Draw with your eyes closed
Draw simple pictures while your eyes are closed to explore touch, memory, and spatial awareness; compare results and describe how drawing changes.
About this activity
Draw simple pictures while your eyes are closed to explore touch, memory, and spatial awareness; compare results and describe how drawing changes.
What you need
Step by step
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Step 1
Put one sheet of paper and your pencil on a flat table.
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Step 2
Place the small object to draw where you can easily see it.
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Step 3
Draw the object once while looking at it.
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Step 4
Write "Eyes Open" under that drawing.
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Step 5
Put on the blindfold or tie the scarf over your eyes.
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Step 6
Draw the object once with your eyes closed on a new sheet of paper.
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Step 7
Take off the blindfold and write "Eyes Closed 1" under that drawing.
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Step 8
Put the blindfold back on.
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Step 9
Draw the object again with your eyes closed trying to remember where parts of the object go.
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Step 10
Remove the blindfold and write "Eyes Closed 2" under this drawing.
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Step 11
Lay all three drawings side by side so you can see them together.
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Step 12
Write or say three things that are different between the drawings such as size position or how the lines look.
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Step 13
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you do the closed-eyes drawing activity?
Sit at a flat surface and show a simple prompt (sun, house, tree). Put on a blindfold or gently close your eyes, then draw that prompt in 30–60 seconds without looking. Remove the blindfold, compare drawings, and talk about differences in size, placement, and details. Repeat with different prompts or switch roles. Encourage description and laughter — focus on exploration, not perfection, and keep instructions short and positive.
What materials do I need for drawing with eyes closed?
You only need paper and drawing tools such as crayons, pencils, or washable markers, plus a blindfold or scarf. Use a flat table or clipboard, a timer or phone, and baby wipes for quick cleanups. Optional extras: simple prompt cards, stickers for rewards, and a camera to record progress. Choose non-toxic, washable supplies and larger crayons for little hands to make the activity easier and safer.
What ages is the closed-eyes drawing activity suitable for?
This activity suits preschoolers and up (about 3+) with supervision. Toddlers (2–3) can try hand-over-hand guidance or simple mark-making with large crayons. Ages 4–7 enjoy guessing and comparing, while 8+ can explore memory challenges and more detailed prompts. Always supervise younger children, simplify prompts for early learners, and adapt tools (chunky crayons, bigger paper) to match fine-motor ability.
What are the benefits and variations of blindfolded drawing?
Benefits include improved spatial awareness, sensory focus, memory recall, fine-motor control, and language when children describe differences. It builds confidence through playful experimentation. Safety tips: use non-toxic, washable supplies, ensure seated stability, and remove small objects for little kids. Variations: draw with the non-dominant hand, trade prompts, use sound-based prompts, try textured paper, or turn it into a guessing game where others name the picture.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of a blindfold if we don't have one?
Use a folded dish towel, sleep mask, thick hat pulled down, or a scarf tied the way the instructions say in 'Put on the blindfold or tie the scarf over your eyes' to cover your eyes fully.
The blindfold keeps slipping and I accidentally peek—how can I stop that?
Gently tape the scarf or blindfold at the temples or use a snug sleep mask so you can reliably complete the 'Draw the object once with your eyes closed' and the second blindfolded drawing without peeking.
How can I adapt this activity for younger children or older kids?
For preschoolers, use a large, familiar object and crayons on a bigger sheet and do only 'Eyes Open' and 'Eyes Closed 1', while older kids can add a timer, repeat 'Eyes Closed 2', and write more detailed observations when they 'Lay all three drawings side by side'.
How can we extend or personalize the activity after finishing the three drawings?
Decorate each drawing with color, measure and label differences in size or position when you 'Lay all three drawings side by side', and then photograph your set to share on DIY.org as suggested in the instructions.