts, etc) or fun for everyday process art!
10. Bubble Wrap Printing
Kids love rolling and painting bubble wrap and then printing it onto paper, canvas and cardboard. Create layers of printing with this easy and fun technique. A wonderful art activity for a variety of ages!
11. Watercolor Resist Art
Kids love to see how watercolors react with different materials! This post has a lot of fun watercolor techniques to try with children.
More Art Activities for Preschoolers
- 7 Fun Painting Ideas for Kids to Try
- Top 10 Art Materials for Preschoolers
- The Best Paints for Kids
- How to Paint with Chalk Paint for Kids
- How to do Splat Painting
- 14 Easy Dot Art Ideas for Kids
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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