Most kids enjoy painting since their earliest childhood. There is something magical in that paint ending up on their face, fingers, and clothes. During years of crafting with my kids, we have quite a collection of canvas art ideas for toddlers and small kids. These ideas are quite simple to make, and the results are amazing.
Canvas painting is a fun way for children (and adults) to express themselves creatively while learning new skills like mixing colors together or drawing lines across the page etc., so why not give it ago? You will find yourself having hours upon hours worth of fun doing this activity together with your child 🙂
You can use this creative canvas painting as a gift idea for grandparents, and loved ones. A gift made by kids’ hand is always precious, and great keepsake memory.

10 Best Canvas Art Ideas for Toddlers and Kids
#1 Geometric Art for Kids
This is a simple abstract painting on canvas that can be very entertaining for small kids, but the older ones too. Even grownups might enjoy it. You will need some canvas and tape to get creative.
My three-year-old enjoyed this painting activity so much. Especially the moment we took the tape off. You should have seen her!

#2 Simple Nature Painting
This simple nature painting tutorial is just amazing. My 3-year-old daughter was following a tutorial from Mr. Otter Art Studio and made this nature canvas piece of art that stunned me.
You don’t even need a canvas for this kid’s artwork. You can use plain paper and have fun.
#3 How to Paint a Rainbow Cloudy Nightsky
Youtube is amazing when trying to find amazing artwork ideas for kids. This rainbow night sky tutorial was created by Cloe Art, and my 6-year-daughter enjoyed it!
You can also paint on plain paper if you prefer.

#4 Heart Paper Doily Craft on Canvas
I just love this paper doily craft from Messy Little Monster! It is a simple canvas craft suitable for all ages and a perfect Valentine’s craft for kids to make as a gift.
I would never think of this, it’s so creative.
Thank you, Louise!

#5 Simple Succulent Stencil Art
This succulent canvas project can easily be done by kids or adults. You don’t need to have any drawing skills to make this extraordinary artwork! I believe it would be a perfect teacher appreciation gift from young kids. Thank you Sonja and Jane from Sustain My Craft Habit site for this wonderful art idea.

#6 Snowflake Canvas Ornaments
These easy snowflake canvas ornaments are a great December activity for toddlers. It is quite simple, but a very precious memory and a Christmas gift toddlers can make.
You can go creative on this one as much as you like. Even make it in rainbow colors!

#7 Footprint Penguin
This adorable animal craft with a penguin footprint is such fun winter activity for moms and toddlers. Grab some canvas and acrylic paint and make a fun memory from your kids’ craft. You can paint the penguin, but kids can also make their creative version of it! I love to see their creativity grow.
Thank you, Amanda!

#8 Twig Heart Canvas
This creative heart-shaped artwork is the perfect craft for Mother’s Day, isn’t it!? I love the idea of combining nature finds into kids’ projects.
Finding the perfect twigs, and shaping this adorable artwork has been a fun memory to make. It’s a great textured canvas idea.
Thank you Red Ted Art!

#9 Painting Flowers with Ear Buds
Oh, this was one of our favorite art projects when my daughter was 5 years old. We followed the simple tutorial any kid can follow with your guidance. You will need some leaves and cotton pads. The result is beyond what I expected. It was one of the gift projects we love so much!
This is how our painting turned out. Like it? Check out the original in the link below. Thank you Everyday Crafts!

#10 Baloon Painting
This one seemed too simple to be true. But, yes, it is as simple as this one-minute video!
Let your kids make flowers in colors they like, and decorate their canvas painting as they wish. Trust me, you are going to have so much fun with this balloon painting!
Thank you Padmaja from Fun and Learn corner!

So, if you’re looking for a fun, creative activity that will get the whole family involved then this is it! This post gives you lots of ideas for projects that you can do together with your child. Paint in watercolor, acrylic, or crayon on canvas.
If you liked these ideas, we have more projects for your kids:
- How to redecorate a plain collage photo frame
- Make a bracelet from a toilet paper roll
- Simple homemade kinetic sand
- Best play doh recipe – so simple for kids to make and non-toxic