Craft Ideas for Toddlers

Simple, safe, and fun craft ideas for 1-4 year olds. All activities use household items and require adult supervision.

Rainbow Sponge Stamps

2-4 yearsEasy20 mins

Cut sponges into shapes and stamp beautiful rainbow patterns!

Materials:

Kitchen spongesWashable paintsPaper platesLarge paper

Simple Steps:

  1. 1Cut sponges into simple shapes (circles, squares, hearts)
  2. 2Pour different paint colors onto paper plates
  3. 3Dip sponge in paint and stamp onto paper
  4. 4Create patterns by overlapping colors
Click for full tutorial

Leaf Print Art

1-4 yearsEasy30 mins

Collect leaves and create beautiful prints showing nature's patterns.

Materials:

Large leavesWashable paintPaperPaint brush

Simple Steps:

  1. 1Collect large, sturdy leaves on a nature walk
  2. 2Paint one side of the leaf with washable paint
  3. 3Press painted side onto paper firmly
  4. 4Lift carefully to reveal the leaf print
Click for full tutorial

Paper Plate Faces

2-4 yearsEasy25 mins

Create silly faces using paper plates and household items.

Materials:

Paper platesYarn for hairCrayonsChild-safe glue stick

Simple Steps:

  1. 1Draw or paint a face on the paper plate
  2. 2Cut yarn into pieces for hair
  3. 3Glue yarn to the top of the plate
  4. 4Add any other decorations you like
Click for full tutorial

Yogurt Paint Masterpiece

1-2 yearsEasy15 mins

Edible finger paint perfect for babies who taste everything!

Materials:

Plain yogurtFood coloringHigh chair tray or large paper

Simple Steps:

  1. 1Mix food coloring into small portions of yogurt
  2. 2Place baby in high chair with tray or large paper
  3. 3Drop spoonfuls of colored yogurt for exploration
  4. 4Let baby finger paint freely!
Click for full tutorial

Nature Collage

2-4 yearsMedium45 mins

Create beautiful art using items found on a nature walk.

Materials:

Cardboard or thick paperChild-safe glueNatural items (leaves, petals, small sticks)

Simple Steps:

  1. 1Go on a nature walk to collect safe items
  2. 2Spread items on work surface to plan design
  3. 3Apply glue to cardboard in sections
  4. 4Press natural items onto glue and let dry
Click for full tutorial

Cardboard Box Castle

3-4 yearsMedium1 hour

Transform a big box into a castle, rocket, or anything imagination creates!

Materials:

Large cardboard boxCrayons or markersStickersScissors (adult use)

Simple Steps:

  1. 1Adult cuts windows and door in box
  2. 2Child decorates with crayons and stickers
  3. 3Add paper cone for tower (optional)
  4. 4Enjoy imaginative play!
Click for full tutorial

Bubble Wrap Stomp Painting

2-3 yearsMedium30 mins

Step in paint and stomp on bubble wrap for textured art!

Materials:

Bubble wrapWashable paintLarge paperShallow tray

Simple Steps:

  1. 1Tape large paper to floor or outside surface
  2. 2Pour washable paint into shallow tray
  3. 3Child steps in paint (barefoot)
  4. 4Stomp and walk on bubble wrap and paper
Click for full tutorial

Pinecone Bird Feeders

2-4 yearsEasy20 mins

Make simple bird feeders to hang outside and watch birds visit!

Materials:

Large pineconesPeanut butter (or sunflower butter)Bird seedString

Simple Steps:

  1. 1Tie string around top of pinecone for hanging
  2. 2Spread peanut butter all over pinecone
  3. 3Roll pinecone in bird seed
  4. 4Hang outside and watch for birds!
Click for full tutorial

Pasta Necklace

3-4 yearsEasy25 mins

Thread large pasta onto string to make wearable art.

Materials:

Large tube pasta (rigatoni)Thick string or yarnWashable markers (optional)

Simple Steps:

  1. 1Optional: color pasta with markers first
  2. 2Cut string to necklace length plus extra
  3. 3Thread pasta onto string
  4. 4Tie ends together to wear!
Click for full tutorial