Looking for an epic summer activity for kids? Check out this giant painting art activity – it’s absolutely perfect for outdoor fun. Find out how to make this activity, why it’s great for a group of kids, and how it can help turn a ho-hum summer day into something really magical.
What is a giant painting activity?
Hello Giant Painting.
This activity is a quick, it’s easy, it’s fun and it’s a little bit magical in the summertime. It’s a box and some paint and it’s pretty much perfect.
It’s easy to think that kid activities need to be fancy. Pinterest is filled with gorgeous activities, but the truth is: kids just need simple.
They need simple.
They need fun.
They need engaging.
That’s what this giant painting activity is for my kids. There’s nothing fancy going on here, and yet: everything is right with this activity and for my kids.
RELATED: I have 50+ of the best outdoor activities for kids, and I’d love to share them with you! Follow this link to see the whole list of ideas to keep your kids outside and busy.
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How to make a giant painting project
I went to my garage/small Amazon warehouse and grabbed the biggest box we had. I open the box flat so I’d have a large enough surface to work on.
With a giant marker in hand, my kids started shouting out things for me to draw. We settled on “nature” themed items (which also helps because that’s about all I can draw).
And yet, please note my flying bat-bird in the sky.
Remember: kids do not care if you are an artist.
Adults often fall back on excuses that we “aren’t good” at art or “don’t know” how to draw but let’s remember:
This is for our kids. They have star in their eyes, love in their hearts, and they aren’t the Times Art Critic.
Whatever you draw will be just fine to them.
Supplies
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- Washable paint: I linked my go-to brand that is actually washable
- Paint brushes: These are my personal favorites
- Muffin tins: Don’t have muffins if you come visit me
- Cardboard box
I always put my kids’ paint into muffin tins outside. It just makes for a great paint holder (I also used this trick when we did giant name art).
RELATED: Check out my list of the 15 most-used supplies at my house and the 50+ activities I can set up for kids with them.
Does this activity need to be on a fence?
No.
Absolutely. No.
I hung this on our fence because, frankly, it’s easier for me to photograph an activity up there. It’s kind of like how food bloggers always have adorable colorful backgrounds. Does that mean that’s the only way to eat that meal? No. But it photographed better.
That’s what’s happening here. Do not read into or stress out about my fence. We are good. You do not need to do this. Lay the art on the ground and let kids paint down there.
RELATED: If you have a kid who loves art, check out my list of painting projects for kids. It’s a great resource.
Why giant painting works
This is such a simple activity to do with kids of all ages (mine are ages 3, 5, and 7 years old).
It’s a special kind of kid’s activity that can span ages as easily, peacefully, and happily as this one does.
Kids love the personalization aspect of this activity. They love painting what their adult drew. They love a joint art project.
You can also make separate giant paintings for each child working, but I love a moment to make kids work together. A little push to learn teamwork, comradery, and patience with someone else’s art.
Use this activity for a win
A cardboard box and some paint will always be a win for my kids, no matter how old they get.
It gave them something to focus on (instead of tormenting each other).
It gave them a reset (it changed the mood of the afternoon).
It gave them a way to work together (and get ideas for what else to play together).
Activities are tools, and this is a great one for supporting an afternoon of kids playing.
Susie Allison, M. Ed
Owner, Creator
Susie Allison is the creator of Busy Toddler and has more than 2 million followers on Instagram. A former teacher and early childhood education advocate, Susie’s parenting book “Busy Toddler’s Guide to Actual Parenting” is available on Amazon.
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