Planning a kids' art party? Get ready to unleash the power of imagination and creativity with these easy and exciting art-themed ideas that will have the little ones buzzing with joy. Whether your young artists are aspiring Picassos or brand new to painting, these activities are sure to make your art party a masterpiece with done-for-you project plans.
diy paint party
Spoiler alert: you don’t need to be an artist to do this at home!
Canvas Painting Extravaganza: You don’t have to be an artist to host an art party. And you don’t have to spend a fortune on supplies. With a little pre-planning and a little cleanup, you can transform your living room, dining room or even your backyard into an art studio!
First, decide which project best suits the group. I have several video that were designed with kids in mind- but this toucan painting is a favorite for younger kids, and this fawn painting is a favorite for older kids! You can browse them all here. All have printable supply lists, with links as well. There are even traceable images if you want to pre-draw the images so kids can jump right into the painting part.
Toucan
This colorful toucan is a great one for all ages, and especially good for wild imaginations! The video will guide them step by step, drawing to finished painting. Or skip the drawing and save some time by tracing the line drawing ahead of time.
Woodland wonder
This fawn lesson is for older painters (aged 10+), and probably best for smaller groups. It looks hard but if the drawing is traced out beforehand, the painting element is fairly simple!
Set out some paint on paper plate “palettes”, canvases, brushes and some water for rinsing brushes- those little paint buckets from the hardware store, or even plastic flower pots without the holes make great rinse buckets and look cute too! Old yogurt containers also work great for this. The dollar store is a great resource, or buy in bulk online for all of these things.
To share the steps with the party attendees, you can set up a laptop at the head of the table, or screen share to a big screen making it even easier for all to see. The screen sharing to a TV works great and is my preferred way. Then just log in to your account and press play on the step-by-step painting lesson you chose! The instructor will lead them through the project, and you can assist with doling out more paint as needed.
*As a side note, I do recommend setting up all the tech and trying it out a day or so before in case there are any kinks to work out.
Not a techie?
Not a problem!
You can print out a PDF art lesson, and guide party guests through the whole project in easy to follow steps!
If you’re feeling like the tech aspect is too much or your party location isn’t set up for that, you can also choose a printable art lesson- and either print copies for each guest or just one for yourself, and guide the kids through the project. A top seller (and most requested lesson) is this Cake Slice project- perfect for birthday celebrations! This is a super easy one, especially if you use the traceable printout and have their canvases pre-drawn beforehand. You can grab the digital PDF download here.
Edible, Artful Delights: When it’s time for treats, edible art is always a hit! Set up a cupcake decorating station with plain cupcakes, various colored icings, sprinkles, and edible decorations. Kids can let their creativity run wild as they design and devour their delicious creations.
As an alternative, you could provide a cupcake canvas for them to decorate together. Ice cupcakes with a smooth, white frosting to resemble a blank canvas. Provide an array of edible paints (colored icings), edible glitter, and fondant shapes for the kids to use as their artistic mediums.
Make (or buy) ahead
Rather not deal with too many creative cooks in the kitchen? Paint palette cookies are a less messy treat with the right cookie cutter, or custom order some. Just add some fun colors of icing for the “paint” and you’re set!
I hired a cookie decorator friend to make these paint palette sugar cookies for one of my studio’s open house/art show events. Everyone loved them!
Pro Tip: Use butcher paper or craft paper for tablecloths not just on the art table, but on the food table as well! Set out crayons or markers and let them go to down drawing on the table.
Party Favors: The ideas are innumerable- but one of my favorites are little sketchbooks with small pencils. Or even cutting up some watercolor paper into small party favor bag sizes, and tossing in an inexpensive watercolor paint box like the kind used at schools.
Throw in some stickers or small candies and you have an adorable party favor that won’t get tossed out!
elevated favor
For an extra cute upgrade on the paints, these mini paint sets from Bonjour Fête are adorable!
In the End: A great party an easy party. You can go as big as you want, or keep things simple with the main activity being the art, and the party favors can be their own creations.
Know that there will be mess…so keep plenty of paper towels and/or baby wipes on hand. Ask guests to come dressed for mess- and remind the perfectionists (there’s always at least one!) that everything is fixable, wipe off-able or paint over-able. Have them lean into their oopsies and encourage their uniqueness. Often the magic in art is the part that surprised even the artist!
HAVE FUN!