If you’ve ever assumed that messy play is just for toddlers, I’m here to bust that myth once and for all.
Sure, when we think of messy play, we often picture 2-year-olds squishing paint between their fingers, exploring the gooey texture of slime, or joyfully splashing colour everywhere but on the canvas. 😅 And yes—toddlers love it. But here’s the thing: so does everyone else.
Every time I run an art play party, there’s always an older sibling, a cousin, or even an unsuspecting parent who gets drawn in. They start by “just watching,” then maybe offer to help a little artist, and before they know it, they’re fully immersed—hands covered in foam, moulding whole playdough villages, or experimenting with paint like they’re kids again themselves. Over the years we’ve been holding our art playgroups, I’ve even had parents confess that they came to class for their child but left feeling unexpectedly relaxed and recharged themselves.
Messy play isn’t just about making a mess (though let’s be honest, that’s part of the fun!). It’s about sensory exploration, creativity, and freedom. It’s a way to be present, to play without being told how to, and to create without worrying about the end result. And that’s something everyone benefits from—not just under-fives.
Take our after-school classes for 8-12-year-olds, for example. Last year, Sam and I watched as a group of tamariki who initially hesitated ended up fully embracing the process. They mixed colours with their fingers, spread paint onto paper using anything but paint brushes, and let go of the idea that art had to look a certain way. They played. They explored. They had the best time.
And here’s a secret that’s not so secret anymore (as I keep bringing it up 😁): some of you have been begging me to run messy play classes for adults. It sounds like I’m exaggerating, I know, but I promise I’m not.
Before you get too excited though, this is not me announcing those classes (yet 😅), but I hear you! Because I know the joy that comes from getting your hands messy, from creating freely, from playing and making without expectations. And I also know that in our fast-paced, busy lives, we don’t often give ourselves permission to do that. There’s often that little voice whispering ‘this is a waste of time, be productive instead!’
So, if your child is hesitant to get into messy play, or if you’ve always thought it’s just for little ones, I strongly encourage you to give it a go. Join in with them. Get your hands in the paint. See how it feels to create without rules, just for the joy of it. You might surprise yourself.
And if you’re looking for an opportunity to let your children explore this kind of creativity in a supportive and intentional group environment, check out our classes! With sessions now being held in New Plymouth, it’s easier than ever to join in. Questions? Always welcome! 😊
Let’s keep playing—at any age. 🎨✨
Imagine Play Inspire 