Here are the best summer art ideas for kids. These art activities incorporate nature or are big and messy and are a perfect fit for summertime.
Updated May 2025
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. Some incorporate nature that is flourishing this time of year. And some are really messy! Bring the art outside and let your kids clean up with the hose.
Whatever you do, make sure to bookmark this page, so you can try out all of these ideas this summer!
Summer Art Ideas
1. Make Your Own Fireworks Art
Celebrate the 4th of July by trying these fun and easy ways to make fireworks art using blow painting, splat painting, and toothpick techniques.
2. Splatter Painting!
Let your 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. Fly Swatter Painting
Fly swatter painting is a messy and fun action art activity where you use a fly swatter to make colorful, abstract designs.
4. Make Bubble Snakes
Kids love to blow bubbles! Turn those bubbles into art with bubble snakes: Use a water bottle and an old sock to create colorful and unique designs!
5. Paint a Mural
Roll out the easel paper on the driveway or deck and set out some paint. Your kids will have a ball painting, splattering, and getting as messy as they can!
6. Flower Mandala Suncatchers
This suncatcher captures the beauty of mandala art using flowers and leaves. The perfect window adornment! Or try a 3D nature suncatcher using an old box.
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. Make Ice Cream Prints
Instead of eating ice cream, make ice cream inspired prints! This easy project is a great introduction to printmaking for kids and makes yummy looking art!
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. Chalk Art
There are so many things you can do with chalk! Try making Rangoli-inspired designs, a simple hopscotch game, or make a batch of chalk paint for some extra messy fun!
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. Nature Mandalas
Get outside in nature and create art in your own backyard, park or beach!
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
- 24 Outdoor Art Ideas for Kids
- 10 DIY Outdoor Games for Summer
- The Best Fun Backyard Ideas for Kids
- 11 Easy Crafts for the Fourth of July
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