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
31. Rock Painting
Replace your canvas with rocks in this rock painting activity. Hand out smooth rocks and paint to set your students’ creativity free. Whether it’s abstract art or a scenic landscape that they’ll be creating – their painted rocks are sure to serve as beautiful garden decorations or heartfelt gifts.
Learn More: Kinueko
32. Grass Head Planters
This activity allows your student to create art that grows! Give your kiddos pantyhose, soil, and grass seeds, and then let them stuff their pantyhose as they please.. Soon enough, their pantyhose will sprout green “hair” in the form of grass. This is sure to delight your little learners and give them the unique opportunity to watch their art grow.
Learn More: Red Ted Art
33. Clay Leaf Impressions
Incorporate the essence of nature into clay artworks with this activity. Have your students press leaves into air-drying clay for a project that’s all about texture and form. Once dried, these clay canvases are perfect for further artistic exploration. Have your learners decorate their clay canvasses once dried or leave them as is to enhance the textural effect.
Learn More: The Artful Parent
34. Outdoor Shadow Drawing
Let the shadows that the sun creates be your learners’ guide for the art that they’ll create. On a bright day, step outside to have your students capture the shapes of shadows using chalk or crayons.
Learn More: Raising Dragons
35. Leaf Print Stepping Stones
Invite your learners to add a bit of pizzazz to your schoolyard’s stepping stones with this hands-on project. Let your little artists mark stepping stones by using leaves that have been pressed into cement mixtures. This is a personalized project that your learners can always look back on as it’s set in stone – quite literally!
Learn More: Garden Therapy
36. Pet Rock Creation
Elevate rock painting by allowing your students to create something personal, like a pet rock. Give your students markers and paint, and watch as they transform their rocks into lovable pet figures. Up the ante by prompting them to really bring their creations to life by giving them a name.
Learn More: Play to Learn Preschool
37. Tree Bark Rubbings
Tree bark is a unique medium through which to explore art. Give your students paper and crayons, and then task them with using a rubbing technique to transfer the tree bark’s unique texture onto paper. Essentially, each tree has its own fingerprint that your little adventurers can uncover!
Learn More: YouTube
38. Sand Sculptures
This activity engages the fun childhood memory of building sandcastles- perfect for a beach field trip. Task your students with sculpting their ideas into the sand to create their very own temporary masterpieces.
Learn More: Kidspot
39. Decorate a Bird Feeder
Utilize this activity to teach your students how to give back to nature by building and decorating bird feeders. Simply gather wood, nails, plastic bottles, paint, and seeds, and let your little builders get to work! These feeders will help you attract all sorts of local birds which your learners can admire as they fly by.
Learn More: Crayola
40. Land Art
Art doesn’t need to be confined to an indoor space. Help your students use natural elements like sticks and stones to create temporary art installations outdoors. This is a new and impactful way to teach your budding artists that there are no boundaries to the art that they can create.
Learn More: The Artful Parent
41. Pressed Flower Bookmarks
Capture time and beauty with these pressed flower bookmarks. Invite your students to press flowers onto paper in order to design their very own personalized bookmarks. Every time they open a book, they’ll remember this intersection of literature and nature.
Learn More: Buggy and Buddy
42. Outdoor Mosaic
Elevate a classic mosaic design by prompting your learners to incorporate nature into it. They Can arrange found objects like pebbles or leaves to create intricate mosaics- essentially building their very own puzzle with nature.
Learn More: Gardening.org
43. Natural Pigment Paint
Help your learners create undiscovered colors with natural elements. Lead them in grinding berries and leaves to create natural pigments to then use to bring to life their very own organic masterpiece. This is a wonderful activity for teaching young minds that they’re capable of creating anything with just a bit of imagination!
Learn More: Thimble and Twig
44. Pinecone Critters
Invite your learners to pick their favorite pinecone to turn into their very own pet. Your young artists can use pinecones and craft supplies to create a woodland of adorable creatures. What a wonderful exercise in letting your learners bring their fantasy ideas to life!
Learn More: Super Make It
45. Mud Paintings
Turn dirt into art with this interactive mud painting activity. Task your kiddos with mixing water and soil before painting away to their heart’s content. This activity culminates in an earthy, tactile experience that will help you get them connected with different elements of nature that surround them.
Learn More: Sensory Trust
46. Twig Weaving
This activity will help your students create unique tapestries with twigs and more. Simply have them craft their own looms using twigs and then get weaving with colorful yarns or flowers. The end result is a beautiful incorporation of mixed materials.
Learn More: Thimble and Twig
47. Nature Mandalas
Art and relaxation are a great combination and this activity caters to both. Invite your students to create mandalas using twigs, leaves, flowers, and other natural elements. Each finished mandala will either be a surprise for a passerby or a photo-worthy masterpiece to display at home.
Learn More: How Wee Learn
48. Natural Tie-Dye
Nature is a wonderful resource full of colors. Using flowers, leaves, or berries, your students can whip up their own organic dyes. Your little fashionistas can then use these dyes to create tie-dye shirts that are as eco-friendly as they are trendy.
Learn More: Parent Map
49. Driftwood Art
Most beaches are covered in a collection of driftwood, so why not use this for your little learners’ artistic pursuits! Collect driftwood and let your students transform these washed-up pieces into wall hangings or sculptures. This is a great example of how natural items can be re-used to create art.
Learn More: Artful Teaching Joyful Learning
50. Ice Art
This is a cool project indeed, in which your learners will use ice to freeze art. Your students can place leaves or flowers in containers, add water, and let it freeze. The end result will be frozen figures which truly capture the beauty of nature.
Learn More: Artful Kids
51. Snow Sculptures
Make snowy days just as fun as sunny days with this snow sculpture activity. Let your students create sculptures out of snow. After creating their sculpture, have them use a squirt bottle filled with food coloring and water to liven up their snowy sculptures. This is sure to help you add some vibrance to a snowy day and make it a memorable experience for all.
Learn More: Lushome
52. Leaf Sewing
Leave your fabric at home and replace it with leaves! Using yarn and leaves, your students can stitch together intricate patterns or even sew simple messages onto their leaves. What a great blend of biology, art, and nature which is sure to leave your inquisitive little minds eager for more.
Learn More: Mother Natured
53. Homemade Kites
Make physics fun by creating homemade kites with your keen learners. They can assemble their own kites using simple materials before decorating them as they please Watch your kiddos’ imaginations soar as their kites take flight!
Learn More: Good Housekeeping
54. Eggshell Mosaics
Help your learners create an eggy mosaic without the gooey mess! Your students can simply dye eggshells and use the colorful pieces to create intricate mosaic designs. A bit of glue and a dash of creativity will have your learners engaged and excited for the result.
Learn More: MomMadeMoments
55. Outdoor Mobiles
This activity introduces your learners to the world of kinetic art. Using twigs, string, and treasures from nature – your students can create enchanting mobiles. After completing their mobiles, your little creators can watch them weave and swing in the wind.
Learn More: Hello, Wonderful
56. Seed Art
Sow the seeds of creativity with this hands-on art activity. Your students can arrange different types of seeds on paper or cardstock to create patterns or pictures. As each seed finds its place, your learner’s art will grow into something organically beautiful.
Learn More: How Wee Learn
57. Shadow Box Nature Scene
Allow your learners to create their own mini world with this shadow box activity. They can develop their diorama of natural scenes using a shoebox and elements that they find outdoors. The end result? A snapshot of nature that can sit right on a classroom shelf.
Learn More: The Art Garden
58. Nature Print T-Shirts
This is another trendy activity that incorporates nature into fashion. Let leaves and flowers become the stencils for your students’ next favorite t-shirts. Add a dash of fabric paint to create wearable art for your learners to enjoy.
Learn More: The Artful Parent
59. Paper Mache Garden Sculptures
Embrace the mess with these whimsical paper mache sculptures. Provide your budding sculptors with paper, glue, and paint to shape their very own garden sculptures. From abstract blobs to mini monsters, these sculptures will help you add flair to any patch of green.
Learn More: Art Bar Blog
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