One bitterly cold winter, my boys were bouncing off the walls, and I needed something that would work for both a 3 year old and a 9 month old. Mess free paint bags were the answer.
Squish paint into a zip-top bag, tape it to a window, and kids can mix colors, draw lines and trace letters without a drop of paint on the floor.
How to Make Mess Free Paint Bags
ABC Q-Tip Painting Task Cards
Get the printableHeavy duty gallon zip-top freezer bags
Washable tempera paint
Duct tape
Alphabet cards (optional)
Add paint
Squirt two or three colors of washable paint into a heavy duty bag.
Remove the air
Press out as much air as you can and seal the bag.
Tape it shut
Tape all four edges with duct tape so little fingers can’t open it.
Stick it up
Tape the bag to a window, table, wall or floor.
Play
Squish, mix colors and draw with fingers.
Safety note
Use heavy duty freezer bags and washable, non-toxic paint, and tape every edge. Stay close by, especially with babies, and toss the bag if it tears.
Ways to Play with Paint Bags
- Color mixing: Start with two primary colors and watch them blend.
- Pre-writing: Draw lines, circles, Xs and Os. We worked on Xs and Os.
- Letters: Hold up a letter card and have kids copy it. My son loved playing “copy that letter.”
- Babies: Tape it to the floor for tummy time. My youngest was amazed by the squishy texture.
- Sensory avoiders: It’s a gentle way to introduce paint without getting messy.
More no-mess sensory play
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Practice letters everywhere with our alphabet scavenger hunts.
The ABC task cards include
- Q-tip painting cards for every letter
- Uppercase and lowercase
- Instant PDF download, nothing is shipped
Perfect for
- Letter practice
- Fine motor centers
- Preschool and kindergarten
- OT
Paint Bags FAQ
Squirt paint into a heavy duty zip-top bag, press out the air, seal it and tape the edges.
Babies through preschool. Babies love them during tummy time with close supervision.
Color mixing, pre-writing strokes, letter formation and finger strength.
Days to weeks, as long as the bag stays sealed.
More No-Mess Activities
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From families like yours
Did you try it? Tell us how it went!
We love seeing these activities out in the wild: the lumpy letters, the snack breaks, the proud “I made a B!” moments. Leave a star rating, tell other parents what worked (and what totally didn’t), and add a photo of your setup if you’d like.
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