Summer is the perfect time of year to get outdoors and start creating art. Whether they’re collaborating on a group project to develop social skills, practicing painting to improve motor control or simply enjoying self-expression, kids need art to reach their full potential. Outdoor art activities can introduce a new dimension to the creative process and help children flourish. With that in mind, let’s examine some of the best art activities to try this summer.
Free Art Projects for Children to Enjoy This Summer
With an abundance of natural materials and inspiring landscapes, there are so many possibilities for outdoor art activities this summer. At Golden Road Arts, we are once again taking advantage of Oregon’s green spaces with the Art in the Park Series.
Story-Inspired Art Lessons
The Art in the Park art events take place at various public parks in the Hillsboro area this summer. In collaboration with the Hillsboro Public Library, each year we invite families to join us for a fun and educational 90-minute event that combines storytelling and art. During this event children listen to a reading from a library book, then create art inspired by the story. We’ll be there to offer guidance and help create a memorable day, one that encourages attending children to continue their art and literacy development.
Nature Collages
A nature collage lets kids get creative with flowers, leaves, twigs and other items easily found at a park or on a trail. Arrange the items on paper and add some color for a unique collage. This exercise helps children better understand texture and patterns in art.
Outdoor Sculptures
To keep your kids’ passion for art alive this summer, try setting a new art challenge. Creating an outdoor sculpture made from household items is an fun artistic exercise, and can be completed with friends to inspire collaboration.
Group Mural
Painting a large mural is another group exercise that works best during the summer weather. Create a general theme, such nature or community, and assign each child different sections of the mural.
Leaf Printing
Collect leaves of different sizes and textures and apply paint to one side. Press the leaves against the paper in various arrangements to create an eye-catching design.
Landscape Watercolor Painting
Find some beautiful local scenery and encourage children to paint what they see using watercolors. For a series of locations perfect for drawing and painting, attend our free art lessons in public Oregon parks for hands-on creativity and an engaging story-driven format.
Attend Outdoor Art Activities in Hillsboro Public Parks
For the best summer art activities in Oregon, join us for the Hillsboro Art in the Park events. You can also get free access to engaging online art classes throughout the year by browsing our lessons. Watch free art lessons here.
