Fun and Easy Color Mixing Activity for Toddlers and Preschoolers

My absolute favorite kids’ activities are the ones that are both EASY and FUN. And this color mixing activity is exactly that. It will only take you a few minutes to set up. And for toddlers and preschoolers, the chance to pour and mix water freely is pure magic!

That’s why this simple color mixing activity is a perfect go-to—it’s easy to set up, engages little hands and minds, and introduces basic science and color concepts in a playful, hands-on way.

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• 3 clear containers filled with water (dyed red, blue, and yellow) —- I used Tupperware like these for our containers 
• 3 empty clear containers
• Food coloring
• Spoons, droppers, or small cups for scooping and pouring
• Paper towels for spills

Looking for even more fun and easy sensory play ideas?  My FREE beginner’s guide to sensory play has EVERYTHING you need to get started!  Plus, I love to share all kinds of STEM and sensory play ideas in my weekly newsletter – you don’t want to miss it!

Set-Up and Play

Setup for this activity is so easy. First, fill 3 containers with primary-colored water (just add a few drops of food coloring to each).

Set them out along with 3 empty containers nearby, and some tools for transferring water.

We did this activity outside, so there was no stress at all about messes. If you don’t want to work outside, you might want to set up your supplies on a tray or a towel to minimize the mess.

Encourage children to scoop, pour, and mix the colors. You can use prompts such as, “Can you mix two colors? Let’s see what will happen!” Then let them explore freely — there’s no right or wrong way to do it!

Observe and talk with your child about the colors they are creating:

• Red + Blue = Purple
• Blue + Yellow = Green
• Red + Yellow = Orange

Learning Through Play

This simple activity offers so many learning benefits! While playing, your child will be developing:

• Fine motor skills (pouring, scooping)
• Sensory exploration through water play
• Color recognition and early science understanding 
• Problem-solving and experimenting skills

Tips for Success

• As with any water play activity, be sure to supervise closely, especially with younger toddlers.
• Use washable food coloring to avoid stains. (As long as the water is not super concentrated with food coloring, I haven’t had problems with staining. But I make no promises!)
• Encourage language development by asking questions like:
  • “What color do you think you’ll make?”
  • “What happens if we mix these two?”
  • “How did you make that color?”
  • What do you think would happen if we add more red (or blue, etc)?”
  • “How do you think we could make a lighter (or darker) color?”
• A few tips for easy clean-up:
  • If possible, take this activity outside! (This is of course totally optional but definitely makes clean up easy-peasy!)
  • Have a towel (or towels) handy. Spills happen and if you’re freaking out about them, it makes the activity less fun for everyone.
  • Pour leftover water down the sink (or, you’re outside, in the grass or somewhere nearby!).

Extension Ideas

• Add paper or coffee filters to drip the mixed colors onto and create art: Once your child has mixed their colors, offer coffee filters, paper towels, or thick paper. Let them drip or brush their colorful water onto the paper and watch as the colors blend and spread. This creates beautiful watercolor-like art and introduces them to concepts like absorption and color diffusion.
• Use different containers like test tubes or squeeze bottles for more variety: Switch up the tools and containers to make the activity feel fresh and exciting. Try using test tubes, clear plastic cups, squeeze bottles, or eyedroppers. These tools help strengthen fine motor skills while giving your child more control over how they mix the colors. Squeeze bottles can also be especially fun because kids get to experiment with pressure and pouring in a new way.
• Introduce white or black water to explore light and dark shades: Add a container of water tinted white (using white liquid watercolor or a bit of white paint) or black (using black food coloring or watercolor). Encourage your child to mix these with their other colors to explore making lighter and darker versions of their colors. For example, red mixed with white can become pink, while blue mixed with black can become navy. This introduces the idea of color values in a hands-on, visual way.

More STEM & Sensory Play for Little Ones

If you’re looking for more fun activities for kids, check these out!

• Easy Oil and Water Experiment for Kids
• How to Make Ice Cream in a Bag
• How to Make Slime
• Fun Fizzy Heart STEM Activity

I know your little ones are going to love this super easy, fun color mixing activity.  If you try it, will you tell me about it?  Comment below or message me on Instagram and tell me what your kiddo thought!