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4th of July Firework Art for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Getting ready for the 4th of July and looking for a simple and easy art activity to do with your toddlers and preschoolers? Then these ever so simple cardboard tube printed fireworks are ideal. With red, white and blue paint and a little glittery sparkle, your little ones will love to do this simple art activity which would be perfect to make some placemats for your family get-together or to display for your Independence Day Celebrations. So here you go a simple and fun Patriotic Firework Art for Toddlers and Preschoolers to do.

Independence Day Art for Toddlers

A couple of years ago we made some fun cookie-cutter placemats for Independence day with our toddlers to celebrate. But this year, we’ve decided to create some fun fireworks art with them.

Using the inside of toilet paper rolls we can create a simple firework shape which is great for toddlers to print. I’ve included some tips below to get these to print “properly” so that all of it can be seen. But, don’t worry you’re preschoolers and toddlers will have fun printing these out and creating LOTS of firework pictures for you.

Cardboard Tube Firework Art for Preschoolers

Whether you use our idea for 4th of July with patriotic red, white and blue or you create a bright and colourful fireworks picture for Bonfire Night in the UK then the steps are the same.

Making firework pictures with toddlers, using cardboard tubes to create the bang effect on paper with red and blue paint for the 4th of July.

You’re going to need to do a little prep ahead to prepare for your little ones to start creating. So carry on reading, I’ve divided the instructions up into your prep and supporting your little ones to get arty for Independence day.

Materials Needed for 4th of July Fireworks Picture for Toddlers and Preschoolers

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  • toilet paper roll or half of a larger kitchen paper tube
  • red craft paint – I like this brand of paint for using with my toddlers and preschoolers
  • blue craft paint
  • paintbrushes – I stock up on these sets for all of our art and crafts with the little ones and even the big kids use them especially for watercolour painting
  • white cardstock paper
  • Scissors
  • paper plate or washable plate – a paper plate can easily be disposed but if you don’t mind washing up then buy a cheap set of plates and use them time and time again.

Optional

  • red glitter – this set although for nail art is great for kids crafts as well remember that a little goes a very long way!
  • blue glitter

Prep Needed for Making Cardboard Tube Fireworks with Kids

We all know that little kids can be impatient so here’s some preparation for you to do ahead of getting your toddlers and preschoolers to the art area.

1. Take your cardboard tube and make small cuts up to about halfway all around the bottom of the roll.

cuts made in a cardboard tube at small intervals half way up the tube.

2. Gently push the cuts outward until they lay almost flat on a surface.

cardboard tube cut end splayed out on a paper plate to help a young child create a firework bang picture.

Repeat this step on another toilet paper roll.

You will need at least 2 toilet paper rolls cut for the fireworks 1 for the red and one for the blue. If you are crafting with more than one child I suggest you prepare ahead of time.

Prepare you paint ahead of time as well, pour the paint onto the plate and then spread out as evenly as you can. This will make it easier for your little ones to get a good print.

How to Make 4th of July Fireworks Art with Your Toddlers and Preschoolers

1. Dip the cardboard tube into the paint.

end of a splayed cardboard tube covered in red paint.

2. Then gently press the painted toilet paper roll down onto the white card.

firework bang image created by a toilet paper tube on a white piece of card. The cardboard tube in placed in the red paint to create more.

3. List it off the page and repeat with the same colour.

Optional

Pour a small amount of glitter of the same colour as the paint over the wet paint and then shake off the glitter.

adding a little glitter to the paint so that the fireworks have a sparkle.

Now repeat steps 1 to 3 with the other paint colour with a new toilet paper roll.

red and blue painted fireworks on a piece of white card made with the cardboard tubes you can see in the back of the image.
preview of some of the pages from the 4th of July Printable Fun and Games Activity Pack available from the Rainy Day Mum store

4th of July Printable Games and Activities for Kids only $5

A printable activity set of fun and games for kids to celebrate the 4th of July.

Tips for Getting the Best Fireworks Prints

If you want to make sure you have some really vivid prints then follow these tips.

1. When you did the tube into the paint use the end of the paintbrush or your finger and gently press down on each of the strips into the paint so that they are fully covered.

pressing down on the played end of the cardboard tube into the paint to make the best possible print for fireworks.

2. As you press down the painted strips from the cardboard tube onto the card use the same method to create the best print possible.

More 4th of July Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

A sensory activity for 4th of July. Patriotric Playdough Invitation with white playdough and red, white and blue buttons, beads, stars and cookie cutters. Text on the image reads 4th of July Playdough Invitation for Kids.
a star printed placemat with glitter on sitting on a red table cloth with text overlay reading 4th of July Toddler & Preschool Craft
kids desk with 3 pages preview of the FREE printable 4th of July Bingo Cards from Rainy Day Mum
Pinterest image for a toddler art activity to make 4th of july firework pictures with cardboard tubes
4th of July fireworks art created using cardboard tubes made by a preschoolers for Independence Day.

4th of July Fireworks Art for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Cerys Parker
A fun art activity for toddlers and preschoolers for Independence Day, create some colourful red, white and blue fireworks pictures to celebrate.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Activity Time 20 minutes

Equipment Needed

  • Pair of Scissors
  • Plates for paint
  • Paint brush

Materials Needed
  

  • Washable paint red and blue
  • White card
  • Cardboard tubes toilet paper or kitchen paper insides are great

Optional

  • Glitter red and blue

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Take your cardboard tube and make small cuts up to about halfway all around the bottom of the roll.
  • Gently push the cuts outward until they lay almost flat on a surface. Repeat this step on another toilet paper roll.
  • Pour your paint onto plates and spread evenly around

4th of July Fireworks Art with Toddlers and Preschoolers

  • Gently press the splayed cardboard tube into the paint
  • Remove and place onto card to create a print that looks like an exploding firework.
  • Repeat multiple times then swap tubes and a different colour

Optional

  • Before swapping colours gently sprinkle a little glitter over the wet paint
  • Shake off
  • Repeat once the second colour has been applied

Notes

If you want to make sure you have some really vivid prints then follow these tips.
1. When you did the tube into the paint use the end of the paintbrush or your finger and gently press down on each of the strips into the paint so that they are fully covered.
2. As you press down the painted strips from the cardboard tube onto the card use the same method to create the best print possible.
Keyword 4th of July Art for Preschool, 4th of July Art for Toddlers, 4th of July Craft, Cardboard Tube Fireworks for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Independence Day Art, Preschool Art, Toddler Art
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