5 Easy and Fun Watercolor Painting Ideas To Try With Kids

If you are on the lookout for a fun and creative way to spend quality time with your kids this summer, watercolor painting is a fantastic activity. Not only does it captivate the imagination of children, but it also pulls adults into a world of vibrant colors and soft textures. It’s a great way to inspire everyone in the family to express their creativity and see the world through a more artistic lens. If you’re excited to dive into some watercolor adventures with your little artists, I’ve got a handful of kid-friendly ideas that are sure to spark joy and creativity in your household.

1. Nature Scenes

One of my favorite activities is taking the kids out for a nature walk—not just for the fresh air and exercise, but also for a burst of artistic inspiration. After exploring the outdoors, we settle down with our watercolors to bring our observations to life. Whether it’s a sprawling landscape, a detailed close-up of a flower, or a quirky insect they spotted, nature scenes are a wonderful way for kids to paint their outdoor experiences. I encourage them to play around with different brushstrokes and watercolor techniques to make their artwork pop!

2. Fruit and Vegetable Still Life

Combining art with a lesson in healthy eating, we sometimes set up a still life with various fruits and vegetables. It’s a colorful spread that the kids love to recreate using their paints. This project allows them to explore an array of colors and shapes, and it’s always fun to see how they interpret the textures of different fruits and veggies onto paper with watercolors.

3. Watercolor Resist

Watercolor resist art is always a hit—it’s like magic for the little ones! We use white crayons or oil pastels to draw designs or simple images on paper, and then paint over these drawings with watercolors. The areas covered in crayon resist the paint, and the artwork comes alive with beautiful patterns that really stand out against the vibrant background. It’s a simple yet effective technique that delivers delightful surprises.

4. Abstract Art

Sometimes, it’s refreshing to take a break from structured activities and just let the imagination run wild. That’s when we turn to abstract art. I tell the kids to let their moods and whims guide their brushstrokes. We explore different methods like splattering, dripping, and blending, which are perfect for kids because there are no rules—just pure creative expression. Abstract art with watercolors is a stress-free way for them to experiment with art and express themselves freely.

5. Painted Rocks

For a change of scenery, we sometimes take our watercolors outside and paint rocks. This is especially fun on a sunny day. We pick smooth stones and decorate them with all sorts of designs—from vibrant abstract patterns to cute animals or funny faces. Once they’re dry, these painted rocks make charming decorations for our garden or can be great gifts for friends and family.

Watercolor painting with kids isn’t just about creating art; it’s about making memories, learning to see beauty in the world, and expressing our innermost thoughts and feelings through colors and shapes. It’s a meaningful way to connect with nature, explore creativity, and spend invaluable time together.