Sometimes the best kids’ activities are the ones that don’t really have an activity.
One of my favorite ways to keep the kids busy is to set up an open-ended art table. I cover the table with a big roll of white paper, put out whatever art supplies we have on hand, and let the kids take it from there.
There are no instructions, no specific craft to finish and no expectation that anything has to look a certain way. They can draw, paint, stamp, experiment with colors or just cover the entire piece of paper with whatever comes to mind.
The MVP of this setup is definitely the roll of white paper. It gives the kids a huge canvas to work on, protects the table underneath and makes it easy for multiple kids to create together. When the paper is full, you can simply tear it off and start again.
I’ve listed some of our favorite supplies below, but you absolutely don’t need all of these. Use whatever art supplies you already have at home. The paper is really the magic ingredient.
What You’ll Need
🧻 A Roll of White Paper
This is the one thing I wouldn’t skip.
A roll of white bulletin-board or craft paper turns your entire table into an art station. I like using a large roll rather than individual sheets because the kids can work side-by-side and have plenty of room to spread out.
I usually tape the paper directly to the table so it doesn’t slide around while they’re working.
I know its pricey, but this roll of paper lasts me over a year and is really great quality to withhold water colors, paint and all sorts of art projects. I typically set this up on a Monday and leave it out for the week. I take it down on Friday just so I can have a nice clear space for my sanity over the weekend. It is definitely the MVP of the setup.
[Shop our favorite roll of white paper →]
🖍️ Washable Markers
Markers are always a hit and give the kids an easy way to add details over their paintings and drawings. I especially like washable ones when they’re working directly on the table.
🎨 Paint
I keep a few different types of washable kids’ paint available. You don’t need anything fancy — basic washable paint works perfectly for this.
🖌️ Watercolors
Watercolors are another easy option to throw into the mix. They’re especially nice when the kids want to experiment with blending colors and making different textures.
🌈 Paint Sticks
Paint sticks are one of my favorite additions because they’re less messy than traditional paint and are easy for kids to use independently.
They’re also great for adding big blocks of color to the paper.
🌈 Painter’s Tape
This isn’t essential, but I love having colorful painter’s tape around for art projects. You can use it to secure the paper to the table, make lines and sections on the paper, or just let the kids incorporate it into their artwork.
[Shop colorful painter’s tape →]
How We Set It Up
I don’t overthink this.
I roll out the paper, tape down the corners, and put a selection of art supplies within reach. Sometimes I’ll put out paint and brushes; other times it’s just markers and crayons. If we’re feeling particularly ambitious, I’ll add watercolors, paint sticks or whatever else I find in the craft cupboard.
Then I let them go.
That’s really the whole activity.
I love that there isn’t a right or wrong way to do it. One kid might spend an hour carefully drawing something while another covers their entire section of the paper in paint. They can work on their own projects or add to one giant collaborative piece.
And yes, it gets messy. That’s kind of the point.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to constantly come up with elaborate crafts to keep kids creative and engaged.
Sometimes all you need is a big roll of paper and a pile of art supplies.
Put it on the table, give the kids some space, and see what they come up with. The paper gives them room to experiment without worrying about staying inside the lines — and because it’s a roll, you can simply tear off the masterpiece when they’re finished and start fresh.
It’s one of those simple setups that we come back to again and again.
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