Back when I was working as an Early Childhood Educator, one of the biggest things we focused on was making sure kids’ activities were all about the process, not the product. Basically, we wanted them to have fun creating—like designing their own dreamcatcher or making a paper plate snowman—without stressing over how it turned out.
I’ll never forget this one time when I was helping the kids make paper bag frogs. One little guy got super upset because his frog didn’t look like mine. He was convinced his wasn’t any good, and honestly? It broke my heart a little. Not because he was upset, but because I realized I had accidentally given him the impression that his art had to look like mine to be “good.”
That moment really stuck with me. It made me realize how important it is to let kids create freely, without worrying about whether it looks “right” or “perfect.” Because, let’s face it, childhood isn’t about colouring inside the lines—it’s about enjoying the mess, the creativity, and the fun of it all.
This idea of focusing on the process over the product doesn’t just apply to kids—it’s a lesson for all of us. Think about it: how often do we get so caught up in trying to achieve the “perfect” result that we forget to enjoy the journey? Whether it’s a new hobby, a work project, or even relationships, the magic is in the process—the learning, the growth, and the experiences along the way. Just like those kids with their paper bag frogs, we need to remind ourselves that it’s okay if things don’t turn out exactly how we pictured. What matters most is that we showed up, tried something new, and let our creativity flow.
Life is meant to be fun, and kids remind us of that every single day. Whether you’re a parent, educator, aunt, uncle, or just looking for some creative ways to hang out with the kids in your life, I’ve put together a list of ideas below. And don’t just watch—jump in and play with them! One thing I learned as an Early Childhood Educator is that you don’t always have to be serious. Just let loose and have fun.
10 Open-Ended Creative Arts Activities for Kids
These activities are super flexible and can easily adapt to whatever your child is interested in—just let their imagination lead the way!
- Design Your Own Superhero Costume
Give your child some old fabric, markers, and glue, and let them create their very own superhero cape or mask. They can add their favourite colours or even design a logo! - Nature Art Collage
Go on a nature walk to collect leaves, flowers, and sticks. Then, let your child arrange and glue them onto paper to make their own masterpiece. - Cardboard Creations
Provide a few cardboard boxes, tape, and markers, and watch them turn into castles, cars, or rocket ships—the possibilities are endless! - Paint Without Brushes
Set up some paints and let your child use sponges, cotton swabs, or even their hands to create art. It’s all about experimenting with textures. - Sensory Bottle Art
Use clear plastic bottles and let your child fill them with water, glitter, small beads, and food colouring. They can shake, watch, and explore how the materials interact. These can be calming and fun to design! - Make Your Own Playdough
Get creative by making playdough from scratch! Use a simple recipe of flour, water, salt, and a bit of oil, then let your child choose the colours. Once the dough is ready, add a few drops of food colouring—start with 3-5 drops and adjust until it’s just right. (Tip: I’d always mix the dough with my hands since the food colouring can temporarily dye little fingers, or you can wear gloves if you prefer to keep hands clean.) This way, kids get to personalize their playdough and explore the fun of mixing and kneading. Once it’s ready, let them create animals, food, or whatever their imagination inspires! - Story Stones
Paint small stones with simple designs (like a sun, tree, or face). Let your child mix and match them to tell their own stories or make up a game. - Collaborative Mural
Tape a big sheet of paper to the wall or floor and let your child go wild with crayons, markers, or paint. Invite siblings or friends to join in for a group masterpiece! - DIY Puppets
Use socks, paper bags, or even popsicle sticks to create puppets. Your child can put on a puppet show and make up their own storylines. - Abstract Art with Tape
Use painter’s tape to create shapes or designs on a canvas or cardboard. Once the paint is dry, peel off the tape for a cool, modern art effect.
The key to all these activities is giving children the freedom to explore and adapt them to their own interests—whether that’s dinosaurs, superheroes, outer space, or something totally unique to them!
At the end of the day, it’s not about creating the perfect piece of art or sticking to a set plan—it’s about the joy of creating, connecting, and having fun. Open-ended activities give kids the freedom to explore their creativity and express themselves in ways that feel natural to them. And as adults, we can take a page from their book: let go of the need for perfection, embrace the mess, and enjoy the process. So next time you’re crafting, painting, or playing with the kids in your life, remember—it’s not just about what they’re learning, it’s about the memories you’re making together.
