Hanger Painting Kids Activity: A Fun and Easy Art Idea for Toddlers

Turning a Hanger into a Masterpiece 

Ever look at a plastic clothes hanger and think, “Hmm, that could be fun?” No? Just me? Well, let me introduce you to a ridiculously simple and entertaining kids activity that will turn that pile of extra hangers into an afternoon of creative fun.

Hanger painting kids activity is part of my ongoing mission to prove that you don’t need a Pinterest-level craft cabinet to give your child fun learning activities. With just a hanger, some paper, and paint, you’re about to create an abstract masterpiece.

Why This Activity Is a Winner

1. Low prep, high engagement – If you can roll out some paper and grab a hanger, you’re halfway there.
2. Encourages creativity – The overlapping shapes create cool sections for your child to fill with color.
3. A perfect activity at home – No need to run to the craft store; this one uses what you already have.
4. Great for kids of all ages – Toddlers can go wild with colors, while older kids can get precise and mix shades.
5. A sneaky learning activity – It builds fine motor skills, color recognition, and even a bit of spatial awareness.

What You Need

• A plastic clothes hanger (or a few)
• A large piece of brown paper (or butcher paper, poster board, whatever you have)
• A pencil or marker
• Paint (washable is best!)
• Paintbrushes
• A smock or old t-shirt for your child (because we all know what happens when paint is involved)

How to Do the Hanger Painting Kids Activity

1. Roll out your paper – Find a spot where your child can freely paint (think floor, table, or even outside if the weather is nice). Tape the edges down if needed to prevent it from sliding around.
2. Trace the hanger – Use a marker or pencil to trace the outline of a plastic clothes hanger multiple times on the paper, overlapping some of the shapes. This creates fun sections that will serve as different painting areas.
3. Set up the paint – Pour a few colors onto a tray or paper plate and hand over the brushes. You can keep it simple or let your child mix colors for a more experimental approach.
4. Let them paint! – Encourage them to fill in the sections however they like. They might stick to one color per section, make patterns, or mix things up. There’s no right or wrong way.
5. Admire the masterpiece – Once they’re done, let it dry and decide if you’re displaying it on the fridge, the wall, or gifting it to a lucky grandparent.

Ways to Extend the Fun

• Try different hanger types – If you have multiple styles of plastic clothes hangers, mix and match for new shapes.
• Turn it into a learning activity – Talk about color mixing, patterns, or even count how many sections they created.
• Use different painting tools – Swap out brushes for sponges, q-tips, or even their fingers for a unique texture.
• Create a collaborative artwork – Have siblings or friends work on one big sheet together for a group masterpiece.

Clean-Up Tips (Because We Know You Need Them)

Keep baby wipes or a wet cloth nearby for quick hand and table clean-up, and cover your workspace with an old tablecloth or newspaper to catch the mess. If your child ends up more colorful than the paper, a quick rinse in the sink or a warm bath usually does the trick.

Final Thoughts

Hanger painting kids activity proves that sometimes the best kids activities come from the most unexpected places. Who knew a humble plastic hanger could spark creativity, keep kids engaged, and maybe—just maybe—buy you enough time to drink your coffee while it’s still hot?

Give this activity a try and let me know how it goes! What other random household objects should we turn into a masterpiece next?

Brown Paper Roll

Black Markers

Washable Paint

Spill-Proof Paint Cups

Watercolor Paintbrushes

Chubby Paintbrushes

Thin Paintbrushes

Thick Paintbrushes