18 Kids’ Handprint and Finger Painting Ideas

These kids’ handprint art projects and finger painting ideas are messy fun that you can create together and make special memories.

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Finger painting is a great kids’ activity for a number of reasons. It provides a sensory experience as kids feel the texture of the paint and paper, new smells, and even temperature. It develops fine motor skills and can help kids practice shapes, colors, and patterns.

You can introduce your child to finger painting as young as 6 to 12 months. At that age, they’re still putting everything in their mouth, so choose a finger paint that’s taste-safe. At around 18 months or so, you’ll probably be able to do a short project together, but expect a lot of mess!

You can purchase age-appropriate finger paints or make your own. We’ve included several ideas below that include recipes and here are some options on Amazon.

Before you get started, set up a workspace in your home where it’s okay to make a mess. Cover the floor with a dropcloth, use a tablecloth that can get paint on it, and wear clothes that can get messy.

Now try these fun and creative finger paint ideas and handprint art projects for kids.

Taste-safe finger paint

Kids who love the hands-on sensory experience may want to give their finger paint a little taste. This recipe for homemade paint from Happy Toddler Playtime is made with items from your pantry.

Bathtub paint

If you’re looking for a way to make finger painting a bit easier to clean up, try this bathtub paint idea from Kids Activities Blog.

Dinosaur handprints

If your kids love dinosaurs, they’ll enjoy making dinosaur handprints with Simple Everyday Mom. This is a super-cute parent and child activity that you could do together.

Fingerprint flower pot

Decorate a flower pot to start a little indoor garden. A fingerprint flower pot would also make a precious handmade gift for a parent or grandparent. Learn how at Crafts by Amanda.

Fingerprint bookmark

Make summer reading time even more fun by making fingerprint bookmarks with your kids. This cute idea is good for all ages and comes from Sugarbee Crafts.

Handprint rainbow

Making a handprint rainbow will take a bit of patience while you paint the rainbow stripes, but the result is amazing! Kids Craft Room has tips for making this a creative activity that focuses more on process than product too.

Mess-free finger painting

Sometimes you want to be able to sit your child down with an activity that won’t require much cleanup when they’re done. Try this mess-free finger painting trick from Apple Green Cottage.

Finger painted trees

We love the bright rainbow colors of these finger painted trees at Hannah and the Twiglets. Use your favorite homemade or store-bought finger paints.

Glitter paint

You can mix glitter right into the paint with this versatile glitter paint recipe from Mess For Less. It’s perfect for summer finger painting crafts.

Alphabet art

Help your child learn the alphabet in a fun way by doing this alphabet art activity at Easy Peasy and Fun. Each picture starts as a painted fingerprint!

Bubble wrap finger painting

Set up an activity that’s double the sensory experience with Childhood 101. Bubble wrap finger painting combines two activities for a mix of textures.

Handprint tablecloth

Although this handprint tablecloth is a Thanksgiving activity, it would be tons of fun to make one with all the kids from your backyard summer camp or a neighborhood get-together. Details at Ideas for the Home by Kenarry.

Fingerprint aquarium

After a trip to the zoo or aquarium, why not create your own fingerprint aquarium, via Artsy Craftsy Mom. Kids can paint the fish to resemble the ones they saw on the trip.

Pineapple finger painting

We love the bright citrus color if this pineapple finger painting project from Penny Pinchin’ Mom. It’s simple, but the finished art is gorgeous.

Fingerprint comics

Making fingerprint comics is a fun way to combine painting, drawing, and storytelling. This is a great way to encourage creative writing over the summer. Find more at Fireflies and Mud Pies.

Sunflower finger painting

Make a whole gallery of finger-painted sunflowers to decorate your home for the summer. See the activity at Raising the Spenglers.

Fingerprint dandelions

Picking dandelions to blow and make a wish is a popular kids’ activity. Turn their fingerprints into dandelions in this fun art project from Crafty Morning. They put them on cards to send in the mail.

Pudding paint

The Tiptoe Fairy has a simple idea for making pudding paint. Mix up the recipe and let your kids get messy. When they’re done painting, they can eat the leftovers.

Finger painting is the perfect summer art project for your backyard summer camp. Spend a whole day making artwork with your child or have an art day every week of the summer.

More fun ideas from Backyard Summer Camp:

• 12 Fun Messy Activities and Play Ideas for Kids
• 15 Easy Slime Recipes with Things at Home
• 36 Easy Crafts for Toddlers