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9 Best Art Easels for Kids of 2024

Updated
Find the ideal art easel for your kids.

Art easels used to be difficult to find, but now they come in every shape, size, style, color, and price point. Deciding which easel will meet your child’s artistic requirements can be hard.

That’s why we’ve filtered through the details and hundreds of reviews of every easel we could find to create this list of all the best art easels for kids.

We’ll help you determine which art easel will fit your space, have all the features your kids need, be the right height for your growing children, be durable enough to stand up to your child’s wildest artistic moments, and be the best fit for your budget.

Read on to find the easel that will aid your little Picasso in their quest to create the perfect work of art — or at least keep them from scribbling on the walls.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Step2 Deluxe Art Desk
Best Complete Art Studio
Step2 Deluxe Art Desk
  • Comes with valuable storage space
  • Large work surface
  • Includes a push-button light
Product Image of the Award Winning Hape All-in-One Wooden Kid's Art Easel with Paper Roll and...
Best Wooden Easel
Hape Wooden Art Easel
  • Multi-purpose
  • Easy to assemble
  • High quality and durable
Product Image of the Step2 Easel for Two
Perfect for Play Dates
Step2 Easel for Two
  • Lightweight but sturdy
  • Folds easily for storage
  • Brightly colored and attractive
Product Image of the Crayola Art Studio Kids
Best for Minimalists
Crayola Art Studio Kids
  • Brightly colored desk inspires creativity
  • Compact design
  • Award-winning product
Product Image of the Discovery Kids Easel
Best in Versatility
Discovery Kids Easel
  • Collapsible design
  • Occupies minimal space
  • Great option for travel
Product Image of the Step2 Flip & Doodle Desk
Best for Toddlers
Step2 Flip & Doodle Desk
  • Transforms into a desk
  • Extra storage space
  • Sturdy and durable
Product Image of the Elk & Bear Easel
Best Educational Easel
Elk & Bear Easel
  • No assembly required
  • Lifetime guarantee
  • Dual sides so two can play at once
Product Image of the Faber-Castell Travel Easel
Best for Travel
Faber-Castell Travel Easel
  • Complete set
  • 37-piece art easel
  • Eco-friendly products
Product Image of the Melissa & Doug Easel
Best for Brand Reliability
Melissa & Doug Easel
  • Multi-purpose tool
  • Height adjustable
  • Trusted brand with excellent customer service


The Best Art Easels for Kids of 2024

These are the all-star art easels we love.

Deluxe Art Desk by Step2

Best Complete Art Studio for Kids

This kids’ art studio is the stuff of dreams. It features a wide desk with a large dry-erase board your child can use for drawing or writing. The board is easy to draw on and erase, making cleanup a breeze.

There is storage space everywhere. Your child can use the elevated storage shelf for markers and paint pots. The space underneath the dry-erase board works for pens, erasers, and any other art supplies they might easily lose.

You also get large bins to store drawing books, art books, and any other supplies that may not fit in the elevated storage compartments.

Worried about your kids straining their eyes as they work? This desk features a push-button light that illuminates the work surface, making it easier for their little eyes to see what they are doing.

On top of that, you also get a sturdy chair for your child to sit on as they work. This desk is a master art studio for a budding artist.

Pros

  • Valuable storage space for keeping things organized.
  • Light colors that can brighten a child’s room.
  • The desk can double as a surface for schoolwork.

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with any art supplies.
  • It’s a bit of a challenge to assemble.

Product Specs

Dimensions (inches) 31.25 (H) x 35.50 (W) x 20.25 (D)
Product Weight 23 pounds
Chair’s weight capacity 75 pounds
Country of Manufacture U.S., some parts are imported
Material type Plastic

Our Ratings

Adjustability
1 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Included Accessories
2 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
3 / 5

User Experience

My experience with this art desk has been fantastic, as it has provided a space for my young child to explore their creativity and enjoy hours of coloring and drawing. Assembly took around 45 minutes which was manageable, but having pre-drilled holes would have simplified the process. The storage options on the sides are great for holding paper and books, but I do wish there were more cup-holder-type compartments for drinks or paint containers. The light provided is a bit weak, but adding a stick-on light resolved that issue.

Hape Wooden Kids Art Easel

Best Wooden Easel

This all-in-one easel is an award winner for many reasons. It features a magnetic whiteboard on one side and an erasable chalkboard on the other.

Kids can play with their fridge magnets or teach imaginary students using the chalkboard. They can also flip on their genius switch and start painting or drawing. The easel is made from high-quality, non-toxic finishes that are safe for your kids.

You can easily adjust the easel’s height to suit either older or younger kids. It all depends on who’s feeling artistic at that moment. The easel comes with a storage tray, three paint pots, and one paper roll.

Pros

  • Multipurpose use that will engage your child for hours.
  • Easy to assemble.
  • High-quality and durable.
  • Double-sided to allow use by multiple kids at once.

Cons

  • Designed to fit only Hape-specific paper rolls.
  • It’s smaller than some other options.

Product Specs

Dimensions (inches) 16 (L) x 19 (W) x 43.5 (H)
Product Weight 12.13 pounds
Country of Manufacture China
Material type Wood and water-based paint

Our Ratings

Adjustability
4 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Included Accessories
3.5 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Perspective

When I first got this easel for my child as a gift from the "paci fairy," I was hoping it would be something they could use daily, both indoors and without constant supervision. Thankfully, this easel was a huge hit! My child loves using it with washable dry erase markers during solo playtime, and we also enjoy painting together in the kitchen. This easel is the perfect size for tall three-year-olds and has proven to be quite sturdy. I appreciate the adjustable height feature, which allows it to grow with my child, and the blue screws that hold the paper in place, preventing it from rolling away during use. The only downside is the small paper roll it comes with, so I recommend purchasing a separate, larger roll for extended use.

Step2 Art Easel for Two

Perfect for Play Dates

This easel is a good buy if you’re looking to combine fun with learning. It features a laminated and magnetized dry-erase board on one side and a chalkboard on the other.

But so many other easels have that too. This one stands out because it comes with 94 colorful soft foam magnets consisting of letters, numbers, shapes, and symbols.

The magnets will help enhance your child’s cognitive development and aid their math, writing, and reading skills.

When the kids are not playing with the magnets, they can paint or draw as they share art supplies, making this an ideal playdate activity for kids. The easel has a storage tray beneath the board and side trays to hold their art supplies.

It is ideal for kids ages 3 and above. You will require a hammer and a Phillips screwdriver to assemble the kit, but it’s easy to assemble and should only take a few minutes.

Pros

  • Lightweight but sturdy.
  • Folds easily for storage.
  • Set of magnets for learning.
  • Brightly colored and attractive.

Cons

  • Assembly requires tools (not provided).
  • The side trays aren’t very secure and may fall off.

Product Specs

Dimensions (inches) 41.50 (H) x 22.20 (W) x 20.00 (D)
Product Weight 9.75 pounds
Country of Manufacture U.S., some parts are imported
Material type Plastic

Our Ratings

Adjustability
2.5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Included Accessories
4 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Community Feedback

This easel is perfect for combining fun and learning for kids aged 3 and above. It features a laminated and magnetized dry-erase board on one side and a chalkboard on the other, along with 94 colorful soft foam magnets for enhancing cognitive development. The easel is lightweight and sturdy, with a storage tray beneath the board and side trays for art supplies. However, be aware that assembly requires tools (not provided) and the side trays may not be very secure.

Crayola Triple-the-Fun Art Studio

Best Choice for Minimalists

Do you want your child to have an art easel, but you don’t have much space to spare? This brightly colored and comfortable art desk may be worth considering.

It takes up minimal space while still giving your child room to write, draw, or paint. The multipurpose desk is a whiteboard that also converts into an easel. The easel side has a clip to hold papers securely in place.

It features elevated storage for your art materials, making them easily accessible for your kids. The desk comes with a sturdy but comfy stool.

The table requires assembly and is suitable for kids ages 3 and above.

Pros

  • Brightly-colored desk inspires creativity.
  • Compact design.
  • Award-winning product.

Cons

  • It won’t grow with your child — it’s solely for young kids.

Product Specs

Dimensions (inches) 18.3 (L) x 17.7 (W) x 32.9 (H)
Product Weight 7.68 pounds
Chair weight capacity 23 pounds
Country of Manufacture Unknown
Material type Plastic

Our Ratings

Adjustability
1.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Included Accessories
2.5 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4 / 5
Total Rating
3 / 5

First-Hand Impression

This art desk is suitable for younger children around 2 to 3 years old who enjoy drawing and playing with art. Although advertised for ages 36 months to 14 years, it may not be suitable for older children as the desk and plastic stool might be too small and unsafe for them. The desk has ample storage and is quite durable, making it a great value for the price. However, there have been instances of missing parts in the package, which can be frustrating. Despite this, the desk is easy to assemble and has been a hit with many young kids, providing a functional space for their creativity to flourish.

Discovery Kids 3-in-1 Desktop Easel

Best in Versatility

Are you looking for an easel that you can put up on a desk or other flat surfaces? This three-in-one desktop easel is a contender for the job. It allows your kids to paint, write, or draw anywhere, keeping play open-ended and creative juices flowing.

Since it’s a portable easel, your child can work on the breakfast table as you work in the kitchen. This is better than imagining what mess they are getting into in another part of the house.

The easel is constructed of solid wood, making it sturdy and durable. It comes with a dry-erase board, chalkboard, oversized clip, and paper roll. Plus, it folds easily and can fit in narrow spaces.

It is an excellent option for smaller homes and apartments.

Pros

  • Collapsible design that’s easy to store.
  • Occupies minimal space.
  • It can be used at home or in preschool.
  • An excellent option for travel.

Cons

  • It may tip over when pushed.

Product Specs

Dimensions (inches) 17 (L) x 15 (W) x 19 (H)
Product Weight 7.6 pounds
Country of Manufacture Unknown
Material type Wood frame

Our Ratings

Adjustability
3 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Included Accessories
3 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

User Experience

This lightweight, on-the-go art easel has been a hit with my three-year-old grandson, who especially loves the light effects. He mainly uses it as a painter's easel, ignoring the whiteboard and chalkboard options. Although the wood wasn't sanded smooth upon arrival, and it initially slid across the table, minor adjustments fixed these issues. The easel has proven to be sturdy and versatile, perfect for young artists who love to draw and paint.

Step2 Flip and Doodle Desk

Best for Toddlers

Can’t get your toddler to stop writing on walls? Why not consider this fun easel desk to distract them? It features an upright magnetic dry-erase easel, so they’ll feel like they are drawing on the wall without having to deal with the consequences of drawing on the wall.

Folded down into a desktop, this easel provides a large work surface for the kids to do other projects. You’ll have ample storage for drawing tools as there are elevated and rear storage areas. You also get four bins for other supplies.

When your child gets tired of standing, they can relax on the comfy stool that comes with the desk. There will be no stopping your little one from creating their masterpiece.

Pros

  • Offers a personal workspace for your child.
  • Extra storage space helps keep things organized.
  • Sturdy and durable.

Cons

  • On the large side and can’t be stored away.

Product Specs

Dimensions (inches) 26 (H) x 23.75 (W) x 29.00 (D)
Product Weight 18 pounds
Chair weight capacity 75 pounds
Country of Manufacture U.S., some parts are imported
Material type Plastic

Our Ratings

Adjustability
1.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Included Accessories
3 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
4 / 5
Total Rating
3 / 5

Personal Perspective

In my experience, this Step2 Flip and Doodle Easel Desk with Stool is a fantastic addition to any child's playroom. Not only is this product made in the USA and easy to assemble, but it also offers an abundance of storage options, with smaller bins for writing materials and larger bins for books. My grandchildren, aged between 2 and 5, adore this product; they love to color, paint, and read at this durable and stable art desk. The desk's ability to convert into a magnetic dry-erase board adds another layer of fun and creativity for the kids.

Art Easel Elk & Bear Easel

Best Educational Easel

Are you looking for a way to distract your preschoolers from the screens they love watching all day? This might be the kit for you. Its double-sided boards (magnetic and chalkboard) are great for lettering, coloring, painting, or drawing.

This ready-to-use easel kit only needs to be unwrapped before playing begins. It is an ideal gift for any little boy or girl. It comes with wooden magnetic letters and numbers, a dry-erase pen, an eraser, and chalk.

Its storage tray is large enough to contain lots of art supplies, and overall, the kit’s construction is sturdy.

Pros

  • No assembly is required.
  • Lifetime guarantee.
  • More than one child can use it at a time.

Cons

  • Some buyers complain about the magnets falling apart.

Product Specs

Dimensions (inches) 29.9 (L) x 2.2 (W) x 17.9 (H)
Product Weight 7.72 pounds
Country of Manufacture Unknown
Material type Wood

Our Ratings

Adjustability
2.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Included Accessories
4 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

Community Feedback

This easel is perfect for younger toddlers and older babies due to its compact size, making it a great educational tool. The best part is that there's no assembly required, allowing for a quick and easy setup for busy parents. However, removing the plastic film on the white and black board can be a bit difficult, and the dry erase marker that comes with the easel seems to not easily come off the painted wood. Despite these minor setbacks, the easel is still adorable and provides endless fun for the little ones. Just be cautious of its stability, as it can easily collapse and potentially break if not properly supervised.

Faber-Castell Travel Easel Set

Best for Travel

If your child is on the go, why not capture their memories with this wonderful travel set?

Designed for those whose imagination spikes during travel, the case features an easy-to-grip handle. All its materials fit inside it when they are not in use. You get a whiteboard, a chalkboard, and a lap desk — a compact all-in-one kit.

The manufacturer throws in colored pencils, beeswax crayons, chalk, markers, a dry-erase marker, a pencil sharpener, and a sketchpad. It is the perfect art studio on the go — all your child needs to bring is their prowess.

Whether you’re at grandma’s or somewhere in the mountains, kids ages 4 and above should enjoy this set.

Pros

  • Complete set.
  • Multiple usages.
  • Eco-friendly products.

Cons

  • Not suitable for kids under 4 years.

Product Specs

Dimensions (inches) 13 (H) x 14 (W) x 2.5 (D)
Product Weight 3.5 pounds
Country of Manufacture Germany
Material type Eco-friendly wood

Our Ratings

Adjustability
2 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Included Accessories
5 / 5
Ease of Cleaning
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

First-Hand Impression

My experience with this portable art easel has been mostly positive, as it appeals to both boys and girls of various ages. The double-sided design allows multiple kids to draw together, making it a fun and interactive activity. The included Faber-Castell beeswax crayons are high-quality, and the chalkboard surface works well for drawing. However, there are some issues with the easel - the size is a bit bulky for carrying on a plane, and it could use more crayons and a better eraser. Despite these minor drawbacks, the easel provides great value and encourages creativity in children.

Melissa & Doug Wooden Standing Easel

Best for Brand Reliability

Melissa and Doug, a trusted household name, created this multi-use double-sided easel that can convert any room into an art studio.

It features a chalkboard, dry-erase board, child-safe paper cutter, locking paper-roll holder, four easy-clip grips, and two removable plastic trays.

This sturdy workstation folds flat, which makes it easy to store whenever it’s not in use. One of the best things about this product is the adjustable height that allows you to modify the easel as your budding artist grows.

The easel comes unassembled and requires up to half an hour to set up. It is ideal for kids ages 3 to 6.

Pros

  • Accommodates more than one child.
  • Deep trays for holding all materials.
  • Trusted brand with excellent customer service.

Cons

  • The chalkboard can be challenging to clean and require light scrubbing with water.
  • All supplies are sold separately.

Product Specs

Dimensions (inches) 47 (H) x 27 (W) x 26 (L)
Product Weight 19.2 pounds
Country of Manufacture China
Material type Wood

User Experience

This easel from Melissa & Doug has exceeded my expectations and proven to be a worthwhile investment. The height is easily adjustable, making it suitable for children of various ages, and the sturdy design ensures it can be used for years to come. I appreciate the two-sided design, featuring a chalkboard on one side and a whiteboard on the other, allowing for simultaneous use by multiple children. The attached storage bins provide a convenient space for art supplies and are a nice touch. However, I did find that the included roll of easel paper is not of the highest quality and can be quite expensive compared to sketch pads. I opted to purchase recycled paper sketch pads as a more cost-effective and higher quality alternative.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Award Dimensions Weight Manufacturer Material
Step2 Art Desk Best Complete Art Studio 31.25″ x 35.50″ x 20.25″ 23 lbs U.S. Plastic
Hape Wooden Easel Best Wooden Easel 16″ x 19″ x 43.5″ 12.13 lbs China Wood
Step2 Easel for Two Perfect For Play Dates 41.50″ x 22.20″ x 20.00″ 9.75 lbs U.S. Plastic
Crayola Art Studio Kids Best For Minimalists 18.3″ x 17.7″ x 32.9″ 7.68 lbs N/A Plastic
Discovery Kids Best In Versatility 17″x 15″ x 19″ 7.6 lbs N/A Wood
Step2 Flip & Doodle Best For Toddlers Doodle 26″ x 23.75″ x 29.00″ 18 lbs U.S. Plastic
Elk & Bear Ease Best Educational Easel 29.9″ x 2.2″ x 17.9″ 7.72 lbs N/A Wood
Faber-Castell Best For Travel 13″ x 14″ x 2.5″ 3.5 lbs Germany Wood
Melissa & Doug Best For Brand Reliability 47″ x 27″ x 26″ 19.2 lbs China Wood

How to Choose an Easel for Kids

Ready to go shopping? Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Do you want a standing easel or one that allows your child to sit? Younger kids may tire more easily and prefer to sit as they work on their projects. But if your child is a non-stop bundle of energy, a standing easel may help them burn some of that off.
  • Do you need space for craft supplies? Some easel sets offer plenty of space for your various art and craft supplies, while others may require you to store them elsewhere.
  • How much room space can you spare? Some easels take up a lot of room or require large storage spaces, while others can fold down and fit in narrow spaces.
  • Do you want a single-sided or double-sided easel? A double-sided product may be a good option if you have multiple kids or want your child to draw with a buddy.

Reasons to Buy an Art Easel for Kids

Keeping the walls clean is a solid motivation to buy an art easel for your kids. It was our main reason for researching these easels too! However, children also get other educational, social, and developmental benefits from using an art easel.

Encourages Creativity

Art easels promote open-ended play where your kids are free to think up, draw, and paint anything they desire. While toddlers may occasionally doodle, preschoolers and older kids may become more dedicated to their easels.

Their thoughts are more organized, and they will derive satisfaction from drawing or painting their favorite characters, animals, or anything else they’re inspired to create. You might have your very own Picasso in the making.

 

Enhances Hand-Eye Coordination

Drawing helps children come up with basic designs. Joining these lines will connect their eyes to their hand movement.

Similarly, painting requires the child to see where all the color is going. They will improve their coordination as they work to ensure their hand movement is in line with their vision.

Enhances Development of Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills involve the development of the smaller muscles responsible for things like writing, eating, and dressing. Your child needs to develop these skills to become independent.

Using paint brushes, drawing, scribbling, or writing with colored pencils, crayons, and markers will help your child build fine motor skills (1). What better way to do that than with an art easel?

Encourages Expression

Creative art allows children to express themselves, their experiences, and how they see the world, in a nonverbal way. Appreciating their expressions is a great way to make them feel loved, wanted, and valued (2).

You might get to know your children better from their creations.

FAQs

What Do Children Learn From Easel Painting?

Easel painting teaches children fine motor skills, creativity, color recognition, and can enhance their confidence and decision-making as they create.

What is the Best Paper For Kids to Paint On?

Heavyweight, large, and absorbent paper like butcher paper or watercolor paper is great for kids to paint on, especially for easel painting.

What Size Easel is Good For Kids?

A kid-sized easel, usually around 36 to 48 inches tall, adjustable to grow with your child, is ideal for comfortable and safe art creation.

What is the Best Age For an Art Easel?

Children can start using an art easel around two to three years old as they begin to stand and want to explore painting and drawing in different ways.


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Headshot of Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC

Reviewed by

Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC

Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC is a cardiology nurse and freelance medical writer. Katelyn has 8 years of nursing experience inpatient and outpatient, primarily medical-surgical and cardiac. After having two children she has a passion for Women’s Health and Lactation teaching and support.