In our modern age, it can feel like kids have lost the opportunity to experience all the wonders of childhood. Tablets and screens of all kinds have become the new go-to activity for many kids after school and throughout summers. Getting your kids to step away from their favorite shows and games can be a challenge, but introducing them to art is one way you can pique their interest and spark creativity simultaneously.

Teaching your kids to love art doesn’t have to be a challenge. Introducing your children to art can be seamless and fun for everyone. Here are five ways you can get your kids into art. You may even find a few new artistic pursuits for yourself along the way.

1. Buy Them a Basic Watercolor Paint Set
Remember the famous paint and marker sets everyone got when they were younger? It was exciting to open up the case to reveal a colorful range of markers, pencils, and watercolor paints in one handy location.

If you’re not ready to invest in a more expensive art kit with paints, markers, craft supplies and pencils, you can stick with watercolor paints. By giving them a watercolor paint set, you can help them explore their artistic side. Even if they have little artistic talent, you can teach them how to draw a panda. Even younger children with little dexterity can accomplish these simple drawings.

2. Take Them to the Theater
When was the first time you sat through a play? Most people encounter their first plays at school, watching students recite cute lines in adorable costumes. Think about the first time you encountered a genuine theater performance. You might have seen a terrific musical put on by your hometown local theater troupe, or perhaps you got to see a classic performance on Broadway in New York City.

Introducing your child to theater can expose them to a new art form they didn’t know existed. They may express an interest in auditioning for a kid’s summer production or learning to help backstage with the crew. Allowing them to see a talented performance can teach your child that art can look many different ways.

3. Enroll Them in Dance Classes
Do you have a little one who makes up dance moves to their favorite songs? Maybe they twirl around the kitchen while you play your music out loud. They may even request family attendance to perform made-up routines on a pretend stage.
If you have a child who shows interest in movement to music, you might consider enrolling them in dance classes. Encouraging this pursuit can teach them that art can be thrilling and beautiful in many ways. As a bonus, you can enjoy the fact that your child is getting plenty of exercise within their classes.

Investing in their dance classes at a young age can allow them to hone their skills and enjoy this artform even into adulthood. It can also support physical exercise for your kids early on.

4. Read New Books With Them
Literature is as much of an artform as any other. When you introduce your children to the magic of reading stories, you can open up a world of imagination and creativity. You don’t have to break your bank investing in this artform, either. You can explore plenty of free kids books online that your child can read independently or you can read together.

Consider making reading a ritual you practice daily. When you instill the love of reading at a young age, they may continue to love this art even into their teen years.

5. Encourage Their Creativity
At the end of the day, there are many ways your child can enjoy art. Screens aren’t always the enemy, either. By encouraging your child’s creativity in little moments throughout the day, you can help them develop a love for art and creating all kinds of things. They might develop an interest in editing movies, drawing intricate scenes on their tablets, or writing stories in their notebook. Regardless of their interest, you can invest in their chosen artform by encouraging their creativity wherever you notice it.

Teach Your Child to Enjoy All Kinds of Art
Whether you choose to dive into reading fantastic children’s books or visit a local theater production, introducing your child to art is a wonderful activity for you both. By exploring multiple kinds of art with them, you can show them how to develop an appreciation for the many diverse forms of art and creativity in the world.