Volcano Eruption Painting in a Ziploc Bag

Remember the classic Ziploc bag painting activity? 

It’s such a brilliant process art for babies and toddlers to explore colors. It can be set up in 1 minute and best of all, it’s completely mess free!

So grateful to the genius who came up with this idea.

Since we were on a volcano learning unit, I added a volcano twist to this classic activity! We have done Ziploc bag painting before, but the volcanos added a new level of fun for my 3yo and 6yo. They were so thrilled to create their volcano eruptions in the bags!

Related: Do you have a volcano lover at home? Make a DIY Volcano Cardboard Puzzle!

A fun color mixing activity for children

The cool thing about this activity is that children get to see color mixing in action. 

Lead them to discover what red + yellow will make with a simple comment: I wonder what will happen when we put red and yellow in a bag. 

My 3yo was especially excited when orange appeared in the bag, because that’s her favorite color!

Related: Here’s another simple color mixing art activity for young children. They get to learn symmetry at the same time! 

What you need:

• A Ziploc bag 
• Yellow and Red Paint (I used tempera paint here)
• Brown construction paper
• Double sided tape
• Washi tape or painter’s tape

Watch the video tutorial here!

Note: Please use old Ziploc bags if possible. I save and wash our old Ziploc bags for activities and I strongly encourage you to do so too!

Setting up your Volcano Eruption Painting in a Ziploc Bag

Follow the instructions below. 

• Cut a small brown volcano mountain. Height of volcano should be about half the size of the Ziploc bag.
• Apply double sided tape on one of side the volcano cutout. Attach the cutout in the Ziploc bag.

• Squeeze some yellow and red paint on the side of the volcano cutout that’s not attached to the Ziploc bag.

• Carefully turn over the bag. Be careful not to press on the bag.
• Secure the bag on the table with washi tape or painter’s tape so that the bag does not move around during the activity.

Invite your child to make a (mess free) volcano eruption today!

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