Does your little one love Dinosaurs? If so, you will want to try this fun, low-prep painting dinosaur activity for toddlers. It’s the perfect activity for those days when you need a quick but engaging activity for your little one.
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Other Dinosaur Activities For Kids:
- Fun Dinosaur Sensory Bin For Toddlers
- Low-Prep Dinosaur Footprint Activity
- Dinosaur Matching Activity For Preschool
Painting Dinosaur Activity For Toddlers
We love dinosaurs in my house, so I’m always coming up with fun and creative activities to do with the ones we have. Adding paint into the mix takes it to a whole new level. This activity is perfect when you’re crunched for time and need a simple, low-prep way to keep your toddlers engaged.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to set up this activity—and share a few tips for keeping it low-mess and easy to clean up.
What You’ll Need
What I love most about this activity is how simple yet versatile it is. You can use just about any toys you have on hand for it.
- Toy Dinosaurs
- Washable, non-toxic paints (tempera or finger paints work best)
- Reusable paint cups
- Paintbrushes or sponges
- Craft paper to protect the table or floor
- Wipes, paper towels, or a damp cloth for quick clean-up
- Optional: aprons or old t-shirts for toddlers
Step-By-Step Set Up Guide
- Prep Your Painting Area – Cover the table or floor with old newspaper or craft paper. Secure it with tape so it doesn’t slide around while your little one is painting.
- Tape Down the Dinosaurs – This step is important. Tape down the toys you’re using so toddlers don’t get frustrated if the dinosaurs tip over while they’re painting.
- Set Up the Paint and Brushes – Place washable paint and brushes within easy reach of your child.
- Introduce the Activity – When introducing something new, I like to demonstrate how it’s done first, then let my toddler try it on their own.
- Clean up, Clean up is quick and simple once your toddler is finished. Just pull up the craft paper and toss it out, then wash the paintbrushes and cups. For younger kids, it’s best to have them wear clothes you don’t mind getting paint on.
Learning Opportunities With This Activity
I love simple activities like this and how beneficial they are for kids. This activity is fun for sure, but it also has a few benefits.
- Fine Motor Development: Brushing, dabbing, and finger-painting strengthen small muscles used for writing later.
- Color Recognition: Naming and mixing colors helps toddlers learn and remember them.
- Cause and Effect: Watching paint spread or colors blend teaches scientific concepts in a toddler-friendly way.
- Creativity & Expression: Toddlers can express themselves freely through their color choices and designs.
- Language Development: Talking about textures, colors, and dinosaur names builds vocabulary.
Keep This Activity Mess Free
Painting with toddlers can get messy, but with a few tricks, you’ll enjoy the process instead of stressing over the clean-up.
- Dress your toddler in play clothes or an art smock.
- Use washable paints for easy clean-up.
- Limit the number of colors to reduce spills and mess.
- Keep wipes or a damp cloth nearby.
- Set clear boundaries: “Paint stays on the dinosaur or paper.”
- Celebrate the process, not the outcome—focus on their creativity, not how it looks.
Why Simple Activities Work Best
When it comes to toddlers, simple is always better. Activities like this one don’t require hours of prep, and they keep kids engaged without overwhelming them. A simple dinosaur painting activity gives them:
- Freedom to explore without rules or pressure
- Confidence when they see their creations come to life
- Connection time with you, as you join in or talk about their work
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