There is something universally magical about a rainbow. Whether it is a real one stretching across the sky after a spring shower or a doodle in a notebook, those seven bands of color bring instant joy. As we approach St. Patrick’s Day and the arrival of Spring, rainbows become the star of the show—often accompanied by tales of leprechauns and elusive pots of gold.
But you don’t need to wait for a storm to find a rainbow; you can create one right at your kitchen table! Crafting with rainbows is one of the best ways to teach children about colors (ROYGBIV), improve fine motor skills, and celebrate the season of renewal.
In this ultimate guide, we have curated 20 Fun and Cute Rainbow Crafts for Kids. From simple paper plate projects for toddlers to science-based art for older kids, there is a spectrum of creativity waiting for you. Gather your paints, glue, and glitter—it’s time to get colorful!
Why Rainbow Crafts are Perfect for Developmen
Before we dive into the glue and glitter, let’s talk about why these crafts are so beneficial.
- Color Recognition: Rainbows are the ultimate tool for teaching the color spectrum: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet.
- Fine Motor Skills: Cutting arches, gluing small cotton balls, and threading beads all help strengthen little hands.
- Seasonal Learning: These projects provide a natural segue into discussing weather science (refraction of light) and cultural folklore (Irish legends).
The Ultimate Rainbow Craft Supply List
To get started, you don’t need expensive supplies. Most rainbow crafts can be made with items found in your recycling bin or craft drawer.
- Paper Plates: The curved edge is perfect for arches.
- Cotton Balls: Essential for fluffy clouds.
- Tissue Paper: Great for scrunching and textured art.
- Pipe Cleaners: For bendable, 3D rainbows.
- Coffee Filters: For tie-dye effects.
- Paints: Washable acrylics or watercolors.
- Froot Loops Cereal: For edible rainbow craft
Top 20 Rainbow Crafts for Kids
We have categorized these crafts to help you find the perfect project for your child’s age and interest level.
Category 1: Paper Plate Classics
Perfect for Toddlers and Preschoolers
1. The Classic Paper Plate Rainbow This is the gold standard of rainbow crafts. Cut a paper plate in half. Let your child paint the arches of the rainbow on the plate. Once dry, glue cotton balls at the bottom of each side to represent clouds.
- Pro Tip: If painting is too messy, use colored markers or dot markers instead!
2. Tissue Paper Scrunched Rainbow Draw a rainbow outline on a piece of cardstock. Cut small squares of tissue paper in rainbow colors. Have your child scrunch them into balls and glue them onto the corresponding arches. This provides excellent sensory feedback and texture.
3. Rainbow Sun Catcher Cut the center out of a paper plate, leaving just the rim. Stick clear contact paper (sticky side up) to the back. Let kids stick pieces of colored cellophane or tissue paper onto the sticky surface. Hang it in the window and watch the sun shine through!
4. The Spinning Rainbow Wheel Paint a full paper plate with rainbow colors in a spiral pattern. Poke a hole in the center and insert a pencil. Spin it on the table to see the colors blur together—a simple introduction to color theory and motion.
Category 2: Science Meets Art
For the curious minds who ask “How?”
5. Coffee Filter Diffusion Rainbow This is a fan favorite! Cut a coffee filter into a rainbow shape. Draw thick lines with washable markers (not permanent!). Spray it lightly with water. Watch as the colors bleed and blend into each other, creating a stunning tie-dye effect. It’s science and art in one!
6. Rainbow in a Jar (Density Experiment) While more of an experiment, this is a visual craft. Layer liquids of different densities (corn syrup, dish soap, water, vegetable oil, rubbing alcohol) colored with food dye into a jar. The layers will sit on top of each other, creating a liquid rainbow.
7. Grow a Rainbow (Capillary Action) Color the ends of a paper towel strip with rainbow markers. Dip the very ends into two cups of water. Watch as the water travels up the paper towel, pulling the dye with it to “grow” a rainbow across the strip.
8. Skittles Rainbow Science Arrange Skittles in a circle on a white plate. Pour warm water in the center. Watch as the sugar dissolves and sends streaks of color toward the center, creating a perfect rainbow wheel.
Category 3: 3D and Textile Crafts
For building dexterity and patience.
9. Macramé Rope Rainbow A trendy craft for older kids. Wrap thick rope or yarn with different colored embroidery floss. Glue the wrapped ropes together in an arch shape. It makes for beautiful boho-style bedroom decor.
10. Pipe Cleaner Rainbow Bracelet Give children white beads (clouds) and colored beads. Have them thread the beads onto a pipe cleaner in rainbow order. Twist the ends to form a bracelet. This is excellent for patterning skills.
11. 3D Paper Strip Rainbow Cut strips of colored paper in varying lengths (red being the longest, violet the shortest). Line up the ends and staple them together. When you arch them, the different lengths create a 3D tunnel effect. Glue cotton balls at the base.
12. Rainbow Wind Chime Paint a stick or a dowel. Tie strings hanging down from it. Have kids thread colorful buttons, pasta, or beads onto the strings. Hang it outside to catch the breeze.
Category 4: St. Patrick’s Day Specials
Don’t forget the Pot of Gold!
13. Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow Create a paper chain rainbow (interlocking loops of construction paper). At one end, attach a white paper cloud. At the other, attach a black pot cut from cardstock, covered in gold glitter or yellow circle stickers.
14. Handprint Rainbow Trace your child’s hand on red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple paper. Cut them out and layer them in an arch shape. It’s a wonderful keepsake to remember how small their hands were.
15. Rainbow Shamrock Draw a shamrock shape. Instead of coloring it green, fill it with rainbow stripes. It’s a colorful twist on the traditional Irish symbol.
16. Leprechaun’s Rainbow Binoculars Tape two toilet paper rolls together side-by-side. Wrap them in rainbow paper. Attach a string. Now your child can go on a “safari” to hunt for leprechauns in the garden!
Category 5: Edible and Fun Extras
17. Froot Loop Rainbow Necklace A snack you can wear! Give kids a piece of yarn with a taped end (to act as a needle). Have them sort their cereal by color and thread them to make a tasty rainbow necklace.
18. Marshmallow Rainbow Painting Skip the brushes! Use a large marshmallow as a stamp. Dip it in paint and stamp the rainbow arch. It creates a cool, fluffy texture on the paper.
19. Rainbow Sensory Bin Dye uncooked rice or pasta in different colors using vinegar and food coloring. Arrange them in a bin in rainbow order. Hide gold coins inside for a sensory treasure hunt.
20. Rainbow Wands Cut a star or cloud shape out of cardboard. Attach long streamers of rainbow ribbon to the bottom. Attach the shape to a dowel or straw. Kids can run around the yard waving their wands to create a flying rainbow.
Tips for a Mess-Free Crafting Session
We know that “painting with toddlers” can sound like a recipe for disaster. Here are a few tips to keep the chaos contained:
- The “Box” Method: Place the paper plate or craft inside a shallow cardboard box. If the child colors outside the lines or spills glitter, the box catches it all.
- Wipes on Standby: Keep a pack of baby wipes open on the table for quick finger cleaning before they touch the walls!
- Smocks are Essential: An old oversized t-shirt works just as well as a store-bought apron.
Conclusion
Whether you are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, welcoming Spring, or just trying to brighten up a rainy afternoon, these 20 Cute Rainbow Crafts are sure to bring a smile to your child’s face.
