Summer is right around the corner!

The days are getting longer, the sun is shining more, and it’s a great time to relax and spend time with your kids. As you look for ways to keep them busy (and away from screens), now’s the perfect time to plan some fun art activities.

From painting with ice cubes to designing your t-shirts, this list is packed with colorful, budget-friendly ideas that are simple to set up and perfect for kids of all ages. Let’s dive in!

1. Nature-Inspired Watercolor Landscapes

Take a walk around your neighborhood or visit a local park. Bring sketchbooks and watercolors, and let your kids paint what they see: trees, flowers, clouds, or even your backyard.

What you’ll need: watercolor paper, paints, brushes, a cup of water, and a little outdoor inspiration.

2. Tie-Dye T-Shirts

This is a summer classic that never gets old! Let your kids twist, tie, and dye their own shirts in wild colors and patterns.

Kid tip: Use squeeze bottles for easier control and less mess. Let them choose their favorite color combos and watch their creativity shine.

What you’ll need: white t-shirts, fabric dye, rubber bands, plastic squeeze bottles, plastic bags, and gloves.

3. DIY Painted Flower Pots

Grab some plain terra cotta pots and let your child turn them into mini masterpieces. Paint them with flowers, shapes, or silly faces.

These also make sweet gifts for grandparents or neighbors, just add a small plant!

What you’ll need: plain terra cotta pots, acrylic paints, paintbrushes, and small plants.

4. Seashell and Sand Art

If you’re heading to the beach (or have a stash of shells at home), turn them into art!

Use glue to stick shells onto paper, or layer colored sand in jars to make beautiful patterns. It’s a great way to remember a beach trip, too!

What you’ll need: seashells, colored sand, glue, paper, and jars.

5. Recycled Art Sculptures

Gather clean items like cardboard tubes, bottle caps, and boxes. Then let your kids build robots, animals, or abstract sculptures.

This one’s all about using imagination, and it’s a great way to reuse things around the house.

What you’ll need: clean recyclables (cardboard tubes, bottle caps, boxes, etc.), glue, scissors, and paint (optional).

6. Sun Prints (Cyanotypes)

Mix science and art by creating sun prints. Place leaves, flowers, or even toys on light-sensitive paper, then let the sun do the work.

The final result? A cool blue-and-white print that feels like summer captured on paper.

What you’ll need: light-sensitive paper, leaves, flowers, or small toys, and access to sunlight.

7. Sidewalk Chalk Murals

Head outside and let your driveway or sidewalk become a giant canvas. Your child can draw animals, hopscotch games, or colorful scenes.

This is especially fun with friends or siblings, it turns into a group masterpiece!

What you’ll need: sidewalk chalk, outdoor space, and creativity.

8. Painted Rock Animals

Go rock hunting and bring a few smooth ones home. Then paint them to look like bugs, pets, or jungle animals.

Use them as garden decorations or little treasures to hide around the neighborhood.

What you’ll need: smooth rocks, acrylic paints, paintbrushes, and clear sealant (optional).

9. Ice Cube Painting

Freeze water mixed with food coloring or watercolor paint in ice cube trays (use popsicle sticks for handles).

Then let your kids “paint” with the melting cubes on paper; it’s messy, cool, and fun for younger kids.

What you’ll need: ice cube trays, food coloring or watercolor paint, popsicle sticks, and paper.

10. Collage Vision Boards

Give your kids magazines, scissors, and glue, and ask them to create a collage of what they want to do or see this summer.

It’s a great way to reflect, dream, and talk about goals in a creative way.

What you’ll need: magazines, scissors, glue, and large paper or cardboard.

Bring Your Ideas to Life This Summer

These art projects are more than just fun, they’re a way to connect, explore, and encourage your child’s imagination. Try one, try them all, or let them spark your ideas.

Don’t forget to snap some pictures and share your creations with friends or family or just enjoy them as a part of your family’s summer story.

Interested in helping your child unlock even more creativity? At The Lighthouse School, we foster a supportive environment where kids can explore their potential through art and beyond. Learn more about our programs and how we can help your child thrive this summer! Contact us for more information. 

Happy creating!