Active Art Projects for Kids (Suitable for Indoors!)

Not all kids have the temperament to sit quietly at a table and draw. That's where these active art projects come in! You might think active projects have to be done inside to avoid a big mess, these are all safe for indoors!

The active art projects vary in their level of physical activity involved and they can all easily be done indoors with minimal mess (although you may remember I am not afraid of giant messes.)

Benefits of Active Art

Active art project help kids look past traditional ideas and preconceptions they might have about making art. The projects are more about the process of making art and less on creating some perfect specimen. This is so important for kids who are worried that they "can't draw."

In addition, many kids learn and focus better when they are moving. Active art project capture their attention and increase the likelihood that they will see the project through to its completion without getting bored!

MORE: Motion Science Projects for Active Kids

Active Art Projects

I've organized the projects by their main movement pattern. So if you have a child who loves tossing things around, or one who loves to stand tall and stretch, you can pick the perfect activity for them.

Just remember: washable paint is your friend.

Shaking and Tossing

Shaken container painting. This one can get really active. Kids will burn off a ton of energy! Shake and jump, or dance and swing! A word of caution: fit or tape the lid tightly! It's also great for outdoors.

Rolling and Spinning

Painting with magnets. This is a fun way to mix science and art and will give you justification for keeping all that random hardware in your toolbox.

Marble painting. What child doesn't love rolling marbles? Kids will enjoy the challenge of manipulating objects to create wild-looking art.

Spinner art. Use the kids' favorite kitchen tool–the salad spinner–to make art that looks like fireworks.

Stretching and Standing

Decorate the windows! This is one of our absolute favorites and is such a great way to experience stormy weather. Kids will enjoy having an excuse to stand and climb onto the windowsill to stretch up high.

• Create a stained glass effect using cellophane, soap and water;
• Open up the washable paints and let your kids go to town;
• A roll of painters tape and a limited palette creates a Mondrian-inspired window

Do you have a chalkboard easel? Paint on a chalkboard with water. Stand up and move those arms. If they get a little crazy, that's okay, it's just water!

Smooshing

Color smooshing. Try this fun technique that is especially great for toddlers and preschoolers. All the mess is contained and kids learn color theory at the same time.

Marbled paper with shaving cream. This one is not as full-body active as some of the other active art projects on this list, but it involves squirting and swirling, which is always a big hit. It also has a big WOW factor!

Full Body

Easy peasy art on big paper. If you cover your floor with butcher paper, you can get the kids moving in all different directions. Be sure to promote creativity by providing printing materials for hands and feet! See how we did it!

Create life sized body art. Kids get out of chairs, lie down and move around on the floor. Make sure they get a chance to trace someone else's body, as well as having theirs traced, so they can use big arm movements. It's easy to forget that big arm movement is crucial to the development of fine motor muscles.

For more indoor play ideas, including art projects, see our giant list of indoor activities for kids.

As you can see, art and physical exertion are not incompatible. In fact, getting active is a refreshing change from sitting down with a coloring book! These art projects are all about the process, so let your children explore!