Looking for easy toddler art ideas that don’t involve paintbrushes? These simple activities are perfect for kids aged 2–4, focusing on discovery and experimenting with different materials and textures.
Using strings, bubble wrap, drinking straws, and found objects, these art projects are fun, quick to set up, and don’t require fancy tools.
These ideas come from our toddler studio curriculum, where we focus on process art—exploring textures, shapes, and colors without worrying about the final result. Let your little ones get messy and discover new ways to create!
Why No Paintbrush?
Skipping paintbrushes encourages toddlers to think outside the box. Plus, kids love repurposing everyday objects in creative ways! It’s also a great way to develop fine motor skills, and explore texture, shapes, colors, and compositions through play.
Bring creativity home with The Art Recipe Book! Discover easy DIY recipes like papier-mâché, slime, and salt dough, and plant the seeds for endless fun!
11 Simple Toddler Art Activities
String Action Painting
A twist on Action painting! Dip a piece of string or yarn into paint, then drag it, whip it, or drop it onto paper to create unique lines and patterns. Try experimenting with different motions to see how the shapes change!
Blown Painting
Place drops of ink on paper, then use a drinking straw, fan, or blow dryer to blow the paint around. Watch how the result changes with each tool and the direction of airflow!
Texture Printing
Gather textured materials, such as bubble wrap or strings wrapper around blocks and use them to print on paper like stamps. Repeat the process in different directions or colors to create layered textures and unique designs.
Found Object Printing
Gather everyday items like toys, leaves, tools and even food, dip them in paint, and stamp them onto paper. Experiment with combining objects to discover new shapes and textures!
Chinese Rubbing (Tàiyīn)
Place a string under a sheet of xuan paper and use an ink dabber to reveal its shape. Move the string after each rubbing to layer shapes and create increasingly complex compositions.
- The Complete Guide to Chinese Rubbing Art: Tayin Techniques, History, and Materials
- What is Xuan Paper? A Complete Guide to Types, Uses, and History
11 Easy Toddler Art Ideas to Try at Home
Old Magazine Collage
Tear paper into simple shapes by hand—no scissors needed! Let toddlers arrange the pieces on a background following specific rules, like grouping by color or shape. Encourage them to work on placement, explore composition, and find differences and similarities between their choices.
- 8 Surrealist Games You Can Do with Just an Old Magazine
- Inspiring Paper Mosaic for Kids: Ancient Egypt-Inspired Process Art
Paper Pulp Play
Soak scraps of paper in water until soft, then mash them into a pulp. Let kids shape it into small sculptures or press it flat to dry into textured paper. It’s messy fun with endless possibilities!
Simple Clay Figurines
Create simple clay figures inspired by Antony Gormley. Super easy to make—just squeeze some clay in your hand and add two holes for the eyes! Vary the height, thickness, and eye placement to form a group of “related” figures that feel connected yet unique.
Paper Sculpture
Transform scrap paper into creative papier-mâché sculptures. Tear leftover paper into strips, dip them in a glue mixture, and layer them to explore height, shape, and texture.
Texture Compositions
Use polymer clay to create small textured compositions that focus on a specific tactile sensation, like spiky, soft, rounded, or swirly.
Textured Paper Clay Impressions
Use paper clay to imprint everyday objects like lace, natural materials, or found objects. Flatten the clay, press objects into the surface, and let it dry to reveal patterns and three-dimensional textures.
Did you find this post useful or inspiring? Have you tried it yourself or have suggestions to share? I’d love to see your creations! Share them with #ArtSproutsArt and tag me @art_sprouts_art. Don’t forget to pin this for later and follow me on Pinterest for more creative ideas!
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