Vincent Van Gogh Activities for Kids
If you’re looking for fun Vincent van Gogh activities for kids, you’re in the right place! This quick list is perfect for homeschool parents and teachers who want to add more creativity to their week.
Whether you’re new to art lessons or just need something fresh, these ideas are easy to use at home—and they’re all inspired by one of the most famous artists in the world. Each activity helps kids notice color, shape, and movement in a fun, hands-on way.
And if you’re planning your lessons or looking to build an art unit, don’t miss our full homeschool art appreciation page. That’s where you’ll find more details, step-by-step guides, and printable resources.
Take a peek below to get inspired. These quick ideas can turn a regular afternoon into something special—without a lot of prep.
Why Teach Art Appreciation to Young Kids?
Art appreciation helps young kids slow down and really look at what’s in front of them. It builds focus, observation, and the ability to talk about what they see—all important early learning skills.
When kids explore art, they also get to use their imagination and learn that there’s no one “right” way to create something. Looking at different artists, like Vincent van Gogh, introduces them to new ideas, colors, and styles.
It also helps them connect art and the world around them, like nature, feelings, or even bedtime routines. Plus, art allows kids to express themselves when they don’t always have the words. Starting art appreciation early sets a strong foundation for creative thinking and curiosity.
Vincent Van Gogh Activities for Kids
If you’re looking for simple and fun van Gogh-inspired activities for kids, this list has you covered. These ideas are perfect for young learners and easy to fit into your homeschool day or art time.
Each activity encourages kids to slow down, observe, and create—without needing special materials. Choose one to try this week, or check out the full list when you’re ready to add more art to your routine.
This Van Gogh art project lets kids create their own version of The Starry Night using oil pastels and paint. It’s an easy, hands-on way to explore color and texture while learning about one of Van Gogh’s most famous works. The clear and kid-friendly steps make it a great pick for early learners.
This Vincent van Gogh word search is a fun and simple way to build reading and art vocabulary. Kids can look for words related to Van Gogh’s life and paintings while practicing spelling and focus. It’s a quiet activity that works well for early finishers.
In this printable art activity, kids can color and paint their own version of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. It’s an easy way to explore shape and color while learning about one of his well-known paintings. Print it out, grab a few supplies, and let your child create!
This easy chalk art activity is great for trying out Van Gogh-style swirls and bold colors. Kids use simple chalk pastels to make bright, expressive art—just like Van Gogh’s skies and fields. It’s low-prep and works well indoors or outdoors.
This Van Gogh-inspired sensory bottle is a calming, hands-on activity that brings The Starry Night to life. Kids can shake and swirl the bottle to see colors and glitter move like a starry sky. It’s a fun way to mix art with sensory play.
This sunflower art project lets kids paint their own version of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers using simple materials. The steps are easy to follow, and the results are bright and cheerful. It’s a great way to explore color and brushwork with young artists.
This collage art project is a creative twist on Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, using paint, paper, and glue. Kids can cut, layer, and arrange pieces to make their own sunflower masterpieces. It’s a fun mix of painting and crafting that encourages creativity and fine motor skills.
This Van Gogh art project is made just for preschoolers, with simple steps and fun materials. Kids will use forks to paint swirly skies inspired by The Starry Night. It’s a playful way to explore texture and movement through art.
This aluminum art activity lets kids create shiny, textured artwork inspired by Van Gogh’s swirling skies. They’ll draw a design, cover it with foil, and add color to make it pop. It’s fun to mix art and sensory play with a creative twist.
This sponge painting activity helps kids explore The Starry Night using soft dabs of paint instead of brushes. It’s an easy, mess-friendly way to discuss color and movement in Van Gogh’s work. Perfect for little hands who love to paint!
This foil painting project gives kids a fun way to recreate Van Gogh’s art with a shiny twist. They’ll paint right onto foil, making the colors stand out boldly and eye-catching. It’s simple to set up and perfect for young artists.
FAQs About Teaching Van Gogh to Kids
Not at all! You don’t need any unique background to help your kids enjoy and learn from Van Gogh’s work. Just looking at a painting together and discussing colors, shapes, and feelings is a great start. Simple questions like “What do you see?” or “How does this picture make you feel?” go a long way.
Most of these activities work well for preschool through early elementary. You can adjust based on your child’s age—use bigger brushes and less detail for little ones, or talk more about the artist’s life with older kids. The key is keeping it fun and hands-on.
You don’t need a long time—15 to 30 minutes is usually enough for young kids. Some projects might take longer, especially if your child wants to keep creating. Just follow their lead and let them enjoy the process!
Exploring Vincent van Gogh’s art with kids is a simple way to build creativity, focus, and a love for learning. These activities help children look closely, think deeply, and express themselves—all while having fun. You don’t need fancy supplies or an art degree to get started—just a few basic materials and a little time.
From painting and collaging to sensory play and word searches, each idea connects young learners with one of the world’s most famous artists in an easy-to-understand and enjoyable way. Art appreciation at this age doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs to be meaningful, hands-on, and fun.
Hi, I’m Tara—mom of three, former teacher, and now full-time homeschooler. After years in both preschool and public school classrooms, I brought the learning home and never looked back. At Homeschool Happiness, I share real-life tips, simple activities, and encouragement to help you create a homeschool life that feels good for your family—one filled with connection, laughter, and meaningful moments. We’re in this together!
