The Ultimate Summer Art Bucket List for Families
(10 Easy Process Art Projects)
Summer break means more hours to fill and (let's be honest) more "I'm bored" moments. Process art is the perfect antidote — it's messy, low-pressure, and all about the doing rather than a picture-perfect result. No art experience required, just a willingness to get a little paint on your hands.
Here's our MakeArt summer bucket list: 10 easy process art projects you can knock out at your kitchen table, in the backyard, or on the driveway. Print this list, tape it to the fridge, and check off a project when you’ve done it!
1. Ice Cube Painting
Freeze washable paint or water with food coloring into ice cube trays with a popsicle stick in each cube. As the "paintbrush" melts, kids get gorgeous, unpredictable color blends on paper. You'll need:washable paint, ice cube tray,popsicle sticks, paper
2. Bubble Wrap Stamping
Cover bubble wrap in paint and press it onto paper for an instant textured print. Great for younger kids working on hand strength and cause-and-effect. You'll need: bubble wrap, paint, paper, paint rollers or brushes
3. Salt & Watercolor Resist
Draw a design with a white crayon, then paint watercolor over it — the crayon resists the paint and the design "magically" appears. Sprinkle salt into wet paint for a crystallized texture. You'll need: crayons, watercolor paint, table salt, watercolor paper
4. Nature Sun Prints
Collect leaves, flowers, and other flat found objects, arrange them on sun-sensitive paper, and let the sun do the work. A great excuse for a nature walk first. You'll need: sun print (cyanotype) paper, a sunny day, a shallow tray of water
5. Marble/Ball Painting in a Box
Drop a few marbles or balls dipped in paint into a shoebox lined with paper, then tilt and roll for abstract line art. Low mess, high payoff. You'll need: shoebox, paper, marbles or small balls, paint
6. Shaving Cream Marbling
Spread shaving cream in a tray, drop in liquid watercolor or food coloring, swirl with a toothpick, then press paper on top and scrape clean for a marbled print. You'll need: shaving cream, liquid watercolor or food coloring, cardstock, a scraper or ruler
7. Sidewalk Chalk Paint
Mix cornstarch and water with food coloring for a paintable chalk that washes off the driveway easily. Perfect for a big collaborative mural outside. You'll need: cornstarch, water, food coloring, paintbrushes
8. Sponge Resist Painting
Cut sponges into shapes, dip in paint, and stamp over painters-tape lines on paper. Peel the tape at the end for crisp, graphic patterns. You'll need: sponges, painters tape, paint, paper
9. Rain Painting
Drop liquid watercolor onto paper right before (or during) a light rain and let the raindrops move the color. A fun way to turn a rainy summer day into an art day. You'll need: liquid watercolor, watercolor paper, a rainy afternoon
10. Yarn & Glue String Art
Dip yarn in glue, arrange it in loops and swirls on paper, let it dry, then peel it off to reveal a 3D-textured piece. Great fine-motor practice for older kids. You'll need: yarn or string, white glue, wax paper
Tip for parents: process art has no "wrong" outcome — the goal is exploration, not a Pinterest-perfect final piece. Let your kids lead, and resist the urge to guide their hands!
Want the messy stuff handled for you? MakeArt in Spring, TX hosts open studio sessions, weekly classes, and birthday parties where all the supplies (and cleanup!) are taken care of. Book a visit or party with us here!
