DIY Art Projects for Kids: 5 Fun and Easy Ideas to Spark Creativity at Home

Enjoy quality time together with these easy, creative activities that your child will love!

Looking for simple, screen-free fun that sparks imagination? These DIY art projects for kids are perfect for turning a quiet afternoon into a creative adventure. Not only are they a great way to bond as a family, but they also support important developmental skills, such as coordination, problem-solving, and self-expression.

Whether your child is a budding artist or simply enjoys getting messy with markers and glue, these easy art projects offer a fun blend of DIY crafts, hands-on learning, and open-ended play. Best of all? You don’t need fancy supplies—just a little time and a lot of imagination.

🎭 1. Paper Plate Masks

Perfect for: Imaginative play and storytelling

Why kids love it: This is one of those classic fun art activities that blends craft time with dress-up and pretend play.

You’ll need:

• Paper plates
• Markers or paint
• Scissors
• Glue
• Craft sticks
• Extras like feathers, glitter, and stickers

How to make it:

1. Let kids decorate the plate using paint or markers.
2. Cut out eye holes.
3. Add glitter, feathers, or other fun touches.
4. Attach a craft stick to hold it up like a mask.

Parent tip: Turn this into a game! Ask your child to create an animal, a superhero, or even a silly monster, and then act out a short story together.

🎨 2. Handprint Art

Perfect for: Making keepsakes and personalized gifts

Why it’s great: This is a sweet and simple kids’ art idea that’s meaningful and easy to pull off with minimal supplies.

You’ll need:

• Non-toxic paint
• Paper or canvas
• Paintbrushes
• Markers

How to make it:

1. Paint your child’s hand and press it onto the paper.
2. Once dry, turn the handprint into something fun—a fish, flower, tree, or even a dinosaur!
3. Add details with markers to finish the design.

Creative twist: Make a handprint family tree or seasonal decorations like handprint turkeys or snowmen.

♻️ 3. Recycled Art

Perfect for: Teaching creativity and sustainability

Why kids love it: This hands-on project transforms everyday items into imaginative creations, helping kids see the potential in things they might otherwise toss out.

You’ll need:

• Clean recyclable materials (bottle caps, egg cartons, cardboard, etc.)
• Glue
• Paint or markers
• Scissors

How to make it:

1. Gather materials from the recycling bin.
2. Build a collage, sculpture, or 3D animal using glue and imagination.
3. Add color with paints or markers.

Why we love it: This teaches kids to think outside the box—literally—while reinforcing the value of repurposing materials.

🍪 4. Salt Dough Sculptures

Perfect for: Sensory play and creative sculpting

Why it works: This classic DIY craft is one of the best art projects for children who love getting hands-on.

You’ll need:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup salt
• 1 cup water
• Paint and paintbrushes

How to make it:

1. Mix flour, salt, and water to make the dough.
2. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and pliable.
3. Shape into animals, ornaments, or whatever they dream up.
4. Bake at 250°F for 2–3 hours until hard.
5. Cool and paint!

Tip: Use cookie cutters for fun shapes or let kids sculpt mini food or favorite characters.

💧 5. Watercolor Resist Art

Perfect for: Surprise and discovery

Why it’s fun: This home art project feels like a magic trick—kids love the big reveal.

You’ll need:

• Watercolor paper
• White crayon or oil pastel
• Watercolor paints
• Paintbrushes

How to make it:

1. Draw a hidden design with the crayon or pastel.
2. Paint over the entire paper with watercolor paints.
3. Watch the design appear as the paint resists the wax!
4. Try using different colors of crayons or pastels for varied effects.

Creative activities like these are perfect for exploring color mixing, contrast, and patternmaking with kids.

🎉 Bonus: Let your child shine in the K12 Art Competition!

Is your child proud of their creations? Help them take their art to the next level by entering the 19th Annual K12 Art Competition—open now through August 25, 2025! It’s a great way to encourage your child’s artistic growth and celebrate their unique talents.

🎨 Submit their best work for a chance to win cash prizes and national recognition!
Learn more and enter here.

Final Thought

These kids’ arts and crafts ideas prove that creativity doesn’t require a studio or a huge budget—just a little space, some basic supplies, and your encouragement. So clear off the kitchen table, gather your budding artists, and dive into some fun art activities that will spark joy, learning, and connection.

Whether you’re looking to fill a rainy afternoon or want to make something special together, these DIY art projects are perfect for kids of all ages—yes, you can join in too!

Let the creativity begin!