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Do you have a little artist at home? If so, we have the perfect list of painting activities for toddlers!
These activities are simple to set up and can be enjoyed by both you and your child. Painting is a great way to teach children about colors and shapes, while also providing them with an enjoyable creative outlet.
So get your aprons on and let's get painting!

This is one of the most classic painting activities for toddlers. All you need is some paper, a few colors of washable paint, and your child's favorite color of finger-paints!
Encourage your toddler to explore different colors and textures.
This activity is great for toddlers who are keen to explore different textures. All you need is some foil and washable paint.
Place the foil onto your painting surface, then use your child's fingers to spread the paint around. As they lift off the foil, watch as unique patterns appear!
This painting activity is great for toddlers who need a little help with hand-eye coordination.
Spread some shaving cream onto your painting surface, then use drops of paint to create different colors and patterns.
As your toddler swipes the cream around, they'll discover new shapes and designs!
Use this activity to help your toddler understand the basics of color mixing. You'll need a few colors of washable paint and some paper.
Let your toddler experiment with combining different colors of paint to create new shades.
This activity is a great way for your toddler to explore shapes and patterns.
All you need is some paint, paper, and different objects with interesting shapes (e.g. potatoes, corks, sponges).
Dip the object of your choice into the paint and stamp it onto your paper!
Another great activity for exploring patterns and shapes! You'll need some marbles, a shallow dish, and paint.
Place the marbles in the dish and let your toddler add some drops of paint. Then watch as they move the marbles around to create random patterns.
This is the perfect painting for toddlers!

A great activity for teaching your toddler about shapes and textures!
Cut out some sponges into different shapes and use different colors of paint to create interesting patterns.
Introduce your toddler to a tactile painting experience with this activity. Simply gather some kitchen items such as plastic spoons, containers, and straws.
Now fill these with your favorite colors of paint and let your toddler have fun painting with the different textures!
This activity is great for toddlers who love to explore different textures. You'll need some foam, paint, and paper.
Cut the foam into smaller pieces and let your toddler use it to create interesting patterns.
Let your toddler explore a new painting technique with this activity. You'll need some puffy paint, paper, and a few containers.
Mix the paint in different colors and let your toddler explore the 3D effect of their artwork.
No matter which painting activity you choose, your toddler will be sure to have a colorful and creative time! So get your supplies and make these simple paintings!

Tamar Andrews
Director of ECE @ American Jewish University
Tamar Andrews, EdD, is an Associate Professor at UCLA's Graduate School of Education and Information Studies and Director of the Early Childhood Education Department at American Jewish University. With 30+ years in early childhood as a teacher and director, she led Temple Isaiah Preschool from 2003 to 2023, where she earned NAEYC accreditation and built an award-winning STEM program. Her work inspired her son Daniel to build Playground. She also teaches at UCLA Extension and Santa Monica College and speaks internationally on early childhood education.
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