Try these 7 finger painting ideas for toddlers and preschoolers to spark their creativity and keep little hands busy!
Finger Painting for Preschoolers
There is nothing that stresses me out more than nothing I love more than letting watching my kids flex their creativity.
I’m always looking for fun activities to do with my kids, and one of the best ways to let little ones make a huge mess be creative is to let them go to town with some good, old-fashioned, messy, colorful finger painting!
With summer just beginning, I thought it might be a good time to hunt down some fun finger painting ideas to share with you.
Don’t worry, Mama. The paint will wash away in no time relatively easily, but the memories will stay a life time.
(If you’d just like some good finger paint that’s easy to clean, this is the kind we like, paired with a big roll of paper!)
Ready to let them get messy?
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Ideas for Lessening the Mess
Ok, hang on. I can see a few of you cringing all the way from here. So before you bust out the tubs of color, let me share a few ideas for making this LESS messy.
- Use a disposable plastic table cloth from the dollar store or even an old sheet under your project.
- Take it outside. An outdoor picnic table is a great place to finger paint. Or, unfold some large cardboard boxes and lay them on the grass to use as a base.
- Raining? The porch or garage is a good option, too!
- Have a big towel a stack of wet washcloths ready to go.
- Add a little dish soap to the paint. This will help it wash off even easier.
- Pour yourself a pot a cup of coffee (or wine!) before you start!
Now let’s get to those finger painting ideas!
7 Finger Painting Ideas for Preschoolers
1) Add Cool Things
Finger paint with added extras! Adding cool stuff can make the mess even more fun! Picklebums has some great ideas for this.
2) Make it Edible
Do your little ones still put everything in their mouths? Make edible finger paint! Here’s a great recipe from Mommypotomus.
3) Frozen Finger Painting
Frozen finger paint can add a whole new sensory experience that preschoolers love.
4) Bubble Wrap Finger Paint
Painting on bubble wrap might be the coolest idea ever! Childhood 101 talks more about it.
5) Mess Free Painting
If you need to minimize mess as much as possible, or have a baby who wants to participate, this is a great idea!
6) Finger Paint to Music
Such a creative twist to finger painting. Carrots are Orange has great instructions.
7) Paint a Box House
Cut doors and windows in a large cardboard box, put it in the back yard and let your preschoolers paint their own house. You’ll be surprised at their creativity!
Be sure to comment and tell which ideas you plan on trying! I’ll bring the coffee!
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