
Creating arts and crafts is a fun activity for the entire family. It’s a great way to expose children to the world of art. It allows them to flex their creative muscles, teaches them how to follow directions, and tests their gross and fine motor skills, all while creating a work of art. Plus, it can be an enjoyable experience, whether you are an artist or not.
As a parent, you don’t have to be an artist to do arts and crafts with your kids. Nor should you be afraid to attempt these activities with your family. You just need a few ideas, materials, and a little patience to get started on your crafting journey.
Check out the list below for tips and tricks on how to successfully do arts and crafts with your kids and create memories that will last a lifetime.
1. Pinterest and YouTube are great resources for arts and crafts ideas.
Both sites have craft ideas for all age groups. Many ideas come with step-by-step directions or video tutorials, which make it easy. Surf these sites for a variety of ideas. Create a board or list and save them for later.
2. Themes are fun.
The holidays provide a great opportunity to create theme-based crafts. Each holiday has a plethora of ideas to do with the kids. You can also incorporate your kid’s special interests to make crafting more interesting and fun. There are many craft projects about superheroes, dolls, trucks, or cartoon characters that are easy to make.

Noelle Wearing Her Pipe Cleaner Ring
3. Give them a choice.
Show them your list of ideas or online boards. Let them choose one that tickles their fancy.
4. Choose activities that work with your child’s attention span.
Various factors determine a child’s attention span. Some children can spend hours doing one activity, while others can only stay focused for 15-20 minutes. Make a mental note of your child’s attention span and choose crafting activities accordingly.

Ayla Creating Salt Art
5. Keep basic supplies in the home just for crafting.
You don’t need fancy arts and craft supplies. Choose crafts that require basic supplies that can be found in your home. Some of these items may already be in your home.
- Child safe scissors
- Glue
- Tape
- Markers
- Color Pencils
- Plain Paper
- Crayons
- Construction Paper
- Coloring books (these are good to keep on hand to use at any time)
6. Do the craft ahead of time.
This tip is important if you choose a craft that may be a little more on the difficult side. It will allow you to determine if it’s worth doing the craft or not. Therefore, test it out to ensure you know how to do it yourself and if it’s worth your time.
7. Gather, pre-cut, and measure materials ahead of the activity.
Preparing materials before you begin saves time. It also makes it easier for younger children who lack fine motor skills to participate.

Kage Creating Salt Art
8. Have older kids gather and prep for the activity.
Kids love to help. Plus, they should be a part of the process from start to finish as much as possible.
9. Have a clean and spacious area to work.
Choose a place where they can lay out all of their materials and move freely. Cover the surface with newspaper or cloth if it’s going to be a messy craft project.

Ayla and Gigi making a pipe cleaner ring.
10. Allow them to be creative as they want.
They don’t have to follow the design to the letter. Let them come up with their own ideas. You may be pleasantly surprised by what they create.
11. Make sure they clean up and put things away when they are done.
Since they contribute to the mess, they should clean up when they are done. Cleaning up teaches them to be more responsible.
12. Display their work.
Children love to see the fruits of their labor on display. So, post it on social media, send it to family members, place it on a wall, or create a gallery. They will get a kick out of seeing it on display.

Arts and Crafts Gallery Wall
13. HAVE FUN!!
Crafting is a fun family activity. Don’t stress about it. Create memories and enjoy the crafts that you make with your kids.

Noelle and Kahlil Collaborating on a craft project.
What are your thoughts? Do you craft with your kids? If so, what are your fondest memories of crafting with your kids? Please share them in the comments below.
BONUS: For more educational tips and tricks for teachers and parents, check out my other website The Modern Schoolmarm.