![7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers 1 7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers](https://artfulparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/toddler-arts-and-crafts-fb.png)
![7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers 1 7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers](https://artfulparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/toddler-arts-and-crafts-fb.png)
The best arts and crafts ideas that are simple and open-ended, allowing toddlers to explore the materials and the world around them.
Updated April 2024
Process art is all about the making and doing rather than just the end result––which by the way––is still stunning artwork. When it comes to toddlers, process art is a wonderful way to engage young children through art.
A toddler making art is exploring the materials, the tools, his body, the world around him, and cause and effect as he creates.
Here are some of our favorite art activities for the younger artists, plus some tips of making the process successful!
Tips for Doing Arts and Crafts with Toddlers
Here are 3 top tips for a smooth experience creating art with toddlers. For more recommendations see 7 Tips for Doing Art with Toddlers.
1. Toddler Safety: Keep toddlers safe by supervising closely and giving reminders to put the art materials on the paper rather than in the mouth.
2. Describe What You See: You can give words to understand what your toddler is doing. Here’s some ideas for how to talk with your kids about art.
3. Encourage Your Toddler’s Creativity: And you can also encourage your toddler’s creativity by giving permission to explore and experiment rather than with an expectation to create as you might have.
Remember that a toddler’s attention span may be quite short. Like five minutes, even. And that’s okay. It is still well worth giving them the opportunity to explore and create with art materials, even if it is for just 5 minutes at a time.
![7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers 2 arts and crafts for toddlers pinterest](https://artfulparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/arts-and-crafts-for-toddlers-pinterest-683x1024.png)
![7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers 2 arts and crafts for toddlers pinterest](https://artfulparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/arts-and-crafts-for-toddlers-pinterest-683x1024.png)
Ready? Here is a selection of simple, process-oriented art activities for toddlers. These are the kinds of activities that they can do over and over again, in lots of different ways, as they begin to explore art.
Arts & Crafts Ideas for Toddlers
![7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers 3 toddler playdough](https://artfulparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/toddler-playdough.png)
![7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers 3 toddler playdough](https://artfulparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/toddler-playdough.png)
1. Playdough with Poke-Ins
We return to playdough over and over again in our home. It’s as much a staple art material as paint sticks, markers and gel crayons.
![7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers 4 Sticker collage art for kids_Rachel Withers](https://artfulparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Contrast-sticker-collage.jpg)
![7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers 4 Sticker collage art for kids_Rachel Withers](https://artfulparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Contrast-sticker-collage.jpg)
2. Sticker Collage Art
Pick up round labels from the stationary aisle at Target. They’re cheap and easy for toddlers to lift and stick for a great fine motor building workout.
![7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers 5 blot art heart](https://artfulparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/blot-art-heart-1.png)
![7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers 5 blot art heart](https://artfulparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/blot-art-heart-1.png)
3. Blot Art Prints
This is a project we return to again and again at our toddler art classes because toddlers go wild over this activity!
![7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers 6 Child-rolling-paint-onto-bubble-wrap–Photo Rachel Withers](https://artfulparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Child-rolling-paint-onto-bubble-wrap.jpg)
![7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers 6 Child-rolling-paint-onto-bubble-wrap–Photo Rachel Withers](https://artfulparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Child-rolling-paint-onto-bubble-wrap.jpg)
4. Bubble Wrap Printing
This is a fun art activity that we return to often. Tape bubble wrap to the table and then scoop a few colors of paint onto it. At some point this will likely become a finger-painting experience as little hands squish and spread the paint.
If you’d like to capture a print before the colors become too mixed, press a piece of paper onto the bubble wrap. Rub all over then gently peel it off to reveal the print!
![7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers 7 painting with wheels](https://artfulparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/painting-with-wheels.png)
![7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers 7 painting with wheels](https://artfulparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/painting-with-wheels.png)
5. Painting with Wheels
This is a fun one for toddlers and you can literally see the wheels turning (no pun intended). But seriously, their concentration is at an all-time high watching the cause and effect as car wheels create tracks across the paper.
![7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers 8 contact paper art](https://artfulparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/contact-paper-art.png)
![7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers 8 contact paper art](https://artfulparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/contact-paper-art.png)
6. Contact Paper Suncatchers
Tape some Con-Tact paper to the wall (sticky side up) and set out cut yarn, felt, tissue paper and paper shapes.
![7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers 9 toddler watercolor painting (1)](https://artfulparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/toddler-watercolor-painting-1.png)
![7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers 9 toddler watercolor painting (1)](https://artfulparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/toddler-watercolor-painting-1.png)
7. Watercolor Resist Painting
Another easy and beautiful process art activity that kids can return to over and over again. Get ready to frame the amazing abstract artwork that your kids will create!
And finally, never forget how much toddlers love to squeeze paints in a bottle or glue. Set out a piece of cardboard and let them happily put their little hands to work!
More Arts & Crafts Ideas for Toddlers
Visit The Artful Parent’s toddler page for lots of arts and crafts for toddlers.
Looking for art supplies for toddlers? Our post with the Best Art Supplies for Toddlers is filled with our top recommendations.
Want even more toddler ideas?
Check out our Toddler Creativity Pack!
This is exactly what you need to confidently embrace art time with your little ones! This eBook has all the tips and tricks you need to feel confident introducing art to your young child.
![7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers 10 toddler — Activity Craft Holidays, Kids, Tips](https://artfulparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/toddler.png)
![7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers 10 toddler — Activity Craft Holidays, Kids, Tips](https://artfulparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/toddler.png)
Pin It for Later
![7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers 11 arts and crafts toddler pinterest](https://artfulparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/arts-and-crafts-toddler-pinterest.png)
![7 Simple Arts and Crafts for Toddlers 11 arts and crafts toddler pinterest](https://artfulparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/arts-and-crafts-toddler-pinterest.png)