There are so many benefits to incorporating open-ended art activities into your preschooler’s daily routine. Not only does it foster creativity and imagination, but it also helps with fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem solving. Plus, it’s just plain fun! Here are 10 of our favorite open-ended art activities for preschoolers.

1. Paint with nature

Gather objects from nature such as flowers, leaves and twigs, then use them as stamps or brushes to paint on paper or fabric.

2. Marble painting

Create abstract works of art by rolling marbles dipped in paint across large pieces of paper or canvas board. Whenever my son does marble painting at school, his teachers tape the paper to the bottom of a small pizza box to contain the mess and keep the marbles from rolling away.

3. Bubble wrap printing

Dip bubble wrap into paints then press it onto paper for interesting patterns.

4. Scrapbooking

Teach your little one about storytelling by letting them create a mini scrapbook featuring their favorite moments & memories in life so far. It doesn’t need to be elaborate – simple photos & drawings will do!

5. Clay impressions

Roll out or flatten some play doh or clay and stamp it with small items to make interesting impressions. Try items with unusual shapes, like legos or matchbox cars.

6. Texture rubbing

Place paper over various textures, such as the sidewalk or a textured wall, and rub a crayon over the paper to transfer the texture.

7. Crayon resist

Draw with crayons on watercolor paper and then paint over top with watercolors. The crayon will resist the paint. A white crayon painted over with a dark shade of watercolor will give the most dramatic effect.

8. Collage

Set out some glue and various materials such as tissue paper, yarn, fabric, and buttons for your child to create a collage.

9. Doodling

Nothing simpler than a pen and paper.

10. Glue art

Draw designs on card stock with glue and then sprinkle confetti or sand into the glue design before it dries.

Click here to read more about the benefits of open ended art activities (also known as process art) for preschoolers

Does your child have a favorite method of creating art? Tell us in the comments below!