How to Make DIY Painted Pickleball Paddles with Your Kids
Most kids crafts end up on the fridge for a week and then quietly disappear. This one? Your kids will actually use it.
We ended up finding some cool blank wooden pickleball paddles at Hobby Lobby, but there are some available on Amazon as well if you want them shipped straight to you. My son has been a little obsessed with pickleball since our last vacation so this craft was right up his alley. We decided this would be the perfect family craft so that once its sunny, we could all head out and play and have our own custom paddles.
The best part is it doubles as two activities in one: a creative craft and outdoor play they'll come back to all summer.
What You'll Need
The Basics:
Wooden pickleball paddles (we got ours at Hobby Lobby in the wood crafts section but these would work too!)
Acrylic markers (these work great on wood and are easy for kids)
Clear sealant to seal the designs and protect them from wear
Newspaper or a drop cloth for your table
Optional Extras:
Diamond dust for a little sparkle (sprinkle over wet sealant)
Stickers for kids who want to add more to their design
A wiffle ball for playing after
Time Needed
About an hour for the decorating, plus drying time. We did the craft and then came back to seal them once the markers had dried. Easy enough for a morning or afternoon activity.
How to Make Them
Set Up Your Space
Lay down newspaper or a drop cloth. Acrylic markers come off some surfaces but it's best not to chance it. Give each kid their own paddle and put all the markers in the middle. I used a pan sheet to throw them all into so that they wouldn't roll off the counter.
Let Them Design
This is the fun part. Let them go. No rules, no templates, no "maybe try it this way." You will have your own paddle to worry about anyways, and if you are like me, you probably will enjoy this more than they will.
My 6-year-old drew a beach scene on one paddle, a pickleball court on another, and even added little smiling fans in the stands watching the "game." His brain went straight to storytelling and I was here for it. My almost-two-year-old gripped a marker in each fist and went full abstract expressionist. Both paddles turned out great. My husband even enjoyed this one and now we have a full set ready for games all summer.
If your kid wants direction, a few ideas: rainbow stripes, polka dots, their name in big letters, a favorite sport scene, lightning bolts, stars, or just full-coverage color blocks. But honestly, the less direction you give, the more they'll surprise you.
Let the Markers Dry & Seal It
Give the paddles about 15 to 20 minutes to dry completely before sealing. Acrylic markers dry faster than paint, but you don't want to smear their masterpiece with the sealant. Once dry, spray on a thin, even coat of clear sealant over the entire decorated side. This locks the marker in, protects it from chipping, and gives the paddle a nice finished look. Don't skip this step. Without it, the markers will rub off the first time they play.
If you're adding diamond dust, sprinkle it on while the sealant is still wet. It adds the prettiest shimmer.
Let everything dry completely before playing (check your sealant's dry time, but plan for at least an hour).
Play
That's it. Once dry, you've got custom paddles ready for backyard pickleball, the park, or just whacking a ball around the yard. We used a regular wiffle ball and it worked great for the kids.
Crafting Tips
Buy extra paddles. Your kids will want to make more. Or their friends will. Or you'll want to make another.
Put the kids in clothes you don't care about. They will get marker on themselves.
This works great as a birthday party activity. Set up a "design your own paddle" station, let each kid decorate one, seal them at home, and send them home as party favors. Done.
Use acrylic markers instead of actual paint. Way less mess, vibrant colors, and they dry fast.
Let the imperfections show. That's what makes it special and handmade <3
The Verdict
This is one of those rare crafts where the finished product doesn't just sit on a shelf. It becomes something the whole family can play with every sunny afternoon. And they'll love showing off their designs all summer.
If you're looking for a screen-free afternoon that's creative AND active, and works for basically every age in your house, this is it. Grab your supplies, clear an hour, and let everyone make something they're proud of.
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