10 Art Therapy Activities For Kids

These art therapy activities for kids will help your littles ones work on many key skills and work through emotions – all while having fun and discovering art!

I hear a lot of amazing things about the power of art, and I completely agree. I remember how I loved painting in high school and couldn’t wait to get to my art class at the end of the day to just get lost in the paintbrush movements. Knowing this has lead me to make sure that our littles ones have as much art time as possible because it really, truly is therapy. You and your littles ones will love these art therapy activities for kids!

15 Art Therapy Activities For Kids

Art therapy is a powerful tool for children to express emotions, improve self-esteem, and enhance social skills. Through creative activities, children can explore their feelings in a safe, supportive environment.

1.Preschool Mess Free Paints

2. Stomping Bubble Wrap Painting

3. Kid’s Initial Wall Art

4. Pumpkin Apple Stamping

5. Easter Egg Potato Stamping

6. Galaxy Chalk Art

7. Van Gogh Fork Art

8. Tissue Paper Flowers

9. Painting to Music

10. No Mess Finger Painting Activity

Here are some additional art therapy activities for kids that are a little bit more general:

Here are some engaging art therapy activities designed specifically for kids:

1. Feelings Collage

Using old magazines, newspapers, or printed images, children can cut and paste pictures or words that reflect their current emotions. This activity helps them identify and express feelings, while also fostering their creativity and fine motor skills.

2. Emotion Masks

Kids can create masks to represent different emotions. Using paper plates, craft paper, or cardboard, they can decorate their masks with colors, textures, and designs that symbolize happiness, anger, sadness, or other emotions. This allows children to externalize their feelings and better understand emotional expression.

3. Safe Space Drawing

Ask children to draw or paint their “safe space,” whether it’s real or imaginary. This activity provides insight into what makes them feel secure and can serve as a calming exercise.

4. Mandala Coloring

Mandalas, with their intricate patterns, can be incredibly soothing for children. Coloring mandalas encourages focus and mindfulness, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.

5. Story Stones

Children can paint simple images or symbols on small stones. These stones can then be used to create and tell stories. This activity supports imagination, communication, and problem-solving skills.

6. Self-Portrait

Encourage children to create self-portraits using mirrors and various art supplies. This activity fosters self-awareness and helps them explore their identity.

7. Gratitude Jar Decorating

Children can decorate a jar and fill it with notes or drawings of things they are thankful for. This activity encourages a positive mindset and helps them focus on the good aspects of their lives.

8. Scribble Art

Children start by scribbling randomly on a piece of paper. They then turn the scribbles into recognizable shapes or images. This activity promotes creativity and reduces stress.

Art therapy activities for kids offer an engaging way to support emotional well-being, foster creativity, and build essential life skills.

Art therapy plays a vital role in supporting the emotional and mental well-being of children. By providing a creative and nonverbal outlet for self-expression, it allows kids to process their emotions, build confidence, and develop essential coping skills. Engaging in art therapy activities not only nurtures their creativity but also fosters resilience, communication, and self-awareness. For children facing challenges such as anxiety, trauma, or social difficulties, art therapy offers a safe, empowering space to explore and address their feelings. By incorporating art into therapeutic practices, caregivers and professionals can help children thrive, both emotionally and socially, as they navigate their formative years.

Looking for more activity ideas? You’ll love these:

XOXO,

Allison

10 Art Therapy Activities For Kids