Cool Contests for Creative Kids in 2022–2023

Toyota Dream Car USA Contest

Break out those crayons and color pencils and get creative! This art contest is for kids ages 4–15 years old and encourages them to help imagine what cars and transportation should look like in the future. Nine winners will be selected each year, three in each age category (4–7 years; 8–11 years; and 12–15 years) and prizes range from $250–$750. Check out the website for contest details and submission process and guidelines. The contest is accepting mail-in and digital artwork submissions from October 1, 2022–January 31, 2023. 

Doodle for Google

You know those cool little cartoons at the top of the Google search page? Once a year, that doodle is the prizewinning entry from a K–12 student, judged in five grade groups. Entries are due by March 5 in the United States (other countries have their own contests) using Google’s entry form. Entries must include the Google logo but can use any medium. Judges will select 54 state and territory winners for Googley swag. The public then votes to determine the five national finalists from among the 54. One winner will receive a $30,000 scholarship and a $50,000 technology package for their school. Entry is free but limited to one per student. The competition is closed for 2022, but check the website for updates. 

Ned Smith Center Youth Art Contest

The Pennsylvania-based Ned Smith Center holds an annual international wildlife art contest, with a different theme each year. The contest is open to students in grades 1–12, with four winners in each of four age categories, plus a Best in Show winner. Entries are due at the beginning of June, with winners announced in July. Cost to enter is $10.

U.S. Kids Cover Contest

U.S. Kids holds an annual themed magazine-cover design contest. The contest is open to ages 2–12, with entries grouped into two age categories. The winners’ art is used for the front covers of Jack and Jill (age 6–12 category) and Humpty Dumpty (ages 2–6) magazines, with second-place, third-place and Readers’ Choice winners’ art showcased inside the same issue; cash prizes are awarded to the art departments of the winners’ schools. Entries are due in early February. There is no cost to enter, but only one entry per child is accepted.

WorldWide Kids Drawings

For those who dislike structure, the WorldWide Kids Drawings contest has no theme or deadline, but participants must be age 6–17. Entries are submitted on a rolling basis, and winners are announced whenever the website updates. Prizes range from $250 to $1,000. Cost to enter is $20.

Teen Ink

Teen Ink is a national magazine that showcases creative works by young people ages 13–19. Teens can submit their work for inclusion inside the magazine or enter the monthly cover image contest. There are no deadlines or fees to enter. Artists will receive a $25 gift card if their image is used on the cover.

Congressional Art Competition

Since 1982, the U.S. House of Representatives has sponsored a nationwide visual art competition. High school students submit their framed, two-dimensional art to their district’s representative (deadlines may vary by district). Ironically, subject matter cannot be political. There is no entry fee, but participation may incur framing and shipping costs.