11 ways to have a creative summer with kids, including strewing, doing summer art activities, being inspired by nature, and encouraging open-ended play.
Updated May 2021
Now that summer vacation is fully under way, there’s more time for art projects, open-ended play, experimenting, and games.
There’s more time for creativity.
But in the moment, sometimes it can be hard to think of ways to build creativity in your family. So we’ve created this list of ways to have a creative summer with your kids. There are some tips, some art projects, some experiments, and lots of chances to have fun!
11 Ways to Have a Creative Summer with Kids
1. Don’t over schedule.
In fact, let the kids get bored sometimes. It’ll help get the creative juices flowing for their imaginations.
“I think it’s necessary to let kids get bored once in a while – that’s how they learn to be creative.”
Kim Raver
2. Try some new-to-you art activities.
We’ve got some great lists of outdoor and summer activities. Don’t feel like you need to do them all! Bookmark the pages and come back to them when you need inspiration.
3. Experiment with different materials and techniques as you revisit favorite art activities.
Pull out some tried and true art activities and try them with new materials. Ask “what if” questions then follow through to see what happens.
- Watercolor Techniques for Kids – Experimenting
- Glue Art on Canvas with Watercolors
- Oil Pastel Painting with Kids
4. Get outside and use nature as your inspiration.
Summer is the perfect time to make some nature inspired art! And we’ve got plenty of ideas for you to try.
- Nature Art for Kids – 33 Activities to Try
- Try this flower suncatcher craft with the kids
- Garden and Nature Crafts for Kids
5. Play art games for a creative summer.
Drawing games can be so much fun, for kids and adults alike! You never know what drawings the whole family will come up with.
6. Have an artful lemonade stand.
Spend as much time and creativity in building and decorating the stand and making the signs as making the lemonade. Sell art, too, if you like. Or melted crayon rocks.
7. Encourage open-ended play.
Toys and materials that encourage your child to use their imagination when playing are fantastic! We’ve got lots of suggestions on how to get started.
- Set up a Kid-Friendly Backyard for Active Play
- Creative Gifts for Kids Who Love to Build
- Kids Dioramas and Small World Play Ideas
- The Toys and Tools We Want Our Kids to Have
8. Be mindful of how you talk to kids about their art.
Do you find yourself saying, “That’s pretty” or asking, “What is it?” when your child brings you her latest drawing, simply because you don’t know what else to say? We’ve got a quick guide to help you know what to say next time.
9. Experiment with the art of strewing for a creative summer.
Strewing is the perfect summer activity. It is the art of casually yet strategically leaving “invitations” for learning and creativity out for your kids to discover on their own. You get to sit back a little and your kids get to explore, all at the same time!
10. Move your kids’ art space closer to the heart of the family action, if appropriate.
We’ve discovered that if you choose an inviting space near the heart of the family action for your kids’ art space, it will actually be used.
11. Turn a beach vacation into an opportunity for creativity.
Just because it’s a beach day, doesn’t mean it can’t be a creative one! We’ve got 10 ways to use time at the beach for building creativity.
Here’s wishing you a creative summer! If you try any of these ideas out and share them on Instagram, be sure to tag us!
More Ideas for a Creative Summer
- 100+ Summer Crafts & Activities for Kids
- 12 Best Summer Art Activities for Kids
- 21 Outdoor Art Ideas for Kids
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