12 best summer art ideas for kids that incorporate nature or bigger & messy art and are a perfect fit for summertime.
Updated June 2023
This list of our 12 best summer art ideas for kids is as much a reminder for us (time to set up a fun art activity!) as it is an invitation for you. These are some of our all-time favorites that are well suited to summertime.
Summer Art Ideas
We hope you and your kiddos enjoy these as much as we do!
1. Melting Salt & Ice Experiment
This science experiment is mesmerizing and fun, and is a fantastic hands-on learning experience.
2. Splatter Painting
Kids create amazing abstract art with just a flick of the wrist! This messy art activity is perfect for the backyard and kids go wild over it. A must for summer!
3. Paint with Water Balloons and a Swimming Pool
A large scale painting project that’s interactive and fun for a range of ages. Clean up is easy – just spray off with the hose or jump in the pool afterwards!
4. Gorgeous Flower Stained Glass Windows
These stained glass windows are absolutely gorgeous and the process is both fun and relaxing. Gather flowers and petals from your yard, the park or a fresh flower bouquet.
5. 3D Nature Suncatcher
Gather flowers, contact paper and a cardboard box to create this beautiful 3D nature suncatcher.
6. Flower Mandala Suncatcher
This suncatcher captures the beauty of mandala art using flowers and leaves. The perfect window adornment!
7. Stained Glass Bunting
When the sun shines through this melted crayon and wax paper bunting, it’s glorious! They look amazing hanging in the backyard.
8. Melted Bead Suncatchers
These are surprisingly easy to create and very durable. A stunning piece of art to hang inside or out!
9. Clay Leaf Prints and Pendants
Gather up some flowers and leaves from your garden and use them to make these lovely clay pendants!
10. Grape + Toothpick Sculptures
Edible art is the perfect combination of delicious and engaging! And makes a great snack!
11. Print with flowers
Here’s yet another way to use your paints and your garden! Grab some flowers from outside and make vibrant prints that pop.
12. Land art with kids
Get outside in nature and create art in your own backyard, park or beach!
And one more, because we couldn’t resist:
Stained glass flower crowns
These fun flower crowns are sure to be a hit at any party this summer! They are perfect for flower princesses and princes, fairies, elves, and anything else your child can imagine…
We hope you love these summer art activities! They are sure to be a hit in your home this summer!
More Summer Art Activities for Kids
- 100+ Summer Crafts & Activities for Kids
- 11 Ways to Have a Creative Summer with Kids
- 21 Outdoor Art Ideas for Kids
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