Top 30 Outdoor Art Activities 

Outdoor art activities are a fun and creative way for children to explore their surroundings, express their imaginations, and develop their artistic skills. Whether it’s painting with nature, creating sculptures out of found objects, or making sidewalk chalk masterpieces, there are countless ways for kids to engage in outdoor art projects. Together we’ll explore the top 30 outdoor art ideas for kids- ranging from simple to more complex and challenging projects! 

1. Wind Chimes Made of Seashells or Stones

Creating wind chimes made of seashells or stones is a fun and straightforward outdoor art project for kids. This project allows children to explore their creative side and teaches them about natural materials and how sound travels. Following a few simple steps, kids can make a beautiful and unique wind chime that they can proudly display in their garden or backyard.

Learn More: eHow

2. Birdhouses from Recycled Material

Making birdhouses from recycled materials is a fun outdoor art project for kids that promotes creativity and teaches the importance of recycling. Using materials such as old milk cartons or pine cones, children can create unique and eco-friendly birdhouses, promoting sustainability and wildlife conservation. 

Learn More: Audubon

3. Leaf Rubbings with Crayons or Colored Pencils

Leaf rubbings are a classic outdoor art project for kids that involves placing a leaf under a piece of paper and rubbing over it with a crayon or colored pencil. This activity encourages children to explore nature and develop their fine motor skills, while also creating beautiful leaf patterns to display as artwork.

Learn More: 100 Directions

4. Painted Garden Markers

Painting garden markers with rocks is a fun and practical outdoor art project for kids. By using rocks and paint, children can create colorful and unique markers for their garden or potted plants; helping them learn about different plant varieties while also expressing their creativity. 

Learn More: GharPedia

5. Fairy Houses Made from Nature

Creating fairy houses from nature is a magical outdoor art project that sparks imagination and creativity. Using natural materials such as twigs, leaves, and flowers, children can construct intricate and whimsical fairy houses; promoting outdoor exploration and appreciation for nature.

Learn More: Petr Ganaj

6. Nature Collages 

Kids can collect leaves, pine cones, and other natural materials to create beautiful nature collages. This activity encourages them to appreciate the beauty of nature while also promoting creativity and artistic expression.

Learn More: Dromintee Primary School

7. Flower Press with Wildflowers

Making a flower press with wildflowers is a fun and educational outdoor art project for kids. Children can learn about different plant species while also creating beautiful pressed flower designs.

Learn More: The Home Depot

8. Suncatchers with Plastic Beads

Suncatchers made with plastic beads are an easy and colorful outdoor art project for kids. Children can hang them in windows or gardens, adding a unique touch to their outdoor space.

Learn More: The Handmade Home

9. Wooden Nature Sculpture

Creating wooden nature sculptures using sticks, bark, and other natural materials is a great way for kids to explore their creative side while also promoting outdoor play and appreciation for nature.

Learn More: Emma Owl

10. Photo Frames with Twigs and Glue

Kids can use twigs and glue to create rustic photo frames. This activity promotes the use of natural materials and allows them to create a keepsake for their favorite memories. 

Learn More: Sprouting Wild Ones

11. Nature Journals

Encouraging kids to keep nature journals allows them to observe and document the world around them; promoting appreciation for nature and improving their writing and artistic skills.

Learn More: Nature Inspired Learning

12. Painting with Water

Using a paintbrush with water on sidewalks, driveways, or rocks is a fun and temporary way for kids to create art while also staying cool on hot days. It’s also the least messy art project on this list!

Learn More: All for the Boys

13. Fort Building

Building forts with natural materials like branches, leaves, and rocks is a fun and adventurous way for kids to enjoy the outdoors while also promoting teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Learn More: Remodelaholic

14. Make Natural Dye Out of Flowers

Making natural dye out of flower petals is a fun and educational way for kids to learn about the science of color while also creating unique and eco-friendly artwork.

Learn More: The Dogwood Dyer

15. Windsocks with Streamers and Branches

Making windsocks with streamers and branches is a fun craft and a colorful way for kids to decorate their outdoor space. They simply need tissue paper, paper, crayons, glue, and string to get started! 

Learn More: Crayola

16. Homemade Birds Nests

Kids can create their own bird nests using natural materials like twigs and leaves; promoting appreciation for nature and encouraging creativity.

Learn More: Kaplan Early Learning Company

17. Painting with Potato Stamps

Painting with potato stamps is a fun and easy outdoor art project for kids to engage in. Children can create cool artwork using potatoes and paint. The use of natural materials, such as potatoes, also promotes an appreciation for the environment and encourages children to think creatively about the resources around them.

Learn More: The Best Ideas for Kids

18. Nature Lanterns

Kids can make lanterns using natural materials like green leaves and twigs;  creating beautiful and eco-friendly decorations for their outdoor space. All they need is a mason jar and a light or candle! 

Learn More: Growing Family

19. Nature-Themed Puzzles

Nature-themed puzzles can help children learn about different animals and habitats while promoting problem-solving and cognitive skills during art time. By using colorful leaves, twigs, and other natural items, they can bring their puzzle to life in no time! 

Learn More: Invitations to Play

20. Outdoor Scavenger Hunts

Organizing a scavenger hunt in a natural setting encourages kids to explore and appreciate nature while also promoting teamwork and problem-solving skills. Simply equip your learners with a sheet of objects to find, and let them get to work! 

Learn More: Kids Hope USA

21. Nature-Themed Diorama

Creating a nature-themed diorama is a fun and educational outdoor art project. Children can use natural materials and rolls of paper to create a three-dimensional scene.

Learn More: ArtClubBlog

22. Homemade Comic Books about Nature

Kids can create their own comic books about nature, using their imagination to tell stories and promote appreciation for the natural world. By creating their own stories and characters, kids can develop a deeper connection to nature and develop a sense of responsibility toward protecting the planet.

Learn More: Mess for Less

23. Painting with Bubbles

Kids can create unique and colorful outdoor art using bubbles and paint, promoting creativity and artistic expression. As children blow bubbles into the paint, they can create unique designs that are both playful and artistic.

Learn More: Childhood101

24. Drawing Nature Scenes with Chalk

Drawing nature scenes with chalk is a fun and easy way for kids to create temporary art while enjoying the outdoors. Children can use their imagination to create unique nature scenes or replicate what they see around them. 

Learn More: Freepik

25. Painting with Yarn

Painting with yarn is a fun way for kids to create outdoor art. Children can dip the yarn in paint and use it to create colorful designs. It’s a great way to encourage kids to experiment with different textures and mediums in their art projects.

Learn More: Little Sprouts Learning

26. Nature Paint Brushes Using Feathers and Twigs

Kids can create their own paintbrushes using natural materials like feathers and twigs. This activity can be a fun and educational way to help kids learn about the natural world around them while promoting fine motor skills and imaginative play.

Learn More: Kathy Ferfuson

27. Painting With Water Guns Using Washable Paint

Fill water guns with washable paint and let kids spray them onto a large canvas or piece of paper. It’s a fun and messy activity that lets kids explore color and creativity in a unique way.

Learn More: Made with Happy

28. Creating A Nature-Themed Sensory Bin

Fill a bin with natural materials like pinecones, leaves, and stones, and let kids explore with their senses. Add tools like magnifying glasses or tweezers to encourage further exploration. Encourage them to explain what they are feeling and seeing. 

Learn More: Simply Full of Delight

29. Creating Obstacle Courses Using Natural Materials And Chalk

Set up an obstacle course in your backyard using natural materials like tree stumps, logs, and rocks. Use chalk to create challenges like balance beams or hopscotch. 

Learn More: Sublime Garden Design

30. Painting With Shaving Cream And Food Coloring

Mix shaving cream and food coloring to create a fun and fluffy paint. Kids can use their fingers or tools to create unique designs on paper or other surfaces. Be sure to use googly eyes for fun faces! It’s a great sensory experience and easy to clean up with water.

Learn More: 7 Days of Play