Easy Fish Painting For Kids [Free Template]
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Watercolor painting is a wonderful way to introduce kids to art that’s approachable and fun. This fish painting for kids ages 6–10 will have them explore color, texture, and their imagination while creating an underwater scene. They’ll paint a colorful fish swimming through seaweed by experimenting with watercolor techniques.
This underwater art project supports fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creative expression, all in about 35–45 minutes including drying time. It also pairs nicely with pond life themes, pet units, or ocean lessons, so it’s a great project for a variety of themes.
For even more inspiration to extend your lesson or unit, take a look at our other ocean crafts for kids that pair well with this project. We have a variety of creative experiences that children will look forward to again and again.
Fish Art For Kids
If your kids are curious about ocean life or just love a good painting project, they’ll have a blast with this easy fish painting for kids! It’s simple enough for young children to paint on their own and it’s great for fostering your child’s creativity!
It’s a fun and simple way to add a splash of the sea to your summer activities even if you’re totally landlocked.
This goldfish art project is perfect for doing at home or in the classroom. It allows little ones to get creative while learning about underwater animals. Scroll down to see how to make it with your kids!
Supplies
- White art paper or watercolor paper
- Liquid watercolors (or regular watercolor paint)
- Googly eyes (we used .5″ eyes)
- Circle punches (we used .5″, 1″ & 1.5″ punches)
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Black marker
- Paintbrush
- Beta fish template (unlock the image at the end of the post to go to the download page)
Directions
Start by downloading and printing the template. Once the template is printed, gather the materials for this fun activity. Get those scissors ready, and let’s help the kids bring this beta fish to life!
First, guide your child to paint the beta fish in any shade of paint that you want. Let dry, then cut out and set aside.
Paint the seagrass in varying shades of green. Let dry then cut out and set aside. Paint the seashells in your choice of colors then let dry. Cut out and set aside.
Next, help your child to paint your art paper with the liquid watercolor in shades of blue, green and hints of yellow. Let dry completely.
Now, glue all the pieces onto the blue background. To give it a little more depth, glue some of the seagrass pieces behind the fish shape and some in front of the fish.
After you’ve glued everything to the blue background, glue the googly eye onto the fish.
Finally, encourage your child to use the circle punches to cut out a few circles of varying sizes. These will be the bubbles. Use the black marker to draw on the reflective lighting on each bubble (see pictures for example).
While you’re here, check out our ocean coloring pages There are so many fun ideas!
Fun Ocean Books For Kids
One of the most effective strategies to help your children develop and grow is to read aloud to them. Reading gives many benefits, including enhanced vocabulary, focus, and imagination! Add in some of these highly-rated ocean books for kids:
The Snail and the Whale– Julia Donaldson, author of the famous book The Gruffalo, brings kids another fun book about an unlikely set of friends. Snail and Whale have lots of fun together in this colorful book!
Shark Lady– This children’s book is based upon the true story of Eugenie Clark, aka, The Shark Lady. Learn about her love of sharks, her discoveries, and the inspiring message of going after what you want in life.
The Rainbow Fish -This is a classic children’s book with a wonderful message for children. In it, a fish learns to share his favorite possession, his glittery scales, with his friends!
Pet Crafts for Elementary
Handprint Dog Craft – Imaginations will run wild, and tails will wag with this adorable dog DIY! Kids will use their handprint and our free template to create a pup that looks like their favorite furry friend or a beloved book character. Mix and match colors, add details, and see their personalized puppy come to life.
Cat Paper Bag Puppet Craft – Pounce into action with this adorable cat puppet! Kids can turn a simple paper bag and our free template into a playful kitty full of personality. Add whiskers, spots, or stripes, and choose fun colors to make a cuddly companion that is ready for storytelling and imaginative play.
Turtle Headband Craft – Slow things down and have some shell-tastic fun with this turtle headband! Kids can make either the craft version or color their own to create a cute turtle friend. Once they’re done, they can wear their creation for pretend play, story time, or a fun pond or ocean themed activity.
Fish Bowl Paper Plate Craft – Make a splash with this fin-tastic activity! Kids will turn a simple paper plate into a colorful underwater home for their fishy friend. They’ll paint, cut, and create their fish and bubbly details. This budget friendly activity is sure to keep little hands happily busy.
Animal Learning Activities
Let kids play their way through learning with these dog pattern block mats! Your little ones will love building adorable pups by matching shapes and solving each puzzle. They can pick a favorite breed, grab the blocks, and start creating. This hands-on activity keeps minds engaged as kids practice shape recognition and fine motor skills, all while having a barking good time.
These adorable hedgehog worksheets will have kids tracing, coloring, and exploring their way through letter practice and simple activities featuring these cute critters. From writing ‘Hh’ to solving a maze and labeling hedgehog parts, little ones will stay engaged while working on handwriting, vocabulary, and problem solving skills in a fun and playful way.
Hop into learning fun with these frog cutting practice worksheets! Kiddos will cut, match, and count their way through engaging pages to build up hand strength and coordination. They’ll follow the wiggly paths to reach each frog, piece together silly amphibians, and count hopping friends. These activities keep kids focused and learning while they enjoy a good time with scissors and simple challenges.
Kids will enjoy bringing playful kitties to life with these cat color by numbers from a yarn loving cat to a cozy one napping on a pillow. Each page helps build focus, patience, and number recognition while keeping little artists engaged. Children will gain confidence, creativity, and a proud sense of accomplishment with every feline scene they complete by matching colors to numbers.
Share With Us
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For a chance to have your child’s project featured, simply snap a picture of the completed project and post it to our Facebook page, email it to us directly by clicking here, or use #simpleeverydaymom on your social media!
Free Goldfish Template
Watercolor Fish Art Project For Kids
Video
Equipment
- Paintbrush
- Circle punches (we used .5″, 1″ & 1.5″ punches)
- Scissors
Materials
- White art paper or watercolor paper
- Liquid watercolors or regular watercolor paint
- Googly eyes we used .5″ eyes
- Glue stick
- Black marker
- Beta fish template
Instructions
- Download the beta fish template, print, and cut out the pieces you need.
- Begin by painting the beta fish in any shade of liquid watercolors that you want. Let dry then cut out and set aside.
- Paint the seagrass in varying shades of green. Let dry then cut out and set aside. Paint the seashells in your choice of colors then let dry. Cut out and set aside.
- Next, paint your art paper with the liquid watercolor in shades of blue, green and hints of yellow. Let dry completely.
- Now, glue all the pieces onto the blue watercolor background. To give it a little more depth, glue some of the seagrass pieces behind the fish shape and some in front of the fish.
- After you’ve glued everything to the blue background, glue the googly eye onto the fish.
- Finish off by using the circle punches to cut out a few circles of varying sizes. These will be the bubbles. Use the black marker to draw on the reflective lighting on each bubble.
Did you make this?
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Meet Sam
Sam is the crafter and founder of Simple Everyday Mom. She has been featured in Oprah Mag, Good Housekeeping, The Spruce Crafts, Country Living, The Bump, and more.
