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From Monday to Friday, your life is a little chaotic. Between work, chores, errands, after-school practices, and meal prep, finding time for enriching, one-on-one activities with family is challenging. But that chaos only makes the weekends more special.
If you’re looking for fun, straightforward, and beneficial activities for a weekend with the kids, consider the art projects below. Start with a Saturday morning trip to a well-stocked art supply store to find everything you need to create wonder, whimsy, and lasting memories.
Here are five projects to try!
Make a Nature Collage
Who says art requires you to stay still? Kids typically have boundless energy and curiosity, which you can satisfy by creating a nature collage. Start with a walk in a nearby park or forest, encouraging your kid to forage for anything interesting, pretty, or noteworthy. When you get home, break out the construction paper and glue to create a collage of your findings. This project is also a fantastic opportunity to teach kids about nature and ecological stewardship.
Create Your Own “Pet” with Rock Painting
Want an easy, inexpensive toy? Look no further than the pet rock. This 1970s fad is making a modern comeback thanks to its ease and broad appeal with kids. Look for a medium-sized rock (roughly the size of a grapefruit) that’s smooth enough to apply paint cleanly. Break out the acrylic paints and encourage your kid to get as creative as possible in rendering their new “pet.” For an extra layer of silliness, grab some pipe cleaner arms and stick-on googly eyes.
Try the Viral “Painting Each Other Challenge”
Maybe you’ve seen the “painting each other challenge,” a viral TikTok phenomenon where two people create simultaneous portraits and then reveal their creations to one another. If not, check it out—it’s a cute little challenge that leads to a lot of laughs. For some dedicated one-on-one time with your kid, consider trying the challenge: facing one another, set a timer for 20 minutes, during which time you will both attempt to paint the perfect portrait of the other person.
Reveal Hidden Drawings with Crayon Resist Watercoloring
Kids love this one! Using a white crayon, ask your kid to draw a picture. It could be of a pet, their favourite dinosaur, or anything else that piques their interest. They’ll probably ask, “Why would I draw with a white crayon!?” Just tell them there’s a secret in store! When they’re finished drawing, break out the watercolours and have them splash paint across the drawing. The crayon “resists” the paint, leaving a stark white line against the watercolour backdrop. This reveals the drawing as a kind of secret message.
Create Wearable Art with Tie-Dye Shirts
Admittedly, this one gets a little messier than the others. However, it’s a time-honoured tradition that kids of all ages love. (Plus, you get a cool new shirt out of it!). Shop for fabric dyes at your local or online art supply store (iDye is an excellent brand name to look for) and either salvage an old white shirt or purchase a new one. Following these instructions, swirl the shirt and tie it into knots; section off the shirt with rubber bands; dye different sections in various fun colours; wait a day for the pigment to dry; then unveil your colourful new creation on Sunday.
Try one of the five projects above for an engaging, creative, art-filled weekend with your young ones. Remember to prominently display your creations around the home, and start planning next weekend’s art project.
