Let’s take our art project ideas outside!
It all started when I was thinking of ways to take art into the garden – really simple and fun ideas for spontaneous outdoor creativity, without much of the directions and restrictions of indoors. One of the things I love about doing outdoor art with kids is that no one is worried about the mess.
Oooodles of inspiration for keeping the little, and not so little, engaged in the garden this summer.
Outdoor Art Projects for Kids
I’ve collected 22 of my favorite outdoor art ideas, all requiring little in the way of preparation and clean up!
DIY Chalk Rake Art
This is a rake with chalk at the end of each of the rake prong making it a really fun chalk marking activity that can make an entire rainbow in one swipe of the rake! via laughingkidslearn
DIY Garden Art
Create a quiet painting space with the help of your child. Choose just the right tree for shade or bush for cozy fort feeling. Set up an easel and grab a handful of supplies. You can create a simple, yet super fun painting space for your little one. I am SO in love with this idea from livingonlove (no longer available online)
Trampoline Artist Drawings
Perfect for spontaneous outdoor creating, gorgeous great big canvas that the rain or garden hose will clear up for you, bonus! via childhood101
Body Art by Kids
Kids will love the freedom to brush paint all over themselves – get ready to hear a chorus of ‘best day ever’. See the magic for yourself on CurlyBirds
Sidewalk SPLAT Painting
Homemade chalk filled balloons- such a FUN way for kids to create art this Summer! via growingajeweledrose
Bring the Easel Outdoors
Tape some large paper directly to the side of your house or fence house for an instant easel. via tinkerlab
Painting Wall
A painting wall is such a great idea to get children up and away from desks where their little arms are restricted. Give them the room to explore, create and get messy! via mericherry
Outdoor Art Studio by Kids
Seven Tips for Setting up an Impromptu Garden Art Studio. via tinkerlab
Mud Pictures
Some wonderful messy fun ¦.followed by a bath! on CurlyBirds
Chalk Paintings
Patio paintings that make you smile until it rains… so gorgeous from buzzmills
Crayon Wax Rubbings
A classic art project for kids is crayon rubbing – that is easy, fun and great for fine motor skills development, recognizing textures and colors.
Natural Loom Art
An outdoor loom out of a tree stump woven with natural materials. So so pretty from babbledabbledo
Petal Pictures
Kids being kids they like to pull the petals off flowers so here’s the most darling ideas for crafting cards and little pictures with glued petals. via CurlyBirds
Splatter Painting Art
The more messy the art project, the more memorable (and FUN) the experience becomes. via InnerChildFun
Handprint Art In The Garden
When the sun is shining and the children are feeling creative my girls love nothing more than heading out into the garden and creating some big, messy, joyful art like this outdoor handprint art project.
Giant Duct Tape Flowers
Oh how I love these – giant cereal box flowers to say I love you ‘big much’. via leighlaurelstudios
Garden Sculptures
Brighten up our garden with a gorgeous kid-made clay port sculpture. The kids will love being involved in every step of the process. Pop over to nurturestore to see the magic for yourself
Outdoor Chalkboard
Get your kids outside with this fun life-size chalkboard! via projectdenneler
Resist Art Stepping Stones
A fun garden art project to brighten up your garden via Twodaloo
Clothes Peg Art Gallery
After children create their artwork, wet paintings can be clipped to tree branches to dry. via wordplayhouse
DIY Cool Whip Painting
This is a great sensory activity, as it tastes good, looks cool, and feels awesome! Great for small kids who put everything in their mouths, via livingonlove (no longer available)
Water Painting
A little outside “crafting” that requires no clean up and only a few supplies – a bucket of water and some paint brushes!! via buzzmills
More Outdoor Inspired Fun from Kids Activities Blog
- Make an outdoor homemade wind chime, suncatcher or ornament with all these fun backyard ideas.
- Make a trampoline fort…it would make a great backyard art studio.
- Have you seen the giant outdoor inflatable easel?
- This cool outdoor art is a painting on a mirror project.
- Check out these amazing outdoor playhouses for kids.
- Make bicycle chalk art!
- Have some fun with these outdoor play ideas.
- Oh so many good memories with these backyard family games!
- And more fun with outdoor activities for kids.
- And here are some more outdoor art ideas for kids.
- These summer camp activities are great for the backyard too!
- Check out these smart ideas for backyard organization.
- Don’t forget the picnic ideas! That can make your day outdoor complete.
- Campfire desserts can be cooked outside (or inside).
What outdoor art project are you going to try first?
