Painting with water is a blast! You’ll love watching the amazement in your toddler’s eyes when they are painting with water!
Painting with water is such a simple art activity for toddlers. And a great place to start doing activities with a toddler.
George has a little thing for water (doesn’t every toddler?), so I knew he’d get a kick out of this activity.
George and I have a great time while Henry is at school most days. We’re starting to work many more toddler appropriate activities into our mornings. I really enjoy watching George getting a kick out of these, too!
I colored in our chalkboard completely with sidewalk chalk (affiliate link).
George helped as only a toddler can help…
Find 50 activities for toddlers to do! They’re simple and perfect for your toddler! And find even more ways for toddlers to get creative!
I set out a little dish with just a little water to fill the bottom of it.
I handed George a few paintbrushes and showed him what happened when you got the water on the chalkboard.
He really got into it and it was fun painting along side of him.
He really acted like he was an artist busy as work. Showing me what he did as he made marks with his wet paintbrush.
How can an activity be much simpler than that?
And with a happy kid, can’t beat that either.
We’ve done lots of painting with water, check out some of our other activities below:
- Trace the squiggly lines with water — This might just be one of the most entertaining, and simplest activities with water there ever could be. Plus it gives them tracing practice! LOVE!
- Paint with water on the driveway (or sidewalk)
- Or just squirt the letters too! That’s always fun! (Plus, squirting is great fine motor strengthening practi
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Heng says
I need toddlers hand on activities
Tabitha Lightfoot says
Hi! Here is a link to some of our favorite toddler activities! https://handsonaswegrow.com/activities/toddler-activities/
Erin says
I tried painting with water on paper with my toddler but I recently came across your activity and will be trying it next. I included it in a recent blog post I wrote! Thanks for the inspiration!
Jaycee says
A budding artist =)
Heidi says
This activity is a HUGE hit with the kids I nanny. It produces complete silence while they paint away, which is incredibly rare. And if they spill their ‘paint’ it’s an easy clean up.
Diane says
Buy a cheap pack of 2″ paintbrushes from the Dollar Tree. Use this with a pail of water outside in the summer time. My granddaughters “paint” EVERYTHING with water. It does not hurt a thing…..the house, garage, driveway, fence, swing, their bikes, and rocks turn great colors when wet…..endless fun and they want to do it again and again. Too much fun!
becky says
I wish I hadn’t given away our chalkboard – will have to keep an eye out for another, since this would be a great activity, and meets my criteria of not being too messy. Once in a while there’s nothing like a great mess, but for ordinary daily activities, I try to maintain some control!
Amie says
Thanks for having labels with activities by age. Makes it so much easier to find ideas for my toddlers! I hear what you are saying about developmental stages, especially when you note the difference between your guys at similiar ages. Will certainly keep in mind when selecting an activity!
Jamie says
You’re welcome! I just added them, so I’m glad they’re helpful!
Emily says
it’s amazing how he’s holding that paintbrush! Definitely closer to 24 months, I am guessing.
Jamie says
Actually just barely 19 months. :) His fine motor control is amazing. Especially compared to his older brother at this age. So very different.
Morgan says
My mom did something similar when she was visiting – painting with water really is great! http://thnxpinterest.com/2012/04/11/thnx-pinterest-nana-water-painting/
Tricia says
Love it! Super simple yet so much fun and age appropriate. My 2 year old would love to do this. Thanks for the idea!
Jamie says
That’s why I can’t pass up posting the simple ideas! Enjoy!!
JDaniel4's Mom says
What fun! He looks so happy!
Jamie says
Thanks! He had a great time.