The Best Art Easels for Kids, According to Art Educators

"This easel is a great choice for young children because it has a low height and safety knobs that cover the side screws, making it safe for toddlers to use," says Amira Martin, a professor and therapist who works with children. "It's a dual-sided easel with a chalkboard and whiteboard, so kids can switch up their medium for creativity." It also comes with a ton of accessories!

Easels aren't just for inside! "This Colorations easel is a brightly colored and easy-to-clean easel that works well outdoors," says Martin. "It's adjustable and versatile, making it a great choice for kids who love to create in the fresh air." While it's not a traditional whiteboard or chalkboard, it does come with clips on top for paper.

Yes, they even make travel-friendly easels now! Martin is a fan of this option from Faber-Castell. "It's a durable, brightly colored, and easy-to-travel-with easel that comes with markers and other art supplies. It's a great option for families on the go or for keeping kids entertained on long or short road trips."

"This easel is perfect for a preschool classroom that works in small groups," says Melissa McCall, a preschool literacy teacher and founder of Moving Little Minds. "The easel is magnetic, which allows the teacher to use magnetic letters in small group learning. It is very versatile, allowing for chalk, magnetic, paint, and dry erase markers!" It's also ideal if you just happen to be a little low on space.

Amazon reviewers love this easel for its sturdy, modern design. It comes with a paper roll at the top (a must) and tons of storage below. You'll need it for all the crayons, colored pencils, markers, chalk, and paint brushes.

"If you're looking for an easel that supports different mediums, the Joyoos Art Easel for Kids is a fantastic choice," says Martin. "It's a double-sided magnetic easel that can be used with chalk, crayons, pencils, or paint, and it comes with a paper roll on top to keep kids' imaginations and assignments flowing."

Qing Zhuang, an illustrator, elementary school art teacher, and author, says her artist friends love this Hape model for child artists. Recommended for kids between three and eight years old, it'll have a long shelf life in your playroom.

Art educator and Fine Art Tutorials publisher Emily Clare knows the best easel for a classroom is something a little heavier duty. "This two-sided easel comes with adjustable paint trays and write and wipe panels, making it perfect for all ages from 2 1/2 to 6 years old," she says. "It also has clips to hang paper or other artwork, giving kids the opportunity to work on separate pieces that they can showcase. The easel itself is very sturdy, so kids can be as expressive with their drawing techniques as they like! It will last for many years of creative exploration. Overall, this product is a great option for younger budding artists looking for an all-in-one art station!"

Martin calls this easel a "simple, easy-to-use, and portable option that's great for families with limited space." It doesn't come with any bells and whistles, but it's a great option for those just getting started on building their art kit. The business also sells neat paint kits for kids.

Donna Paul, Montessori teacher and co-creator of That's So Montessori, advocates for easels from a family-owned brand. "Créer & Co. has created the perfect art easels for kids: aesthetically beautiful, handmade, and sustainable Montessori-aligned easels for the classroom or home. This art easel is designed with children in mind, making it easier for them to make art and express their creativity."