60+ Creative, Different Ways to Paint

Are you looking for some new and different ways to paint? Kids will love the sensory, tacticle, and silly ways to paint! Here are over 60+ creative ways to paint with kids of all ages from toddler, preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, first grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade and up! These are great indoor or outdoor kids activities all year round. The hardest part is figuring out which fun ways to paint to try first!

Different Ways to Paint

Kids love to paint. Painting can be such a creative outlet for kids (and adults alike). To ensure you’re giving your creative side the right outlet, you’ll want to try something new. There are so many cool ways to paint with kids that don’t involve a traditional brush and paper. These creative ways to paint are fun and create lovely artwork kids will be proud of. Try these different ways to paint with toddlers, preschoolers, kindergartners, grade 1, grade 2, grade 3, grade 4 and up! Break out the paintbrushes (or the broccoli) and have fun creating masterpieces with these fun ways to paint!

Creative ways to paint

There are so many art projects and painting styles that celebrate the seasons. Whether it’s taking advantage of the sun during the summer or using a pumpkin during the fall, you can have fun and get creative with painting. Here are some creative ways to paint with spring, summer, fall, and winter!

Frozen Paint Fun from 123 Homeschool 4 Me – Cool off this summer with some frozen paint! Kids will have a blast with this creative painting method.
Pom Pom Painting from Sassy Dealz – You can use pom poms and laundry clips to make fun Easter art!
Texture Snow Painting by 123 Homeschool 4 Me – Have fun with winter and paint at the same time with this art project. It has tons of texture, just like real snow!
Bubble Painting by 123 Homeschool 4 Me – Want to blow bubbles this summer? Have fun and combine bubbles and painting.
Crack Open and Egg Painting from Teach Preschool – Use leftover Easter eggs to create fantastic paintings. You’ll be amazed at how great they turn out.
Pumpkin Painting Fall Tree Art by 123 Homeschool 4 Me – Get into the fall spirit while using pumpkins to paint! It’s a fun project that kids will love showing off.
Egg Painting by 123 Homeschool 4 Me – Painting has never been so fun! Create a masterpiece with Easter eggs with this art project.
Cork Painting from The Picky Apple – Corks can be used as a painting tool, including for these autumn trees.
Squirt Gun Painting by 123 Homeschool 4 Me – Break out the squirt guns during a hot summer day and create a masterpiece.
Painting with Ice by Easy Peasy and Fun – With a little bit of prep, you can have some summer fun painting with ice cubes.
Painting Marshmallows for Spring by 123 Homeschool 4 Me – Transform marshmallows into spring flowers with a little bit of paint and creativity.
Painting Spring Flowers with Celery by 123 Homeschool 4 Me – Spring flowers are in bloom. Capture a glimpse of spring with this art project.
Bubble Wands Paintings from Laughing Kids Learn – Do you have a ton of extra bubble wands lying around? You can use them to make art!
Foam Bubble Painting by 123 Homeschool 4 Me – Bubbles can be used to create texturized art. It’s beautiful and fun to do.
Fingerprint Dot Painting from 123 Homeschool 4 Me – Finger painting is the best! Kids will have fun using their fingers and an ink pad to create this spring work of art.

Fun ways to paint

When you step into the kitchen, do you see a room filled with painting tools? There are so many fun and creative ways to paint, all with the use of an object you can find in the kitchen. Do you have celery or broccoli in the fridge that no one will eat? Paint with it! Are there extra cans or bottles hiding in a cupboard? Paint with it! Each painting will be unique with these creative ideas.

Painting with Chocolate from Learn with Play at Home – Chocolate isn’t just a tasty treat … it’s also a fun way to paint!
Apple Printing from Red Ted Art – Kids can use apples to stamp pieces of paper. It can even be used as a creative wrapping paper!
Painting with Marshmallows from Creekside Learning – Marshmallows aren’t just for snacking … they also make great painting tools!
Broccoli Painting from No Time for Flashcards – Do you have a kid who doesn’t like to eat broccoli? Use it to paint instead!
Egg Carton Painting from Teach Preschool – Use recycled egg cartons to create beautiful works of art! This activity is perfect for painting fall trees.
Bottle Painting from Teach Preschool – Did you know you can use the bottom of a bottle to paint? The pattern makes fantastic flowers!
Can Painting from Toddler Approved – Kids will enjoy using their imaginations creating works of art when they use a can to roll globs of paint.
Painting with Rolling Pins and Bubble Wrap from Mess for Less – Don’t throw that bubble wrap away the next time you get a package. Instead, use it to paint.
Paint with Forks from Blog Me Mom – This spring, celebrate flowers by creating some tulips. All you need is paint and plastic forks!
Paper Towel Painting from Mama Pea Pod – You can use paper towels to create works of art. Challenge kids to see if different paper towel brands create different patterns.
Foil Fold Over Painting from Teach Preschool – You can use foil and paint to create mirror images. What a fun, hands-on way to paint!
Cookie Cutter painting from No Time for Flashcards – Cookie cutters make great stamps when you have some paint!
Painting with Tea Bags from Teaching 2 and 3-Year-Olds – You can use recycled tea bags to paint beautiful works of art. It’s fun to see how different teas create different colors!
Rainbow Sponge Painting from Hands on as we Grow – If you’re looking for a way to create texture with paint, then consider using sponges!
Water Color Spray Painting from Creative Connections for Kids – Create your own stencils and use a watercolor spray to make unique works of art!

Unique ways to paint

Nature is filled with many masterpieces, from the trees that fill the forest to the smallest of creatures that inhabit it. To take advantage of all that nature has to offer, head outside and try to find a perfectly shaped rock or a loose feather from a favorite bird. You’ll be amazed at how a simple object from nature can create a masterpiece.

Paint in the Rain from Housing a Forest – The next time a summer storm rolls through, get ready for some painting! You can use the rain to create beautiful works of art.
Painting with Flowers from 123 Homeschool 4 Me – Take a nature walk around the neighborhood to find some flowers … and then paint with them!
Painted Shells by Fun A Day – You don’t have to stick to a canvas when painting. Instead, use shells to create a summery masterpiece.
Painting with Walnuts from No Time for Flashcards – Get prepared for fun with this painting activity. Kids will use walnuts to create works of art.
Feather Painting from No Time for Flashcards – Take a walk and keep an eye out for some loose feathers. You can use these feathers to make a painting.
Painting with Rocks from Fantastic Fun and Learning – Painting with rocks is easy … Just head outside to find some rocks and get started.
Natural Paint Brush Paintings from Learn Create Love – Nature makes the best paintbrush. What pieces of nature will you use?

Cool ways to paint

There are so many things lying around your home that can be used to CREATE! Dig around in the kids’ toy box and use old toys to create patterns. Tape from the junk drawer can be used to create contrast on a canvas. Leftover water beads make great painting tools. Instead of seeing junk or clutter lying around, imagine the possibilities with all of these household objects.

Tooting Balloon Art from Bounce Back Parenting – If there’s anything that’s guaranteed to make kids giggle, it’s talking about farts! Get kids excited about painting with this “tooting” paint activity.
Painting with Glue from Gift of Curiosity – Mixing glue and paint will give kids the perfect opportunity to create MONSTERS!
Marble Painting from The Artful Parent – Break out the marbles and paint in order to create some fantastic pieces of art. It’s easy and fun!
Tissue paper Painting from Mess for Less – You don’t always need paint to make a painting. With this activity, kids will use tissue paper to “paint” the canvas.
Q-tip Painting from Learn with Play at Home – Leave the paintbrushes at home and use q-tips instead! Not only is it fun, it’s also easier to clean up!
Recycled Art Painting from Happy Hooligans – Make use of those old canvases by turning them into something new with smoosh painting!
Squirt Bottle Painting from Mess for Less – Load some paint into squirt bottles and head outside to create some art. Kids can create individual paintings or they can collaborate on a shared painting!
Splatter Painting from 123 Homeschool 4 Me – Kids will enjoy bringing out their inner “Jackson Pollock” artist with this splatter painting activity.
Water Bead Painting from Growing a Jeweled Rose – If you have leftover water beads, don’t throw them out. Instead, use them to create art!
Shake Marble Painting from An Everyday Story – Instead of rolling marbles around in paint, get messy and shake things up!
Tape Resist Painting from Little Bin for Little Hands – Use tape to create snowflakes on a painting this winter. It’ll be fun and turn out beautifully.
Party Blower Painting found on Kids Activities Blog – Party blowers make fantastic painting tools! You can do this painting activity at a birthday party, or just pick up the supplies and do it randomly!
Pour Painting from Housing a Forest – Pouring paint on a canvas will create a unique piece of art that kids will be proud of!
Marble Maze Painting from Housing a Forest – Not only is this creative, but it’s also challenging! Kids will have a blast creating a marble maze. The finished product will look like a work of art!
Mess-Free Painting from 123 Homeschool 4 Me – Painting doesn’t have to be messy. Here’s how you can paint and keep the mess to a minimum.
Animal Prints from Rainy Day Mum – Looking for a new way to create art? You can use old toys to create animal prints across the paper.
Hand Paintings from Handprint and Footprint Art – Handprints can be turned into many things … including a pirate.
Yarn Painting from The Artful Parent – Use yarn to create a dimension in a painting! You can use it to outline objects or draw attention to an object.
Eyedropper Painting from Buggy and Buddy – When you use eyedroppers and watercolors to create art, you’re giving little hands the chance to be creative and to practice fine motor skills.
Painting with Cars from 123 Homeschool 4 Me – Your hands-on learner will enjoy using toy cars to drive through paint with this art activity.
DIY Bingo Markers to Paint from Teach Preschool – You don’t need to buy dot dabbers to paint. You can actually make your very own!
Balloon Painting from Smart Class – A balloon and a little bit of paint will go a long way with this Very Hungry Caterpillar activity.
Painting on a Light Table by Busy Bugs – Painting on a DIY light table is a fun and interesting way to make art!
Comb Painting from No Time for Flashcards – Get the paint ready and find an old comb to make a rainbow work of art.
Baby Bottle Painting from Teach Preschool – Do you have some old baby bottles lying around? Make use of them with this painting activity.
Splatter Paint and Tape Resist from Buggy and Buddy – Get ready to make a fun mess with just a few supplies. You’ll only need paper, paint, and tape.
Pendulum Painting by 123 Homeschool 4 Me – Want to learn about the path a pendulum takes? You can with this painting project.
Drumming to Music Painting from The Artful Parent – Music can inspire kids to create art and have fun. It will be exciting to see what works of art are produced with this activity.

Creative ways to use paint

There are so many creative ways to paint with the kids! Take a look around the house and see what inspires you to create. Don’t be afraid to head out into nature and make use of what’s there. No matter what, be prepared to have some fun!

Teaching kids about famous artist Monet with this fun Monet art projects. This easy-to-make tissue paper craft makes a beautiful Monet Art Project for Kids that will brighten up any room while helping to explore a famous artists for kids while having fun creating beautiful art, slowing down to appreciate the pretty things around us, and learning to express themselves too. This art projects for kids is perfect for toddler, preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, first grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, and 6th grade students.

Crafts Ideas for Kids

Looking for more craft projects for kids? Check out these fun ideas!

Paper Roll Bunny Craft
100 Amazing Zoo Animal Crafts
These tin foil art projects are fun-to-make and so pretty!
Folded Paper Elephant Craft Bookmark
Painted Flower Craft Preschool
Creative Pipe Cleaner Crafts kids will want to make
Stunning Tissue Paper Rainbow Craft
Bubble Wrap Painting Rain Craft
Outrageously Cute Googly Eye Crafts
Tissue Paper Butterfly Suncatcher Craft
Star Wars Crafts that are from a galaxy far, far away
Super cute Thing 1 and Thing 2 Craft
Must-try Popsicle Stick Crafts
Over 100 Fun Spring Crafts for Kids
Super fun Spin Art Flower Craft for Kids
This Monet art project for kids is a fun way to introduce famous artists for kids with a stunning project!
Lovely Coffee Filter Crafts for kids
Check out these toilet paper roll crafts
Try these paper plate crafts for all occasions
40 Creative Paper Cup Crafts and Activities Ideas to Try Today
Clever Fall Crafts for Kids
Silly Monster Crafts for kids of all ages
Cute Handprint Alphabet Crafts from A to Z
Letter Crafts sorted A-Z
Learn your letters with these free printable alphabet crafts

Looking for more fun, creative ways you can begin your free homeschool? We have over 1,000,000 pages of FREE Printable Worksheets including resources for: pre k worksheets, kindergarten worksheets, 1st grade worksheets, 2nd grade worksheets, 3rd grade worksheets, 4th grade worksheets, 5th grade worksheets, 6th grade worksheets, and more. Plus see our history lessons for kids, hands-on countries for kids, printable math games, language arts worksheets, sight word worksheets, free alphabet printables, and cvc word activities for kids of all ages! And our hugely popular Pipe Cleaner constellation activities

Summer Fun

Looking for more outdoor activities for kids and things to do in the summer? Your toddler, preschool, pre k, kindergarten, and elementary age kids will love these fun ideas to keep them busy all summer long: