When the weather gets nice take your art time outside with these creative art activities that let you get a little extra messy! From artist-inspired art projects to process art, you’ll find a list of do-able projects to check out and a handy free outdoor art printable to download. Whether you do a little or a lot of art projects, you’ll find the perfect one here for your next home, camp, classroom, or group activity.
Outdoor Art For Kids
Below you’ll find extremely fun and hands-on activities that get kids exploring art without worrying about the mess. There’s nothing like taking your art materials out on a nice day and exploring different techniques that might not feel suitable inside, like paint splatter!
Of course, we have plenty of artist-inspired ideas all year to keep everyone busy, from the Mona Lisa to Pop Art. Whether in the home or the classroom, our art projects always keep the adults and the kiddos in mind regarding doability, time, and budget!
I guarantee you’ll feel confident and comfortable sharing these projects with your kiddos or students, so let’s get started.
Make sure to grab the free ideas sheet below as well. Pin it to the fridge or bulletin board as a reminder to get outside and do some art!
How To Set Up Outdoor Art For Kids
Nothing fancy… a picnic table or folding table covered in a washable table covering will do the trick!
What you want to do is start prepping materials now! While you shouldn’t leave the materials outside overnight, how you pack them will make bringing them in and out easier.
Choose A Large Bin
Similar to our supplies for STEM challenges, I suggest you grab a bin and fill it with pieces of cardboard (cut-up cereal boxes), paper scraps from projects, bubble wrap (great for printmaking), tissue paper, and any other materials you think will work. Oh, and kids love to paint on canvases!
Use an Art Supply Caddy or Two
Next you want to create an art supply caddy or two that can easily move around. The dollar store often has small caddies and baskets that can be used.
Fill one with paints and paintbrushes (acrylics, watercolors), one with scissors, glue, tape (washi, masking, or regular), pencils, and markers. You can also add stamps and stamp pads.
Other materials such as oil pastels, watercolor pencils (Stabilo brand are fun), and chalk are perfect for kids too!
Have Lots of Paper
Set up the caddies or baskets on the table, have a good supply of drawing paper, or if you have older artists, you might want to splurge on mixed media or watercolor paper. I prefer 90-100lb paper or higher for my mixed media needs!
Put your materials bin next to the table, and you’re ready!
FREE Printable Outdoor Art Activities Guide
Need a plan to get started? Grab this free outdoor art project guide and use the clickable links (once downloaded) to help set up your next outdoor art project.
Favorite Outdoor Art Ideas
Some art activities are better suited to the outdoors whether you need more space, work with nature, or want to make a huge mess… I hear you, mess makers! Process art projects can often get a little messy too.
Let’s dive into a list of preschool, elementary through to middle school outdoor art activities. Even toddlers can get in on the fun with the same activities older kids will enjoy just as much!
If you need a super quick rainy day idea, print out these free drawing prompts and have them ready. However, if it is raining out, let’s get started with our first outdoor art activity.
Wondering about cleanup? It’s a snap outdoors! Grab the hose and keep it handy to wash away messes. Of course, it’s best only to use non-toxic materials. We have many homemade paint recipes, including shaving cream puffy paint and watercolors!
1. Rain Painting
This is the perfect project for a rainy day, but you can use your watering can if the forecast calls for clear skies. Try rain painting with a variety of mediums too!
2. Sun Prints
On the flip side…If all you have outside is endless sun, you must make sun prints. We use plain old construction paper to keep this outdoor art project quick and affordable.
3. Ice Cube Painting
Chilly artwork for a hot day. Hit the freezer and make ice paints to take outside.
4. Water Gun Painting
What a fun way to paint that’s also a classic summer activity when the weather gets warm. While I don’t suggest a super soaker filled with color, dollar-store water toys will do the trick for this cool water gun painting experience.
5. Fly Swatter Painting
Nice weather also brings out the bugs… while we don’t need to squash bugs with fly swatters, we can squash paint with fly swatters instead! Go ahead and grab a $1 fly swatter and bang away!
6. Nature’s Paintbrushes
Kids will love to make DIY paintbrushes out of natural materials! Make easy flour paint while you’re at, and if you’re really into DIY… make your own paper too!
7. Nature Weaving
Collect pieces of nature such as wildflowers, leaves, and twigs to create this unique woven artwork using simple supplies.
8. Bubble Painting
Blow bubbles, and create art! This super simple bubble painting idea for kids is perfect to take outside, and the kiddos will have so much fun turning bubbles into artwork.
9. Splatter Painting
Grab a canvas and head outside to try this splatter process art technique that kids of all ages can enjoy. This can get messy, but cleanup is a breeze if you’re outside. Find a few different options inspired by the famous artist Jackson Pollock.
10. Fizzing Sidewalk Paint
This is an awesome way to take science outside and turn it into STEAM! Make your own sidewalk paint and watch it fizz!
11. Puffy Sidewalk Paint
12. DIY Sidewalk Chalk and Homemade Sidewalk Paint
Classic fun for outdoor art activities! Learn how to make your own chalk or paint!
13. Tie Dye Art
Not quite as messy or involved as traditional tie-dyed t-shirts, but it can be just as fun to tie-dye paper towels for the experience! Hang out to dry for a quick and cheap outdoor art activity!
14. Pine Cones
Head out for a nature walk and gather various pine cones for fun and easy outdoor art!
15. Shadow Drawing
Use the power of the sun and a few fun toys or interestingly shaped objects to create shadows. Kids can use markers or pencils to trace the outlines.
16. Leaves
Adding nature to your art projects can be a fun and creative way to incorporate mixed media techniques. Grab some leaves and try one of these ideas…
17. Paint Rocks
Here’s a classic project to try, painted watermelon rocks! This design is a bit simpler to follow, but it looks awesome if you pick the right rock shapes!
More Fun Summer Art and Craft Ideas
- God’s Eye Craft
- Handprint Sun
- Salt Dough Beads
- Artist-Inspired Popsicle Art
- 3D Ocean Craft
- Ocean Theme Salt Painting
