Beat The Boredom! 10 Summer Art Ideas For Creative Kids

Summertime is the perfect season to get creative as a family. Here are 10 art ideas that will encourage creativity and imaginative play in your children. Get kids off screens and start making.

Make Recyclable Masks

egg carton bird mask with rainbow feathers on wood table. — Image Credit: Crafty Art Ideas

Create fun masks for the younger children at a fair or gathering. These don’t require many materials and can be pretty cheap to make.

To learn more: How To Make Egg Carton Bird Masks

Reverse Tie-Dye For A Cool DIY

gray and black long sleeve tshirt with before and arrow pointing to brown, orange and black tie dye shirt with after text. — Image Credit: Crafty Art Ideas

Teenagers will love creating this tie-dye effect. Some parent supervision may be required. When working with diluted bleach, make sure to follow all proper precautions.

To learn more: How To Tie-Dye Using Bleach

Make Patriotic Crayons

different homemade crayons made in the oven on white background. — Image Credit: Crafty Art Ideas

Are kids bored over summer break? Use fun silicone molds for a fun 4th of July craft to show off your patriotic spirit.

To learn more: How To Make Patriotic Crayons

Make Customizable DIY Shrink Plastic Keychains

different DIY shrink plastic keychains on table. — Image Credit: Crafty Art Ideas

Learn how to make adorable DIY keychains using plastic shrink film. The best part about this easy and sellable craft is that kids can make different ones in minutes! Just make sure an adult helps with the oven.

To learn more: How To Make DIY Keychains In 10 Minutes

Paint Simple Black and White Succulent Pots

black and white painted terracotta flower pots. — Image Credit: The DIY Nuts

These painted flower pot designs can be done on small terracotta pots with black and white paint. Plant a cute succulent in them to enjoy all Summer long.

To learn more: Get The Full Step-by-Step Tutorial

Make The Easiest Homemade Playdough In Your Slow Cooker

red, green, yellow homemade playdough made in slower cooker on white marble with shiplap background. — Image Credit: Crafty Art Ideas

For a simple idea, make your own playdough in your slow cooker, dye it the colors of your choice, and package it in airtight containers. You could even add essential oils to make this a great item for craft markets.

To learn more: Get The Slower Cooker Playdough Recipe

Make Oobleck For Sensory Fun

child's hands playing in orange gooey Oobleck. — Image Credit: Crafty Art Ideas

Summertime is the perfect time to play with this sensory material. Keep those toddlers, preschoolers, and young children entertained outside all day long. Adults will love playing with Oobleck, too!

To learn more: How To Make Oobleck

Fun Abstract Art With Simple Materials

green, blue and purple watercolor shapes on a paper. — Image Credit: Crafty Art Ideas

Kids can decide the materials they want to use to create their own abstract art. Whether you want a simple drawing or a more advanced painting, get those art supplies out and draw a dot that goes on a walk.

To learn more: Simple Abstract Art Lesson

Painting With Straws

hand holding straw and blowing paint. — Image Credit: Crafty Art Ideas

Get messy on that picnic table this Summer. Make abstract expressionism art by blowing paint all around. Just make sure kids take breaks and drink plenty of water.

To learn more: Tips For Painting With Straws

Create Fun Pinch Pots

children's hands creating pinch pots out of air dry clay on a green table. — Image Credit: Crafty Art Ideas

Use air-dry clay to store all those little Summer trinkets and finds. For an added bonus, press fresh leaves or flowers for a cool effect.

To learn more: How To Make Pinch Pots At Home