Free and Fun Art Activities for Kindergarteners at Home

At Esplanade, Singapore’s national performing arts centre, we believe the arts should be part of every child’s everyday world—not just on stage, but also at home. For kindergarteners, art is more than colourful play; it nurtures imagination, builds fine motor skills, and gives them a joyful outlet for self-expression.

The best part? You don’t need fancy supplies or elaborate set-ups. With just a few simple materials, you can create art activities for kindergarteners at home that are fun, affordable and deeply rewarding. Here are some ideas to get started.

Painting Activities

Painting is often a child’s first step into the world of art. With just colours and paper, they can explore textures, shapes, and emotions in ways words cannot capture. 

1. Finger Painting

Nothing delights young children quite like dipping their hands in paint. Finger painting is a wonderful, simple art activity for kindergarten kids that encourages sensory exploration. The tactile experience helps them understand textures while they mix and swirl colours freely. Try using large sheets of paper spread across the floor or an old cardboard box lid for a mess-free canvas.

2. Salt Painting

Introduce a magical twist to painting by combining glue, table salt and watercolours. Have your child draw a design in glue, sprinkle salt on top, and then touch the salt with a wet brush of colour. The paint travels along the salt trails, creating vibrant, textured effects. This activity is perfect for sparking curiosity and wonder.

3. Sponge Painting

Cut sponges into simple shapes—circles, triangles, or even animal silhouettes—and let your child stamp patterns on paper. It’s a creative art activity for kindergarten that helps children experiment with repetition, rhythm, and design.

Drawing and Colouring Activities

Drawing and colouring give children the chance to put their ideas on paper. These simple activities build focus, spark stories, and strengthen fine motor skills. Esplanade also sometimes hosts kid-friendly activities, such as Craft Your Own Octopus. Do try them out!

1. Doodle Storytelling

Hand your child a blank sheet and ask them to draw anything that comes to mind. Afterwards, invite them to tell a short story about their picture. This activity blends visual and verbal expression, building both creativity and communication skills.

2. Nature Sketching

A walk in the park can turn into an art session. Collect fallen leaves or flowers, then sketch them at home. Observing nature closely improves focus and teaches children to appreciate the details in their environment.

3. Mandala Colouring

Introduce your child to simple mandala designs or circular patterns. Colouring within repeated shapes strengthens fine motor control while also creating a calming, meditative experience.

Collage and Craft Projects

Crafting with paper, fabric and recyclables opens up endless creative play. Collage and craft projects teach resourcefulness while letting kids invent their own worlds.

By the way, if your child loves craft activities, PIP’s PLAYbox at Esplanade should be your next destination. It’s a cosy, free arts space for kids that sparks imagination through storytelling, play, and creative exploration. Looking forward to seeing you there! 

1. Paper Collage

Provide coloured paper, child-safe scissors, and glue, and let your child piece together themed collages—a zoo, an underwater world, or even their dream playground. Collage work strengthens hand-eye coordination and introduces concepts like composition and layering.

2. Recycled Art

Turn everyday recyclables into treasures. Toilet rolls can become binoculars, cardboard boxes can transform into cars, and bottle caps may serve as wheels or eyes. These free art activities for kindergarteners also teach sustainability and resourcefulness.

3. Fabric Scrap Collage

Dig out old fabric scraps and encourage your child to arrange them into patterns or scenes. The variety of textures adds a sensory element, encouraging exploration beyond paper and paint.

4. Shadow Puppetry

Cut simple characters from cardboard, tape them to sticks, and shine a torchlight against a wall. Watch as your child invents stories in their own miniature puppet theatre. It’s imaginative play and craft rolled into one.

5. Make Your Own Instruments

Music and craft go hand in hand. With Esplanade Offstage tutorials, your child can make a straw pan flute or a simple handheld drum using household materials. These projects combine fine motor practice with the joy of sound-making. 

And do keep an eye on Esplanade’s programmes! We sometimes hold child-oriented learning activities at PIP’s PLAYbox, or upload fun craft tutorials on Esplanade Offstage. These support fine motor development, hand–eye coordination, and creative problem-solving, all while introducing kids to the basics of sound and rhythm.

Sculpture and 3D Art

Moving beyond the flat page, sculpture invites little hands to mould, build, and experiment in three dimensions. It’s a playful way to explore shapes and structures.

1. Clay Modelling

Playdough or clay lets children create in three dimensions. Encourage them to form animals, fruits, or abstract shapes. This strengthens hand muscles and builds spatial awareness.

2. Paper Mâché Bowls

Layer strips of paper over a balloon with glue, let it dry, and paint the finished bowl. While simple, this project introduces children to patience, layering, and surface decoration.

Seasonal and Themed Activities

Festivals, weather, and everyday themes can inspire imaginative art projects. Tying creativity to seasons and celebrations helps children connect art with real life. Or visit Esplanade and experience our holiday-themed events, like Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts held around Chinese New Year and Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts around Haya Raya Aidilfitri.

1. Holiday Crafts

Get festive with homemade decorations. For Christmas, create paper stars or garlands; during Chinese New Year, design bright red greeting cards. Seasonal crafts help children connect art to cultural traditions.

2. Weather Art

Encourage your child to paint sunny skies, rainbows or stormy clouds. Weather themes can also pair with science learning. Why not make percussion shakers for a “rainy day” soundtrack?

3. Music and Movement

Combine visual art with performance. After painting a rainbow, sing songs about colours. After crafting percussion instruments, march around the room in rhythm. Blending art and movement keeps creativity lively and dynamic.

Tips For Parents To Encourage Creativity At Home

• Keep supplies handy. Store crayons, paper and glue in a box within easy reach, so art becomes a natural part of the day.

• Focus on the process. Celebrate the joy of creating rather than striving for perfection. Every scribble tells a story.

• Display their work. Pin drawings to the fridge or frame a favourite painting. Visible artwork builds confidence and shows children their efforts are valued.

• Join in. Sit down and create alongside your child. Shared activities model creativity and strengthen parent-child bonding.

Art Activities for Children: How Esplanade Does It

From finger painting to shadow puppetry, from recycled art to paper mâché bowls, these creative art activities for kindergarten children at home are simple, affordable, and endlessly fun. They help your child develop essential skills while encouraging free expression and imagination.

Looking for more ways to inspire your child’s creativity? Explore Esplanade’s family arts programmes and Esplanade Offstage for hands-on, imaginative experiences that bring learning and play together.