Art therapy activities for kids provide a creative and effective way to express emotions and develop self-awareness. These activities, whether practiced at home or in the classroom, help children explore their feelings through drawing, painting, and crafting.
By engaging in art therapy, kids can process emotions in a safe and supportive environment while also boosting creativity and building resilience. It’s an excellent approach to fostering emotional growth and encouraging healthy self-expression.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a therapeutic practice that uses creative processes like drawing, painting, and sculpting to help individuals express their emotions, explore personal experiences, and improve mental well-being. It combines psychology and the arts to promote self-expression, healing, and personal growth.
15+ Art Therapy Activities for Kids
Here are some art therapy activities for kids that help foster creativity, enhance self-awareness, and support emotional well-being.
1. Emotion Collage
Emotion collage is among the most powerful art therapy and creative activities for kids that helps children express emotions through images, words, and colors. By selecting items that resonate with specific feelings, kids create a visual representation of their inner world.
This activity allows them to explore and understand emotions in a non-verbal way, which is especially helpful for children who struggle to articulate their feelings. Through arranging images, children connect visuals with personal experiences, promoting self-awareness and emotional literacy.
Materials Needed:
- Magazines, newspapers, or printed images
- Scissors
- Glue
- Poster board
- Markers or colored pens
- Stickers or embellishments (optional)
How to Do:
- Start by discussing different emotions (like happiness, sadness, anger, etc.).
- Let kids flip through magazines and cut out images, words, or colors that they feel relate to these emotions.
- Once they have a collection, guide them to arrange the pieces on the poster board.
- After gluing the images, encourage them to add words or drawings to further express their feelings.
- Allow kids to present their collages and explain why they chose specific images.
2. Storytelling Through Drawing
Storytelling through drawing allows children to express their thoughts, memories, and feelings visually and creatively. This activity helps them communicate personal stories without relying solely on words.
By breaking a story into scenes and drawing each part, kids practice sequential thinking and emotional processing. Illustrating happy memories or challenging situations gives them a sense of ownership over their narrative, boosting self-confidence and self-expression.
Materials Needed:
- Drawing paper
- Colored pencils, crayons, markers
- Story prompts (optional)
How to Do:
- Begin by asking kids to think of a recent experience or a story they like.
- Encourage them to break the story into scenes and draw each one.
- Guide them to include details, colors, and facial expressions to convey emotions.
- Once completed, invite them to share their story with the group or write a short description to accompany the drawings.
3. Mandala Coloring for Relaxation
Mandala coloring is a therapeutic practice that helps children focus their thoughts and calm their minds. Mandalas, with their circular, symmetrical patterns, naturally draw attention inward, fostering a sense of tranquility.
As children choose colors and fill in patterns, they engage in mindful creativity, which reduces stress and enhances concentration. The repetitive nature of coloring within intricate designs allows them to immerse themselves fully in the moment, helping to alleviate anxiety and promote mental clarity.
Materials Needed:
- Printable mandala templates
- Colored pencils, crayons, or markers
- Calm background music (optional)
How to Do:
- Provide each child with a mandala template.
- Encourage them to pick colors that they feel drawn to at the moment.
- Allow them to color at their own pace, without any pressure to complete it quickly.
- While coloring, play gentle, calming music to enhance relaxation.
- Afterward, discuss how the activity made them feel and if the colors they chose reflect their mood.
4. Self-Portrait with Emotions
Creating a self-portrait focused on emotions helps children reflect on their feelings and build self-awareness. This activity encourages them to think about how emotions are expressed outwardly, bridging the gap between internal experiences and expression.
By drawing themselves with different facial expressions, kids learn to identify and communicate their moods. This reflective process boosts emotional intelligence and fosters open conversations about feelings in a safe, creative space.
Materials Needed:
- Mirrors (if available)
- Drawing paper
- Pencils, crayons, markers
- Reference images of facial expressions (optional)
How to Do:
- Ask kids to think about a recent situation that made them feel strongly (happy, sad, angry, etc.).
- Use mirrors to observe their facial expressions related to that emotion.
- Guide them to draw a self-portrait, emphasizing the facial features that reflect their mood.
- Add colors and background elements that complement the emotion.
- Discuss how drawing their emotions made them feel and whether it helped them understand their reaction better.
5. Nature Art Creations
Nature art creations are engaging art therapy activities for kids that encourage creativity while fostering a connection with the natural world. Using materials like leaves, twigs, and stones, children develop mindfulness and environmental awareness.
This hands-on experience with natural textures not only sparks creativity but also enhances sensory skills, helping kids see the beauty in everyday objects.
Materials Needed:
- Leaves, flowers, stones, twigs (collected outdoors)
- Glue, cardboard or canvas base
- Paints (optional)
- Natural dye or pigments (optional)
How to Do:
- Take a nature walk to collect various natural objects.
- Once back, sort the items by texture, color, or shape.
- On a canvas or cardboard, arrange the items to form a pattern or image.
- Optionally, use natural dyes to color the pieces.
- Glue the arrangement and let it dry.
- Discuss the inspiration behind the artwork and what emotions it represents.
6. Gratitude Jar Decorating
Gratitude jar decorating is an activity designed to help children focus on positive thoughts and practice mindfulness. By creating a personalized jar to collect gratitude notes, kids develop a habit of reflecting on the good aspects of their lives.
Decorating the jar fosters a sense of ownership, making the practice of gratitude more meaningful. As they add new notes over time, children build a visual reminder of positive experiences, which can boost their mood and resilience, especially during challenging times.
Materials Needed:
- Glass or plastic jar
- Paints, markers, stickers
- Small pieces of paper
- Pens or pencils
How to Do:
- Give each child a jar and a variety of decorating supplies.
- Allow them to paint or embellish the jar, making it personal and inviting.
- Once decorated, encourage them to write down things they are grateful for on paper slips.
- Fold and place the notes in the jar.
- Make it a daily or weekly practice to add new notes.
- At the end of the week or month, open the jar and read the notes together.
7. Abstract Finger Painting
Abstract finger painting is an exciting and liberating activity that lets children explore emotions through spontaneous creativity. Unlike structured art forms, finger painting encourages freedom of movement and expression, allowing kids to directly connect their feelings with color and texture.
This hands-on approach stimulates sensory perception and fine motor skills while giving kids the opportunity to release tension and channel their energy into vibrant, unstructured art. It’s a joyful, messy, and cathartic way to engage in self-expression.
Materials Needed:
- Washable paints (various colors)
- Large sheets of paper or canvas
- Aprons or old clothes
- Wet wipes for cleaning hands
How to Do:
- Set up a space where kids can freely paint without worrying about making a mess.
- Pour different colors of paint onto plates or trays.
- Encourage children to dip their fingers and hands into the paint and make patterns on the paper.
- Let them experiment with blending colors, creating shapes, or simply spreading the paint freely.
- After completing their artwork, discuss the colors and patterns they used and how it made them feel.
- Allow the paintings to dry and display them to celebrate each child’s creativity.
8. Journaling with Doodles
Journaling with doodles combines writing and drawing to create a dynamic and engaging way for children to express their thoughts. This hybrid approach helps children who may struggle with purely verbal reflection to convey emotions through visual symbols and brief text.
Doodling alongside written entries makes the journal feel more personal and less daunting, encouraging regular use. Over time, this creative journaling practice can help children track their mood changes and become more attuned to their emotional well-being.
Materials Needed:
- Notebooks or journals
- Pens, colored markers, pencils
- Stickers (optional)
How to Do:
- Start with a brief conversation about daily feelings and experiences.
- Encourage kids to write about their day, including what made them happy, sad, or frustrated.
- Alongside the writing, prompt them to add small doodles that represent their emotions (like happy faces, rain clouds, or stars).
- Allow them to decorate the pages with colors and stickers.
- Share the journal entries as a group if the kids feel comfortable.
- Repeat this activity regularly to build a habit of emotional expression.
9. Clay Sculpting for Self-Expression
Clay sculpting offers a tactile way for children to express their emotions. By shaping clay, kids can turn abstract feelings into physical forms, helping them externalize complex emotions. This activity promotes sensory engagement and fine motor skill development.
Creating realistic objects or abstract shapes with clay is therapeutic, encouraging relaxation and focus. The tangible representation of their emotions helps children process and visualize their feelings in a comforting way.
Materials Needed:
- Air-dry clay or modeling clay
- Sculpting tools (or household items like forks and sticks)
- A smooth surface for working
- Acrylic paints (optional)
How to Do:
- Encourage kids to think about an emotion they want to express, such as joy, anger, or curiosity.
- Let them mold the clay into shapes or figures that represent how they feel.
- Use sculpting tools to add details, textures, or patterns.
- Optionally, paint the sculptures once they dry to add more color and meaning.
- After completing the sculptures, have a discussion about what the shapes represent and why they chose those forms.
10. Collaborative Mural Project
A collaborative mural project is one of the most impactful art therapy and engaging activities for kids, promoting creativity, teamwork, and self-expression. Working together on a large mural allows children to share their ideas while valuing the perspectives of others.
This group effort fosters important skills like communication and collaboration as kids plan, design, and create together. The final mural, vibrant and unique, serves as a lasting symbol of unity and collective creativity.
Materials Needed:
- Large roll of paper or canvas
- Paints, markers, and brushes
- Themed prompts (like nature, friendship, or dreams)
- Protective sheets for the floor
How to Do:
- Decide on a theme as a group (e.g., “Our Happy Place”).
- Assign sections of the mural to different children, but encourage them to blend their parts into a cohesive artwork.
- Use a variety of colors and patterns to make each section unique yet interconnected.
- Once completed, let each child explain their part and how it connects to the theme.
- Hang the mural in a common area to showcase the group’s effort.
11. Sensory Painting
Sensory painting blends artistic expression with sensory exploration, allowing children to experience art in a multi-dimensional way. By using various textured tools and unconventional painting materials, kids can experiment with how different sensations affect their creative output.
This approach not only sparks imagination but also helps in self-regulation, as the tactile experience can soothe anxiety and encourage focus. Sensory painting is especially beneficial for children who thrive on hands-on activities.
Materials Needed:
- Paints of various colors
- Sponges, brushes, textured rollers
- Bubble wrap, fabric swatches
- Large paper or canvas
How to Do:
- Set up stations with different textures and painting tools.
- Let kids dip the tools into the paint and create prints or patterns on paper.
- Encourage them to layer colors and experiment with mixing.
- Discuss how each texture feels and how it influences their painting.
- Once dry, have the kids describe their artwork and the emotions they associated with each texture.
12. Dream Catcher Crafting
Sensory painting blends artistic expression with sensory exploration, allowing children to experience art in a multi-dimensional way. By using various textured tools and unconventional painting materials, kids can experiment with how different sensations affect their creative output.
This approach not only sparks imagination but also helps in self-regulation, as the tactile experience can soothe anxiety and encourage focus. Sensory painting is especially beneficial for children who thrive on hands-on activities.
Materials Needed:
- Hoop (wooden or metal)
- Yarn or string
- Beads, feathers, ribbons
- Scissors, glue
How to Do:
- Show kids how to tie yarn around the hoop and start weaving a simple web pattern.
- As they weave, encourage them to think about their dreams and positive thoughts.
- Add beads and feathers to personalize the dream catcher.
- Once completed, hang the dream catcher in a space where they feel safe and inspired.
- Share stories about what the dream catcher symbolizes for each child.
13. Color Your Mood
“Color Your Mood” is a creative way for children to express their emotions through colors. Each color represents a different feeling, such as red for anger or blue for sadness. This activity helps children communicate their emotions visually, especially when words are hard to find or feelings are complex.
By coloring, they gain a deeper understanding of their emotions, allowing them to reflect and manage their feelings in a safe and expressive manner.
Materials Needed:
- Watercolor paints
- Paintbrushes
- Thick paper
- Palette for mixing colors
How to Do:
- Begin by discussing how different colors can reflect emotions (e.g., blue for calm, red for anger).
- Let kids choose colors that match how they feel right now.
- Guide them to create abstract patterns or blend colors to reflect changing emotions.
- After painting, have them write a few words describing why they chose those colors.
- Display the paintings as part of a “Mood Gallery.”
14. Guided Imagery Drawing
Sensory painting blends artistic expression with sensory exploration, allowing children to experience art in a multi-dimensional way. By using various textured tools and unconventional painting materials, kids can experiment with how different sensations affect their creative output.
This approach not only sparks imagination but also helps in self-regulation, as the tactile experience can soothe anxiety and encourage focus. Sensory painting is especially beneficial for children who thrive on hands-on activities.
Materials Needed:
- Drawing paper
- Colored pencils, crayons, or markers
- Soft, calming music (optional)
- Guided imagery script (e.g., “Imagine a peaceful beach…”)
How to Do:
- Start by guiding the kids through a brief relaxation exercise (deep breathing, gentle stretching).
- Read a guided imagery script or describe a calming scene slowly and with vivid details.
- Encourage children to visualize the scene as they listen.
- Once relaxed, ask them to draw what they imagined.
- Discuss how the drawing makes them feel and why they chose certain elements.
- Display the drawings as part of a “Calm Imagery” gallery.
15. Emotion Masks
Emotion masks are creative art therapy activities for kids that help them express emotions in a hands-on, non-verbal way. By decorating masks to reflect different feelings, children can externalize their inner world through art.
This process makes it easier for them to recognize and communicate emotions. Additionally, the masks can be used for role-playing or storytelling, allowing kids to safely explore various emotions in an imaginative space.
Materials Needed:
- Paper plates or blank mask templates
- Paints, markers, crayons
- Craft materials: yarn, glitter, stickers
- Elastic bands for wearing the masks
How to Do:
- Give each child a blank mask template.
- Ask them to think about a strong emotion they recently felt (joy, fear, anger, etc.).
- Let them decorate the mask to reflect that emotion, using colors and shapes to convey feelings.
- Attach an elastic band to each mask.
- Once finished, have them wear the masks and share the story behind their creation.
- Discuss how the masks made them feel while wearing them.
16. Music and Movement Art
Music and movement art combines rhythm, sound, and visual art to create an interactive, full-body experience. As children move to different types of music, they interpret the rhythm with their bodies, linking physical movement to creative expression.
Afterward, they use paint or other materials to visually express their feelings or movements. This activity promotes self-expression, physical coordination, and emotional release, helping children connect their physical sensations with their emotions.
Materials Needed:
- Large sheets of paper
- Paints or markers
- Music player with a variety of songs
- Paint Brushes or sponges
How to Do:
- Play a range of music (calm, energetic, upbeat, etc.).
- Encourage kids to move and dance to the music.
- After a few minutes of movement, let them paint on the paper while the music continues, translating the rhythm and mood into visual form.
- Rotate songs to see how different tempos and styles affect their art.
- Discuss how the music influenced their choice of colors and patterns.
Sum up
Art therapy activities for kids are a powerful way to support emotional growth and creativity in the classroom. These hands-on projects help children express feelings, build empathy, and develop self-regulation skills. Whether you’re addressing emotional challenges or encouraging everyday reflection, these activities make a lasting impact. Start integrating art therapy into your lessons today to create a more supportive, inclusive, and emotionally healthy learning environment for every child in your classroom.
Transform emotions into creativity with these hands-on arts and crafts worksheets. Each activity helps kids express themselves, build confidence, and explore the healing power of art in your classroom.
