100+ Free Arts & Crafts Activities from Mizzen Education

Arts and crafts can bring immense joy and benefits to young people. Besides encouraging creativity and self-expression, art programs can boost academic performance and class behavior.

However, finding activities that cater to a diverse range of ages and abilities can be time-consuming. Plus, with limited resources, finding creative projects that don't break the bank or require a lot of materials is difficult.

That's where Mizzen Education comes in.

Our digital platform gives you access to an array of free, high-quality arts and crafts activities that will engage your out-of-school time program's youth.

From simple projects for younger learners to more complex crafts for teens, our collection offers something for everyone—no matter your resources or time.

Join Mizzen Education today and start unlocking youth creativity!

Paper Sculptures

Grades: 3-5
Duration: 45 mins
Learning Standards: National Core Arts Standards

Students create different shapes out of paper and glue them together to make a sculpture that represents themselves. As they create, they learn different ways to manipulate paper and to express themselves.

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Character Mash-Up

Grades: 6-8
Duration: 45 mins
Learning Standards: National Core Arts Standards

Students randomly choose slips of paper with well-known characters from popular culture, movies, and books. Then, they plan a simple scenario to perform with those characters. Students can get as silly and creative as they want when coming up with scenarios.

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Improv: Say the Line

Grades: 6-12
Duration: 45 mins
Learning Standards: National Core Arts Standards

Have fun with improv! Students are given a scenario, such as "customer at a shoe store" or "students in the cafeteria line" and begin acting out a scene.

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What’s That Drawing?

Grades: 6-8
Duration: 45 mins
Learning Standards: National Core Arts Standards

Students use their artistic skills to try to get their teammates to guess a word using only picture clues. This activity builds vocabulary, visual arts, listening, and creative thinking skills.

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Wacky Cars

Grades: K-2
Duration: 45 mins
Learning Standards: National Core Arts Standards

Children design a wacky car and either draw or build it. They give their car an appropriate name and describe its features to the group. This activity builds visual arts and design skills.

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Improvise, Write, and Perform Scenes

Grades: 9-12
Duration: 45 mins
Learning Standards: National Core Arts Standards

In small groups, students will plan, rehearse, and act out a story, using pantomime. Other students will guess where the performers are and what they are doing.

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Boosts academic performance

Improves fine motor skills

Promotes social skills and teamwork

Cultural awareness and appreciation

Encourages creativity and self-expression

Fosters a sense of accomplishment

"I believe that children need more music and arts in their life and I’m passionate about building their self-esteem. This is the perfect program to do that."

- Jacqueline Wallace

Site Coordinator, R.E.A.C.H After School

"What I’m most excited about is bringing what I’ve learned about jazz back to the kids I serve out in a rural community where they really don’t have a lot of exposure to music."

- Emily Williams

Chief Development Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Dumplin Valley

"5 Stars! My students had a blast making the animal sounds and the ‘sheet music’ was a big hit. Great introduction to rhythm and musical thinking."

- Clayton, In-App Review of the Animal Spin

What Are Arts and Crafts Activities?

Arts and crafts activities involve creating projects with materials like paper, paint, or clay.

They foster creativity, fine motor skills, and problem-solving.

These activities help out-of-school time students explore different cultures, ideas, and interests while building confidence and patience, making them a fun, hands-on tool for learning and self-expression.

What Skills Do Students Need For Arts and Crafts?

Students benefit from creativity, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities for arts and crafts.

Following instructions, attention to detail, and patience are also helpful.

However, anyone can enjoy arts and crafts! Our activities are accessible and adaptable for all skill levels or ages, making them fun and rewarding for everyone in the classroom.

What Is The Best Age Group For Arts and Crafts?

Arts and crafts are often associated with younger children, as they help develop creativity, fine motor skills, and cognitive abilities.

However, these activities are beneficial for all age groups. Anyone can enjoy arts and crafts, as they promote self-expression, relaxation, and hands-on learning.

Whether it's simple projects for young kids or more complex tasks for older students, arts and crafts are adaptable and offer opportunities for growth, creativity, and enjoyment at any age.

There’s no age limit for students exploring their creativity!

Afterschool Arts and Crafts Activities

Free Arts and Crafts Activities to Unlock Youth Creativity

Top Arts and Crafts Activities for Afterschool Fun

Paper Sculptures

Character Mash-Up

Improv: Say the Line

What’s That Drawing?

Wacky Cars

Improvise, Write, and Perform Scenes

Access All of Our Art Resources and Activities

What Are the Benefits Arts and Crafts in an Afterschool Program?

Boosts academic performance

Improves fine motor skills

Promotes social skills and teamwork

Cultural awareness and appreciation

Encourages creativity and self-expression

Fosters a sense of accomplishment

Voices from Out-of-School Time

Arts and Crafts Afterschool Programs FAQs

Get Started with Mizzen Education Today!