My painting ideas for kids are fun, colorful, and wonderful vehicles for creative expression! Discover some of my favorite kids’ art ideas to share with the little ones in your life. 

Did y’all know that I used to teach art to kids?

It’s true! Before my paint party journey ever started, I was an elementary art teacher. That’s when my passion for teaching art really took off!

I’ve always had a special place in my heart for kids’ art projects – they’re filled with endless imagination and creativity, with no shortage of vibrant colors. 

So today, I’m rounding up some of my very favorite painting ideas for kids, with 12 colorful projects to try!

You can use these projects in the classroom, host a painting party for the neighborhood kids, or paint these designs as a family. 

The best part about these projects is that they work for all ages – they’re perfect for both kids and adults.

Each project is easy to create, with lots of room for creative liberties (which will make them look even cooler, in my opinion!). 

If you want more painting ideas for kids and helpful paint party resources, be sure to join us over at Paint Party Headquarters. 

But without further ado, let’s get painting!

1. Fun Splatter Paint Project

This fun splatter paint idea is perfect for kids of all ages, even the younger tots.

Using an exciting splatter technique, kids can get a little messy and create some gorgeous works of art along the way!

Kids can customize this project using their name, favorite colors, and a pre-cut stencil of their choice.

I used a pumpkin decal for this design, but you can easily swap that out for a flower, peace sign, heart, or anything else you come up with!

2. Simple Rainbow Canvas

This rainbow project is so cute and surprisingly easy to make. 

Simple brushwork and contrasting colors make a gorgeous, professional-looking design at any skill level.

3. Mini Surfboard Painting Ideas for Kids

Painting surfboards is what brought me to hosting paint parties in the first place. So I just HAD to include this mini design into my favorite painting ideas for kids!

I love using a creative base like surfboards because it sets kids off into a world of possibilities, inspiring their artwork. 

Kids can follow one of my projects or come up with their very own – the world is their oyster!

4. Easy Palm Tree Painting

Tropical and summery, this easy palm tree painting is a great way to practice those free-hand painting skills. 

Encourage kids to get creative with the colors. There are no rules at this paint party! (Well, maybe don’t throw the paint.)

5. Easy Carrot Painting

This carrot painting is easy to create, with bold lines and a backdrop that really pops!

I love this design for Easter as it’s less expected than your traditional Easter Bunny decal but still gives off all the fun vibrancy of spring. 

6. Black Cat Canvas Tracing

If you want to give kids a bit more confidence in their painting, I highly recommend trying a tracing project like this one!

This black cat design uses a pre-cut stencil that kids can easily trace and paint. Stencils make complicated projects suddenly very accessible!

You can make temporary stencils at home with construction paper or buy quality stencils from Essential Stencils so that you can use them again and again.

If you shop with Essential Stencils, be sure to use code TEXASHEIDI at checkout!

7. Simple Cross Painting

Simple and meaningful, this cross painting is an important design for all ages. 

I love teaching this design for Easter. It’s easy to make with a customizable backdrop and beginner shading.

8. Mermaid Tail Kids’ Art

Who else here is obsessed with mermaids? 

Their glittery scales, gorgeous tails, and flowing mermaid locks are so fun to paint – and kids absolutely think so too!

That’s why this mermaid tail design is one of my best kids’ art ideas. It includes rainbow scales, flowing linework, and a mystically beautiful shape.

Kids get super excited about this design and are always eager to pick out their very own mermaid tail colors! 

9. Ceramic Painted House

This next project is actually a 3D design inspired by a certain movie (wink wink). 

Filled with whimsy and character, this painted house looks just like the movie, complete with a fantastical bundle of balloons. 

Kids can recreate a house just like this one or come up with something totally original. 

10. Neon Colorful Cactus

Pro painting tip – if you want your colors to really pop, use a black background with neon colors on top.

That’s what I did for my neon colorful cactus design!

The results are images that practically jump from the canvas, showcasing exciting colors of lime green, cyan, and bubblegum pink. 

The cactus itself is super cute, especially when paired with florals and fun swirls.

11. Mini Camper Canvas

This mini camper canvas is one of my more complicated kids’ art ideas, but I know they can do it!

I’d recommend this design for older kids who are confident with the paintbrush, or younger kids who have a bit of help from an adult. 

From there, you can create this peaceful camping scene, complete with a shadowed forest, a crackling campfire, and a cute summer camper. 

12. Painting A Sunset

This sunset painting started as an inspirational photo of a beautiful, tropical sunset. 

You can encourage kids to find their own photos to help them render a memory or inspire their artwork. 

Of course, they can also use this design as their inspiration!

Painting sunsets is a good way to experiment with color, working on gradients and understanding how colors interact with one another. 

Well, that wraps up just some of my favorite painting ideas for kids. Whether you’re looking for a simple, customizable design or more of an intricate challenge, there’s a paint party project on this list for everyone!

I hope you’ve found some awesome inspiration to help drive your creative spirit. Now grab your paintbrush and go wild!

Want even more info? Don’t forget to join us over at Paint Party Headquarters for all the paint party resources you could ever need.