If your kids like popcorn and painting, and you are looking for easy snacks that can double as an art activity, I have an easy way to keep them busy and happy. Painting Popcorn is a cool activity that combines snack time with a little creative fun.
The best part? It’s quick to set up and you mostly use stuff you probably already have at home. If you’re looking for a new sensory activity, a playdate idea, or just something different to do after school, this is a winner!
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Kids Painting Activities
Kids painting activities are a fantastic way for little ones to get creative. They help develop important motor skills as kids experiment with brushes and their fingers. Plus, they’re a wonderful way to have messy fun! Here are some painting activities we love:
- Painting Activities for Toddlers
- Painting with Rubber Band Paintbrushes
- Dripping Salt Painting
- Painting with Circles
Supplies for Painting Popcorn
- Popcorn: plain, unsalted works best for painting and eating
- Milk: mixes with the food coloring to make edible paint
- Food coloring: makes bright, washable colors for painting
- Mini marshmallows: optional, but my kids always want to paint those too
- Paintbrush: something with soft bristles that’s easy for little hands
Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Popcorn Kernels, Original Yellow, 30 oz.
Elite Gourmet Fast Hot Air Popcorn Popper, 1300W Electric PopcornThe Original Proper Popper Microwave Popcorn Popper, Silicone Popcorn Maker,Small Paint Brushes Bulk, 88 pcs Nylon Hair Brushes, Flat
How to Paint Popcorn
1. Mix up edible paint. I just use a muffin tin or small bowls and mix a few drops of food coloring with about a tablespoon of milk for each color.
2. Lay out your supplies. I usually put out some paper towels and give each kid a pile of popcorn, a few marshmallows, and their own paintbrush.
3. Paint and snack. The kids dip the brush in the colors and start painting the popcorn and marshmallows however they want. They usually eat as they go.
4. Try different patterns. My kids like to make “rainbow” pieces where every kernel is a different color.
5. Eat right away. We eat the popcorn as soon as it’s painted. If you wait too long, the popcorn can get soft
Benefits of Painting Popcorn
- Kids improve fine motor skills by painting small pieces.
- Encourages kids to slow down and focus while eating.
- Helps fast eaters pace themselves and chew properly.
- Fun, messy sensory activity suitable for different ages.
- Doubles as both an art project and a snack for homeschooling.
Tips for Painting Popcorn
Tip 1: Don’t use buttered popcorn. It’s greasy and the paint doesn’t stick as well.
Tip 2: Make paint colors bolder by adding a little more food coloring.
Tip 3: Keep baby wipes nearby for messy fingers.
Tip 4: Use a paint shirt or apron if you’re worried about stains.
Tip 5: Only make as much as the kids will eat, since painted popcorn gets soft if it sits too long.
FAQs For Painting Popcorn
If you eat it soon after painting, it stays crunchy enough. Waiting too long can make it soft, so this is an eat-while-you-make activity.
Yes, it’s just food coloring and milk. I’ve even used this combo on marshmallows and it works great.
You can just paint popcorn. Marshmallows are optional, but they’re a fun extra if you have them.
Painting popcorn is a simple, creative snack idea that works for busy parents, teachers, or anyone looking for fun food activities for kids. My kids ask for this all the time now, and I love that it keeps them busy and lets them play with their food in a good way.
Painting Popcorn
Materials
- Popcorn plain, air-popped is best
- Food coloring various colors
- Small bowls or cups for mixing colors
- Water
- Paintbrushes or toothpicks
- Wax paper or a tray for drying
Instructions
- Start by popping your popcorn and letting it cool completely. Set it aside in a bowl.
- In separate bowls or cups, mix a few drops of food coloring with a small amount of water to create edible "paint." You can adjust the intensity by adding more or less food coloring.
- Lay out a piece of wax paper or a tray to set the painted popcorn on for drying.
- Using a paintbrush or toothpick, have your kids dip into the food coloring "paint" and apply it gently to the popcorn. Encourage them to play with different designs, patterns, or even create multicolored pieces!
- Once painted, place the popcorn pieces on the wax paper or tray to dry for about 15-20 minutes.
- After the popcorn is fully dry, it’s ready for snacking! Enjoy a colorful and creative treat with your little ones.
Notes
- Skip the buttered popcorn—it’s too greasy, and the paint won’t stick well.
- Want bold paint colors? Just add a bit more food coloring.
- Keep some baby wipes handy for those messy fingers!
- Always supervise kids when doing this activity.
Susan (aka qwho) says
will it make the popcorn soggy? Is the idea to paint and eat immediately? Is that why we see no pictures of any painted?
Vicky @ Mess For Less says
Hi Susan, The girls did eat the popcorn right after they painted it so I have no idea how long it would hold up before becoming soggy, sorry.