26 Summer Art Projects for Kids
This collection of 26 summer art projects for kids is packed with exciting ways to explore different painting techniques and seasonal themes. From splatter-filled paint gun art to the cool effects of ice painting, these activities encourage kids to experiment with colors and textures in unique ways.
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Supplies for These Easy Summer Projects
Here are common supplies you will need for the majority of these summer projects. Pick and choose what supplies you use for which projects. Most importantly, have fun!
- Cardstock paper
- Kids scissors
- Glue
- Paint
- Paper plates
- Yarn
26 Best Art Projects for Summer
Let’s explore a variety of fun and creative summer art projects crafts tailored specifically for kids. These engaging summer crafts are not only enjoyable but also provide a great opportunity for children to express their creativity and develop their fine motor skills. Enjoy!
1. Paper Plate Watermelon
This watermelon paper plate craft makes for the perfect summer art project. Simply cut a paper plate in half, paint the outer edge green and the inside red, then add black seeds using a marker or paint. Let it dry and enjoy a fun, fruity decoration that’s great for preschoolers and kids of all ages!
2. Watercolor Ice Art
Watercolor ice art is a fun and refreshing summer activity that combines creativity with a bit of science! To get started, freeze water in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, pop the colorful cubes out and let your kids “paint” the ice as it melts and blends into beautiful, abstract designs.
3. Paper Plate Sunflower Craft
This sunflower paper plate craft is a bright and cheerful project that’s perfect for summer or fall. Start by painting the center of a paper plate brown to represent the seeds, then add yellow petals around the edge using construction paper or paint. For an extra fun touch, you can glue real sunflower seeds to the center or use tissue paper to give it texture.
4. Sidewalk Foam Art
Sidewalk foam chalk is such a fun and easy art project. Simple mix up the ingredients and then let your kiddos spend the afternoon painting outdoors.
5. Rain Cloud Craft
It’s not summer without a fun rain cloud craft! If you love paper plate crafts as much as us, give this fun craft a go.
6. Paper Plate Ladybug
7. Paint Rolling on a Slide – A Fun Outdoor Art Idea
What a fun way for kids to make cute summer artwork. Line a slide with paper and set up some various balls for painting.
8. How to Draw a Sun
Summertime is all about the sun, and this craft celebrates that! The guide teaches kids how to draw their own sun, making it a perfect project for painting.
9. Colorful Ice Painting for Process Art
Ice painting is a fun and creative way for kids to make unique art. Plus, the ice helps keep things cool during the summer heat.
by Little Bins for Little Hands
Related craft:
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- 40 Best Summer Camp Games for Kids
- 23 Super Fun Summer Crafts for Kids
- 39 Fun Summer Outdoor Activities for Preschoolers
10. Squirt Gun Painting
Squirt gun painting is a fun, messy way for kids to beat the summertime blues. Fill squirt guns with different paint colors and let the kids go wild. Check the blog post using the link below for tips to make the experience even more exciting.
11. Black Paper Octopus Craft and Art Project
Start with the printable template on black paper to create the octopus base. Kids can then decorate it with metallic pens in any style they like, finishing with some googly eyes for the perfect touch.
12. Puffy Paint Ice Cream
Ice cream is the ultimate summer treat, making it a great choice for a summer art project. Use this 3-ingredient puff paint to create a fun, textured ice cream effect. Also, give this other fun ice cream craft a try!
13. Rainbow Sand Art for Summer
It’s easy to make DIY rainbow sand, which is great for playtime or art projects. This post offers up 3 different crafts that are perfect for rainbow sand.
Also – try this fun and easy rainbow craft with your kids.
14. How to Make Chalk Bombs for a COOL Art Project
It’s tough to choose which is easier—the DIY chalk bombs or the DIY chalk paint that goes with them. Either way, kids will have a blast, and the mess is super fun and easy to clean up afterward.
15. See-Through Paper Plate Fish Bowl Art Project
Kids can make a fun little fishbowl craft that they can see right through with this project. A paper plate is the base, which helps bring the whole thing together.
16. Handprint Fish Craft
A little creative hand painting and some extra details make this handprint fish craft come together beautifully. Kids will giggle up a storm while their hands are painted to prep for stamping the fish on the paper.
17. Scrape Painted Jellyfish Windsock Craft
Scrape painting is a unique process art technique that creates vibrant, swirling colors. It’s the perfect way to craft a fun jellyfish windsock with eye-catching, colorful results.
18. Campfire Art Project
Here’s a nice, simple craft that is great for younger ones. Keep things manageable with the printed campfire template that they can glue to a watercolor night sky.
19. Watercolor Painted Seashells
While seashell collecting is a fun beach activity, the shells tend to lose their luster when they come home and dry out. Add some new color to them with this watercolor painting technique that lets kids express themselves however they want.
20. Firework Art
Light up the night sky with a firework painting that is full of all the color without all the noise. Using pieces of scrap cardboard helps give these fireworks their unique look.
Also, give these firework crafts a try!
by Lightly Sketched
21. Surfboard Scrape Paintings
Grab these printable surfboard templates and get creative this summer. The scrape paint technique looks amazing with these boards, and kids can create some fantastic designs.
22. Lemon Stamping
Lemon stamping is a fun way to make art prints that even young ones can participate in. It’s simple, uses very few supplies, and it’s a great way for kids to make artworks worthy of the refrigerator.
23. Bubble Painting Art Project
Bubble art is a great way for kids to have fun and make something really special. Once they get the hang of it, they will be amazed at the patterns that the paint bubbles can produce.
24. Sidewalk Chalk Paint
For a quick and simple summer activity, make DIY sidewalk chalk paint and let the kids have fun. It’s easy to whip up with a few common ingredients, and it washes off with the next rain.
25. Ocean Art Project
Adding salt to a watercolor painting may sound odd, but it’s a great way to achieve a really interesting result. Kids can paint an ocean scene, and add lots of little details with the salt.
26. Coffee Filter Sun Art
Coffee filters are often underrated as craft supplies, but they’re perfect for projects like this sun craft. They make a great base for creating vibrant, sun-shaped art.
Art Projects for Summer
Summer is the perfect time to let your child’s creativity shine, and these easy summer art projects are a great way to keep little hands busy and minds engaged. Whether you’re painting with melting ice, crafting colorful rainbows, or making paper plate sunflowers, each activity offers a fun and memorable way to enjoy the season together.
So gather your supplies, head outside if you can, and make some bright and beautiful summer memories through art!
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