The Keeper of the Memories

Awesome Ideas for Creative Mamas & Little Kids

50+ Process Art Activities for Kids

These process art activities for little kids are a wonderful way to encourage creative thinking and problem solving, increase fine motor skills, and of course, provide sensory exploration too. You’re definitely not going to want to miss this list of 50+ Process Art Activities that your little learners are sure to love! Check it out today! 

collage of process art activities with text: 50+ Process Art Activities for Little KidsLittle kids love process art and let’s not forget how important it is for them from a developmental perspective.

Creative thinking and problem solving, increasing fine motor skills, and also providing opportunities for sensory exploration are just a few of the many benefits of process art experiences. 

If you’re a preschool teacher or homeschool mama, especially K-2 or early elementary, then you’re definitely going to want to stick around and explore all of the awesome process art ideas here on The Keeper of the Memories.

By the way, this post may contain affiliate links. which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if an item is purchased through one of these links. For more information, see my full disclosures here.  

There’s a lot to choose from. We add process art to just about every one of our preschool themes. And most of these invitation to create activities can be adapted for your little learners of just about any age. 

From toddlers to early elementary, kiddos will love having the opportunity to create and explore with lots of non-conventional supplies.   

I hope that you enjoy using these ideas with your little kids as much as I loved creating them with mine. 

What Is Process Art & Why Is It Important

Do you remember drawing and coloring as a young child? Getting totally wrapped up in the process and not being at all concerned with the end result? 

You enjoyed mixing colors, exploring supplies and experimenting with lots of different techniques.

And then there’s the mess… But you know what? That’s half the fun. 

Back then, you just wanted to create. The end result didn’t really matter all that much to you. 

What’s the Difference Between Process and Product Art? 

That’s exactly what process art is. It’s open-ended and has no definite end product. There are no directions to follow and no example to recreate.

Process art has no end product like most of the preschool crafts that we typically refer to as product art.  

Children thrive on this way of creating! They enjoy using their imaginations, getting messy, and trying new things. Not to mention, it’s a great way to build their confidence.

By now you’re probably wondering why you might want to focus on process art. How does open-ended art benefit children? Why are process-based experiences so important?

Keep reading to learn five of the many reasons why process art is important for kiddos.

5 Reasons Why Process Art Is Important for Little Kids

Inspire Creative Thinking

Preschoolers are inquisitive and thrive on having the opportunity to be creative. Giving little kids opportunities to express themselves as often as possible helps to build confidence and self-awareness.

Encourage Problem-Solving Skills

There are so many reasons why creative thinking and problem-solving skills are important for kiddos. These skills will give your little learners a definite advantage when it comes to learning science, technology, engineering, art and math.  

Provide Sensory Experiences

Your little kids’ development depends on play and getting messy is an important part of that. Kiddos use sensory play to explore the world around them and in the process they get to experiment with new textures and sensations.

Increase Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills are one of the single most important skills your little kids will learn. From eating to writing and everything in between, fine motor skills are critical for children. And of course the more we practice, the easier these things get.

Explore New Materials and Mediums

All little kids do things in their own time and on their own terms. What one is ready for another might not be. Talk about a great way for kiddos to explore new materials and mediums! After all, every child is unique.

I seriously can’t wrap my head around how much little kids can learn from just one quick & easy activity. And like I said, that’s just a few of the reasons why process art is so important.

It’s actually kind of crazy when you stop to think about it.

If you haven’t already tried open-ended art experiences with your children, here are a few ideas to get you started. And of course make sure to check out our Tot School & Preschool Themes for Little Kids to get even more ideas for using process art in your homeschool or classroom. You’ll find ideas for all four seasons – spring, summer, fall, and of course winter too! 

Process Art Ideas for Little Kids

All About Me Process Art

  • Learn about X is for X-Ray or even save this X-Ray Process Art for your next human body theme. Such a unique process art experience for preschool learners. 
  • This quick & easy Resist Painting for Kids is a great way to explore lots of important early learning skills. 
  • Learn about the five senses with this quick and easy (and of course tactile too) Five Sense Sand Process Art for Little Kids. 
  • Explore clothes with this Quick & Easy Dot Painting for Kids. We used clothespins and pompoms to make this adorable process art! 

Artist Process Art

Baby Animals Process Art

Beach Process Art

Bee Process Art

Birds & Eggs Process Art

Bubbles Process Art

Bugs & Crawly Things Process Art

  • What could be cooler than making your very own Beehive Preschool Craft? This is a great process art activity to add to your next bugs theme. 

Camping Process Art

Christmas Process Art

Community Helpers Process Art

Desert Process Art

Dinosaur Process Art

Easter Process Art

Fall Process Art

Friends & Feelings Process Art

Gardening Process Art

  • Do you have planting flowers on your mind? This Dandelion Invitation to Create Flower Art is a great way to practice important fine motor skills, which means it’s perfect for your next gardening them. 

Health & Fitness Process Art

It’s A Small World Process Art

Me & My Family Process Art

Nature Process Art

Nursery Rhymes Process Art

Ocean Process Art

Explore saltwater art with this Ocean Painting for Kids process art activity. 

Patriotic Process Art

  • Celebrate all things red, white, and blue with this Patriotic Process Art ball painting activity. It’s quick and easy and best of all lots of fun! 

Pond Process Art

Rainforest Process Art

Safari Process Art

Science Process Art

Space Process Art

Spring Process Art

  • This rainy windows Spring Process Art activity is a great way to introduce a spring or seasons theme to your preschoolers and kindergartners. 

Summer Process Art

  • Make your own cherry tree using nature items and basic craft supplies with this Summer Process Art activity. 

Superheroes Process Art

Transportation Process Art

Weather Process Art

Winter Process Art

Woodland Animals Process Art

Zoo Process Art

  • If you’re putting together letter D activities for your little learners, then you’re definitely doing to want to include this D is for Dolphin Zoo Craft.



Check out these other awesome ideas for little kids! 

Don’t forget to leave a comment and share which preschool skills and themes you’d like to see printables and activities for!