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. We wanted them to enjoy creating—like designing their own dreamcatcher or making a paper plate snowman—without worrying about how it looked in the end.
I’ll never forget the time I was helping the kids make paper bag frogs. One little guy got really upset because his frog didn’t look like mine — he was convinced it wasn’t any good. That moment stuck with me—not because he was upset, but because I realized I had unintentionally given the impression that his art had to look a certain way to be “right.”
It reminded me how important it is to let kids create freely, without the pressure to get it perfect. Childhood isn’t about colouring inside the lines; it’s about the freedom to explore, to imagine, and to create something that feels joyful — and really, that reminder isn’t just for kids, it’s for all of us.
Often as adults, we trade wonder for productivity and we chase polished results and miss the magic of the process. Whether it’s in our careers, relationships, or personal goals, how often do we pressure ourselves to “get it right” instead of simply being present in the journey?
What I’ve learned—both in the classroom and in life—is that creativity, joy, and growth rarely show up in straight lines; they show up in the mess; in the trying; in the freedom to make something that doesn’t have to impress anyone to be meaningful.
10 Open-Ended Creative Arts Activities That Teach More Than Just Art
These activities are flexible and fun, but they also teach patience, problem-solving, and confidence; they invite kids to trust themselves — and when we participate with them, they invite us to slow down and connect—with them, and with ourselves.
Here are some favourites:
- Design Your Own Superhero Costume
Give your child some old fabric, markers, and glue; 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; 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. - Make Your Own Playdough
Make playdough from scratch using flour, water, salt, and a bit of oil; once the dough is ready, add a few drops of food colouring—start with 3-5 drops and adjust as needed. I’d often mix the dough with my hands since food colouring can temporarily dye little fingers; you can also wear gloves if preferred. Once it’s ready, let them create animals, food, or anything 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 invent a new game. - Collaborative Mural
Tape a big sheet of paper to the wall or floor; 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 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 canvas or cardboard; once the paint is dry, peel off the tape for a cool, modern art effect.
The key with all these activities? Freedom. It’s about giving kids the space to explore what lights them up—and letting curiosity, not control, lead the way. If we’re being honest, adults need that too. We need the reminder that life isn’t a checklist or a finished product; it’s a practice in presence.
When we create with kids, we’re not just helping them build skills — we’re creating connection, making memories, and showing them it’s okay to explore, to make mistakes, and to feel proud of their own voice.
And maybe, in the process, we start to heal a little part of ourselves—the part that once believed everything had to be perfect to be good enough.
So next time you’re crafting, painting, or just playing together, remember this isn’t just child’s play, it’s a glimpse into something deeper. Let go, join in and learn from them—they’re often more aligned with joy and creativity than we are.
…And that’s the real lesson—trust the process, in art, in life, in becoming.
