Kids are sure to love trying out these outdoor art activities! Forget about the mess as you wholeheartedly dive into the world of art and fun!

Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time. ~ Thomas Merton

Remember how much fun it was to draw or create art as a child? When we’re young, we don’t let anything hold us back. There are no right or wrong way of doing things, you just go with the flow, wherever your heart takes you.

It’s a little sad that we lose that sense of wonder and abandon as we grow older, isn’t it? One reason is probably because we’re worried about messes and the trouble that goes into cleaning up – no one wants to add another task to their to-do list!

But that’s exactly why we love outdoor art activities – all the mess is outside! Not to mention that the fresh air is great for you, and you can engage all your senses with the sounds, smells, colors and more. Being in contact with nature inspires us like nothing else, and also encourages kids to think outside the box.

So, are you ready for some art fun that is unlike any other? We certainly are, so let’s check out these super fun outdoor art activities!

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15 Creative Outdoor Art Activities for Kids

1. Flower Pounding Art Activity

Have you tried flower pounding? Well, such a thing exists, and what’s more, you can use it to create art! Check out How Can This to learn the instructions to go about this fun outdoor activity.

2. Sun Printing with Turmeric

I’m sure you’ve never thought of the Sun as your art buddy – but that’s the kind of thing you learn when you do outdoor art activities! Crafting While Caffeinated shows us how to create art with things you already have at home – no need to buy anything new!

3. Recycled Bottle Bubble Art

We’ve tried creating art with bubble wrap, but Hello Wonderful shows us that it’s also possible to do so with giant bubbles! This art project doesn’t use regular bubble wands, but a recycled plastic bottle instead.

4. Bike Spinning Action Art

The interesting thing with outdoor art activities is that you can use pretty much anything to create art – even your bike! Check out Babble Dabble Do to see how a spinning bike tyre can create some gorgeous process art!

5. Shadow Art Project

You saw how the Sun could help you create turmeric art; now Mini Mad Things shows us another way the Sun can be our art buddy with shadows! We love adding paints like watercolors to create an ethereal effect.

6. Squirt Gun Painting

If you’re looking for outdoor art activities that are perfect for summer, then you have to check out this one from Fireflies and Mudpies! They use squirt guns to ‘shoot’ paint, and this is all about loving the process!

7. Sidewalk Chalk Art Project

Sidewalk chalk has always been a classic favorite with kids, and it’s no different today! Go over to Keep Toddlers Busy to see how you can create art with sidewalk chalk – beats scrolling on a screen any day!

8. Outdoor Salt Art for Kids

Buggy and Buddy helps us create salt art, and since you do it outside, you don’t have to worry about the mess! Create flowers or mandalas – anything will look good!

9. Shadow Drawing Activity

When you have a sunny day, don’t waste it indoors! Step outside, use any object you like to generate shadows and then use a pencil to create drawings. Check out Inspire My Play for more detailed instructions.

10. Balloon Dart Painting

Hello Wonderful tries something different with this balloon dart painting. We think this would make a great party game activity, especially during spring or summer, especially if you have a lawn.

11. Pour Painting Rainbow Flower Pots

Have you seen videos of pouring paint? They look so relaxing, don’t they? Well, you can enjoy this firsthand with your kids – and get a colorful plant pot at the end of it! Go over to Messy Little Monster for the instructions.

12. Giant Painting Outdoor Art Project

A list of outdoor art activities needs a giant collaborative art project, and Busy Toddler has the perfect one! This is an amazing open-ended project and you can call your friends and neighbors to join in.

13. Acrylic Paint Sun Prints on Fabric

Seems like the Sun likes art quite a bit, and has a preference for acrylic paints! Check out this interesting project from Craftiments that creates art on fabric, for a change.

14. Rain Painting Outdoor Art

It’s not just sunny days that are ideal for outdoor art activities – rainy days work well too! If you don’t believe us, check out this fun rainy day project from Little Bins for Little Hands!

15. Foamy Sidewalk Paint

It’s always fun to create art with different kinds of paints, and in this art project, Moms and Crafters shows us how to paint using foamy sidewalk paint.

When we speak of outdoor art activities, it’s impossible not to talk about the master of nature-themed art, Andy Goldsworthy, and the process art enthusiast, Jackson Pollock. It just goes on to show that while art projects may seem like a fun use of time, they are, in reality, art! It helps kids learn that art can have many forms, and it’s not just painting a portrait in a studio; it’s also splashing paint over giant canvases!

If you’d like to try out more art projects, you are sure to enjoy these: