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Are you looking forward to the weekend? What a great time to try some art activities for preschoolers?

You may be snowed in or it’s just too cold to do things outside. Why not take this time to get artistic with your preschooler?

Art activities for preschoolers can feel like a difficult place to make headway, but I’ve got 10 activities for you that you can start applying this weekend. Or, whenever you have time if you want to do some Netflix binging this weekend instead.

Activity #1. Mess-Free Finger Painting

Finger painting is a fantastic way for preschoolers to explore colors and textures. To keep the mess under control, use a large resealable plastic bag filled with paint. Your child can use their fingers to create colorful masterpieces without the worry of stains or spills.

Thankfully, finger painting doesn’t require a big investment, but I would highly recommend a set like this one.

Activity #2. Nature Collage

Take a nature walk and gather leaves, twigs, and flowers. Use these natural elements to create a beautiful collage. This activity not only encourages creativity but also teaches children about the beauty of the world around them.

Of course, this may be a little more difficult, but not impossible during the winter! A weekend is a great time to do things you usually don’t have time for during your busy week.

You can see some more ideas for nature-inspired crafts in our article on Crafting With Recyclables.

Activity #3. Playdough Creations

3. Playdough Creations

Making playdough from scratch or using store-bought dough is one of those quintessential art activities for preschoolers and can provide hours of entertainment. Encourage your child to sculpt their own creations, from animals to imaginary creatures. This activity helps improve fine motor skills and allows for endless imaginative play.”

Activity #4. Cardboard Box Creations

Transform a simple cardboard box into a spaceship, castle, or anything else your child can imagine. Use markers, paint, and craft materials to decorate the box and let your preschooler’s imagination take flight.

And let’s face it, we all probably have way too many empty boxes hanging around the house! This is probably one of the easiest and most cost-effective art activities for preschoolers.

Activity #5. DIY Musical Instruments

Create simple musical instruments using household items such as rice-filled shakers, paper plate tambourines, or rubber band guitars. Not only will this activity spark creativity, but it will also introduce your child to the world of music and sound.

This is a great way to not only incorporate art but music as well! And maybe even start a dance party with your child’s new instruments.

Have you seen our blog post all about DIY Musical Instruments? If not, check it out here!

Activity #6. Sponge Painting

Cut sponges into different shapes and let your preschooler dip them into paint to create unique patterns and designs. This activity is a great way to explore color mixing and allows for endless experimentation.

Activity #7. Try Popsicle Stick Puppets

Popsicle Stick Puppets

Encourage storytelling and imaginative play by making popsicle stick puppets. Your child can design their own characters and put on a creative puppet show for family and friends.

You can find this and other ideas in our post on Indoor Craft Activities.

Remember, you’ve got everything to gain and nothing to lose because this one is a quickie!

Activity #8. Watercolor Resist Art

Using white crayons and watercolors, your preschooler can create magical art pieces with hidden designs. The wax from the crayons resists the watercolors, revealing the invisible patterns they’ve drawn.

Activity #9. Recycled Art Sculptures

Gather recyclable materials such as cardboard tubes, egg cartons, and bottle caps, and challenge your child to create unique sculptures. This activity not only encourages creativity but also teaches the importance of recycling and reusing materials.

Activity #10. Storybook Illustrations

Choose your child’s favorite story and encourage them to create illustrations for it. Whether it’s drawing, painting, or collage, this activity can bring their favorite characters and adventures to life in a whole new way.

Want more help with ideas? 

If you have any questions on these strategies, get in touch here and I’ll do my best to help.  My mission is to get your preschoolers loving the arts. 

My hope is that this guide has helped you get one step closer to your ultimate goal of incorporating art in the life of your preschooler (and given you a few juicy ideas for the weekend!). Hey, who said Sundays can’t be fun AND educational?

Personally, my favorite strategy from this list is #5 but any one of them should start netting you better art engagement for your child. 

So let me know which ones you plan on trying in the comments!