Are you looking for quick and easy art activities for kids to keep them entertained? Marble painting is a fun art activity that preschoolers and young kids will love. It's easy to set up and lets children explore their creative side. It's also great for developing fine motor skills.
This craft is perfect for busy parents who need an easy indoor activity. Here's everything you need to know to get started!
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Watch younger kids: Make sure to watch younger kids so the marbles don't end up in their mouths. If you've got a toddler who tastes everything, it's probably better to save this activity for when they're older.
If your kids enjoy this activity and you're eager to find something just as exciting, don't miss out on these Circle Art Ideas.
Kids Painting Activities
Need more simple and fun projects for kids? Here are a few other craft ideas that my kids loved:
- Painting with Feathers
- Jackson Pollock Inspired Splatter Painting for Kids
- Circle Art Ideas
- Painting with Golf Balls
- Drip Painted Flower Pots
- Magnet Painting
What Is Marble Painting?
Marble painting lets kids use marbles to make art. They simply roll them around in a tray that has paper with paint in it. As they do so, the paint spreads across piece of paper. Besides being creative, it introduces concepts like cause and effect, color mixing, and movement.
Supplies for Marble Painting
- Baking pan or shallow tray
- Paint in various colors
- White paper cut to fit inside the pan
- Tape
- Marbles
Optional supplies:
- Disposable tablecloth or newspaper to minimize mess
- Smocks or old T-shirts for the kids
Best Tools for Painting with Kids
When it comes to painting with little artists, having the right supplies can turn a messy experience into a fun and creative one. Below are some of my favorite kid-friendly painting tools that keep the process smooth, safe, and exciting.
👉 Tap any image below to shop these must-have painting tools for kids on Amazon!
How To Do Marble Painting
1. Prepare the Paper: Cut a piece of white paper so it fits snugly inside your tray. You will want to tape your paper to the bottom of the pan.
2. Add Paint: Squirt different colors of paint onto the paper. I used 4 colors in each tray.
3. Add Marbles: Place 3-4 marbles into the tray. You can experiment with how the number of marbles changes how the painting turns out.
4. Start Rolling: Once your marbles are dropped in, have your child rock the tray back and forth to get the marbles to move and paint the paper.
Why You'll Love Marble Painting
- Quick to set up: I like this activity because it's quick to set up and you won't have a big mess to clean up afterward.
- Great for rainy days: This is great for keeping kids busy, especially if it's raining outside and everyone's stuck indoors.
- Creative and fun: Kids get to move, play with color, and create something fun.
Tips for Painting With Marbles
Tip 1: Use this activity as a way to teach color mixing. Use primary colors like red, blue, and yellow. Add a little bit of each to the tray and see what happens when the marbles roll through.
Tip 2: Encourage kids to experiment with tilting the tray in specific directions to create crisscross lines or circular patterns.
Tip 3: If you don't have marbles, try using small balls or Painting with Golf Balls. The effect will vary depending on the size and weight of the object.
FAQS For Marble Art Painting
Yes, as long as it's supervised. Keep an eye on smaller marbles to prevent choking hazards, and encourage kids to keep paint away from their mouths.
Absolutely! Washable paint is perfect for easy clean-up and kid-safe fun.
Definitely! Older kids can experiment with different techniques, like layering colors or creating patterns, for more advanced art.
Marble painting for preschoolers is an activity where the process is just as rewarding as the end result. Whether you have an hour to spare on a weekend afternoon or you're looking for something quick to fill time during the week, this activity is a great go-to.
Marble Painting
Materials
- Baking pan or tray
- Washable paint in various colors
- White paper
- Tape
- Marbles
Instructions
- Prepare the Paper: Cut paper to fit the tray and tape it down at the edges.
- Add Paint: Pour 2-4 colors of paint onto the paper, spreading them out.
- Add Marbles: Place 3-4 marbles in the tray.
- Start Rolling: Tilt the tray to move the marbles through the paint. Watch the patterns appear!
Notes
- Experiment with different marble counts for new effects.
- Use washable paint for easy cleaning.
- Let kids wear play clothes to fully enjoy the mess!
Amanda says
Great pictures! We love marble painting too =) I linked back to this post on my most recent acorn marble painting post! http://theeducatorsspinonit.blogspot.com/2011/10/acorn-marble-painting-acorn-counting.html
Anonymous says
Super cute! My kids would LOVE that! I would love for you to link up at http://livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com/search/label/Linkey%20Parties
Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas says
I LOVE marble painting! It is just so much fun & how great that you added in come color mixing too!
Thanks for lining to the Sunday Showcase & sure hope to see you this week!
Bern
http://momto2poshlildivas.blogspot.com/search/label/Sunday%20Showcase
Katie says
Such a cool idea! I had forgotten all about marble painting. Thanks for visiting- I'm following back 🙂
Vicky says
@ Poppy, thanks for the thoughtful comment. Hope you are having a joy filled Thursday!
@ Joyce, who knew about the marble shortage?
@ Heidi, it will happen before you know it.
@ Jessica, I think the 3 year old will love it.
@ Shoregirl, thanks so much!
@ Cricket, hope you guys have fun with it.
@ Sandra, thank you for stopping in.
@ Jeanette, so happy to have you following
@ TJ, this is great for when he gets older.
@
@ Daneilia, brings back memories huh? I feel old too. 🙂
@ Tiffany, hope your kiddies love it.
@ Learning table, thanks for following back
@ Lori, you must try it! Super fun.
@ Theophanie, I love your 2 year old! 🙂
@ Monica, they are so fun aren't they?
@ Jamie, thanks so much for the kind words.
@ mmbear, will do!
@ Niko, thanks so much!
@ Cupcakes, I have a dad like that too! 🙂
@ Kierna, thanks for the comment.
Kierna C says
Hey Vicky, this is one of my favourite art activities - but I love the idea of the foil tray, as we use a plastic tray & then have to wash it out - thanks for saving me some time!
Cupcakes and Cutlery says
So fun!!! I wonder if my dad would let us take some of the marbles he hasn't used in 50 years to do art??? 🙂 My kids would LOVE this!
Niko says
I am just following you back, but WOW! I love this idea. I might have to try it once BL gets a little older. I can't wait to do fun projects like this.
--Niko
http://wishfulstargazer.blogspot.com
mmbear says
Now that is what I call original! Hi! I am from the blog hop and now a new follower thru GFC, Facebook and RSS Reader. I would love a follow back on all three when you get a free moment. Thanks so much for your help and have a blessed week!
Mary@http://www.mmbearcupoftea.com
Jamie says
I LOVE marble paintings! Very good post!!
Thank you so much for joining in the Make Yourself Monday blog hop!
Jamie
For Love of Cupcakes