Children of all ages, even infants, love art activities because art allows children to explore lots of different materials. Some of the best art activities happen when child care providers set out different types of materials and let the children decide how they will use them.
Due to choking hazards, many art materials and small pieces are not intended for children under three years of age. Remember, the materials need to be appropriate for the age of the child. As long as they are non-toxic, infants will love the feel of paint and dough. Older children will enjoy using different types of papers. Try construction paper, newsprint, computer paper, wrapping paper, etc. They may also enjoy crayons, markers, paints and brushes, paste or glue, and safety scissors.
Look for a lot of different "tools" for children to use for painting, such as sponges, cotton balls, twigs, marbles, feathers, string, eye droppers, etc. Clays and doughs are fun for molding. Look around your house and outside to find everyday things like cotton balls, ribbon, shoelaces, beads, braid, leaves, pebbles, acorns, and seeds.
Most of all, remember that the best part about art for children is in the process of making it. Art doesn't have to look like something an adult will recognize. Art should be fun and let children express their own creativity.
For more ideas about planning art activities for children of different ages, check out the eXtension Alliance for Better Child Care article on planning creative art activities. To find some specific art activities to use in your child care program, check out the database of hands-on activities for child care.
