When it comes to creative and engaging activities for children, painting on wood combines the best of both art and tactile play.
27 Paintable Wood Crafts for Kids offers a colorful variety of simple and enjoyable woodworking ideas designed for young artists.
These crafts encourage fine motor skill development, color recognition, and self-expression.
Best of all, they result in beautiful keepsakes that children can display, gift, or even sell.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or craft group leader, you’ll find inspiration here for indoor art days, birthday activities, or even holiday-themed fun.
1. Wooden Animal Cutouts
These are among the easiest and most loved crafts for kids.
- Cut wood into animal shapes such as cats, elephants, or fish.
- Let children paint with stripes, dots, or patterns using non-toxic paints.
- Add googly eyes, felt ears, or yarn tails for extra fun.
- Great for decoration or pretend play.
- Ideal for young kids just starting out in arts and crafts.
2. Wooden Masks
Let children become their favorite characters or animals.
- Cut mask bases from thin plywood or purchase pre-cut wood blanks.
- Drill holes for eyes and attach an elastic strap.
- Kids can paint superhero masks, animal faces, or festive designs.
- Add embellishments like feathers, glitter, or sequins.
- Perfect for costume parties or school plays.
3. Wooden Letter Blocks
A creative and educational way to explore letters.
- Provide smooth, sanded blocks of wood.
- Kids can paint each block with a letter, number, or shape.
- Encourage rainbow themes or alphabet sets.
- Can be used for learning games or room decoration.
- Makes a thoughtful, handmade gift for toddlers.
4. Paintable Wooden Plaques
These versatile plaques are blank canvases for imagination.
- Choose rectangular or heart-shaped wooden plaques.
- Children can paint motivational quotes, names, or fun doodles.
- Hang them in bedrooms, classrooms, or hallways.
- Add hooks or strings to hang as signs.
- Great for personalized gifts.
5. DIY Wooden Magnets
Turn little pieces of art into functional fridge magnets.
- Provide small wood shapes (animals, letters, food).
- Paint with acrylics and seal for durability.
- Attach magnets on the back with glue.
- Encourage themed sets—like ocean creatures or fruits.
- Perfect for small gifts and mini sales at craft fairs.
6. Wooden Puzzle Pieces
Let kids design their own jigsaw puzzle artwork.
- Use pre-cut wooden puzzles or make simple shapes from plywood.
- Paint each piece individually with a part of a larger image.
- Seal for longevity and storage.
- Encourages spatial thinking and art skills.
- Makes a great group or classroom activity.
7. Paintable Birdhouses
Functional and decorative, these are always a hit.
- Provide pre-assembled or easy-to-build birdhouses.
- Let children paint in vibrant or natural colors.
- Add stickers or stencils for design ease.
- Hang outside and observe visiting birds.
- Teaches love for wildlife and creativity.
8. Wooden Picture Frames
A timeless painting project that preserves memories.
- Provide blank frames in simple square or rectangle shapes.
- Kids can decorate with color schemes that match their photos.
- Add patterns like polka dots, rainbows, or flowers.
- Use glitter or stickers for finishing touches.
- Great for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or birthday gifts.
9. Wooden Door Hangers
Fun crafts that let kids express their mood.
- Use long, thin rectangles of wood with a hole at the top.
- Paint messages like “Do Not Disturb” or “Welcome”.
- Personalize with names, animals, or emojis.
- Hang on bedroom or playroom doors.
- Teaches communication through art.
10. DIY Wooden Shields
Great for medieval-themed crafts or pretend play.
- Cut shield shapes from thin plywood or MDF.
- Kids can paint family crests, dragons, or stars.
- Add a handle on the back using ribbon or leather.
- Perfect for role-playing or themed parties.
- Encourages storytelling and design.
11. Wooden Spinning Tops
Simple toys that kids love to design.
- Provide pre-cut top shapes with a small handle.
- Let kids use color blocking or spirals for spinning effects.
- Paint with contrasting colors for best visual results.
- Fun physics meets creative design.
- Can be used again and again during play.
12. Paintable Wooden Jewelry
Kids can create their own wearable art.
- Offer small wood shapes (hearts, circles) with holes for threading.
- Paint both sides, then string with yarn or elastic.
- Make bracelets, necklaces, or keychains.
- Introduces pattern and design thinking.
- Excellent for birthday parties or group crafts.
13. Wooden Plant Markers
Combine gardening with art.
- Use thin wooden sticks with a flat top for writing.
- Kids can paint the plant’s name or a drawing of the vegetable/flower.
- Seal for outdoor use.
- Ideal for school gardening projects.
- Fun and educational.
14. Paintable Wooden Clocks
Functional art meets STEM learning.
- Start with round wood bases and pre-installed clock mechanisms.
- Paint with themes: space, animals, sports, or rainbows.
- Add numbers and hands, and watch it tick!
- Teaches time and design skills.
- Makes a great gift for a child’s room.
15. Wooden Maracas
Kids can paint and shake to their own rhythm.
- Use pre-made wooden maracas or assemble with egg-shaped tops.
- Paint with festive, bright patterns.
- Add glitter or stickers to personalize.
- Fun for music-themed craft sessions.
- Combines auditory and visual creativity.
16. Wooden Treasure Boxes
Kids love having a special place for their keepsakes.
- Provide small wooden boxes with lids and hinges.
- Let kids paint them as pirate chests, princess boxes, or themed containers.
- Add their names, stickers, or hand-drawn designs.
- Use as jewelry boxes, secret compartments, or memory holders.
- Great for gifting and long-term use.
17. Paintable Wooden Spoons
A fun blend of art and pretend kitchen play.
- Use plain wooden spoons or spatulas as the canvas.
- Kids can paint faces, animals, or abstract designs.
- Add felt hats, yarn hair, or googly eyes for character.
- Can be used for puppet play or kitchen décor.
- Perfect for themed craft sessions or rainy days.
18. Wooden Wind Chimes
Let children create soothing sounds and beautiful visuals.
- Use a round or rectangular wooden top.
- Paint the top in bright colors or peaceful patterns.
- Hang painted wooden or metal chime pieces with string.
- Decorate with beads, feathers, or shells.
- Teaches harmony between art, sound, and nature.
19. Paintable Wooden Cars and Trains
Classic toys with a personal touch.
- Provide simple wooden vehicle shapes.
- Kids can paint wheels, windows, flames, or racing numbers.
- Assemble into sets with magnetic connectors or pull strings.
- Encourages imaginative play and creative design.
- Great for both boys and girls.
20. Wooden Mobiles
A whimsical decoration for nurseries or playrooms.
- Provide shapes like clouds, stars, animals, or birds.
- Kids paint each piece before assembling into a hanging mobile.
- Use lightweight string or fishing line to suspend.
- Balance visually for a gentle swinging effect.
- Perfect for art-meets-engineering projects.
21. Paintable Wooden Memory Games
Craft and play in one.
- Create matching pairs of wooden tiles.
- Kids paint identical images on each pair: fruits, letters, animals.
- Add protective sealant for long-lasting use.
- Store in a decorated wooden box.
- Enhances memory and concentration through fun.
22. Wooden Animal Masks on Sticks
Perfect for puppet theaters or dress-up play.
- Provide pre-cut mask faces and wooden dowels for handles.
- Paint as jungle animals, underwater creatures, or bugs.
- Add yarn, glitter, or foam accessories.
- Great for classroom performances or storytelling sessions.
- Builds narrative imagination.
23. Paintable Wooden Fairy Doors
A magical craft that sparks curiosity.
- Cut or use pre-made small arched door shapes.
- Paint to resemble fairy, elf, or woodland doors.
- Decorate with flowers, vines, or even tiny handles.
- Place at the base of trees or on bedroom walls.
- Inspires whimsical outdoor or indoor play.
24. Wooden Pencil Toppers
Crafted art that brightens up school supplies.
- Cut small shapes and attach them to pencil tops.
- Paint emojis, animals, fruits, or initials.
- Secure with glue or rubber holders.
- Makes going back to school more fun.
- Can be sold in sets at school fairs.
25. Paintable Wooden Snowflakes
Perfect for wintertime crafts and décor.
- Use laser-cut wooden snowflakes or cut your own simple shapes.
- Paint with blues, whites, silvers—or rainbow designs.
- Add glitter for sparkle.
- String together into a garland or hang as ornaments.
- Great for seasonal window or tree decorations.
26. Wooden Heart Art
Versatile for any holiday or everyday décor.
- Offer heart-shaped wooden plaques or cutouts.
- Let kids paint with reds, pinks, or personal messages.
- Decorate with lace, buttons, or glitter glue.
- Can be used as wall art, door signs, or cards.
- Perfect for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day crafts.
27. Paintable Wooden Lacing Cards
Mix motor skills with artistic freedom.
- Cut shapes like animals or stars from thin wood.
- Drill holes around the edges for yarn lacing.
- Kids paint the base shape, then lace yarn through the holes.
- Combines craft and fine motor development.
- Reusable and ideal for early childhood learning.
Conclusion
Art has always been a powerful way for children to express themselves, and combining it with woodcraft only multiplies the benefits.
27 Paintable Wood Crafts for Kids” offers endless opportunities for young minds to explore creativity, build hand-eye coordination, and gain confidence in their work.
These wooden crafts are simple, safe, and fun—and the finished products become meaningful keepsakes or gifts that kids feel proud of.
Whether done at home, in school, or during craft sessions, every brushstroke is a celebration of imagination.
So grab your paints and wooden shapes—it’s time to let creativity shine!
