Summer Art Activities
Creating in nature is wonderfully beneficial for our God-designed bodies and brains. Summer allows bountiful outdoor opportunities for children to get creative while reflecting on God’s creation.
Here are some simple, faith-filled summer art activities to help kids connect with God through nature, deepen and express their faith, and soak up more sunshine and fresh air!
1. Shadow Tracings of God’s Creation
On an early sunny morning or late afternoon, take your children outside with paper and pencils—or even just chalk—to create shadow tracings of the things God made. Find or set up shadows on cement from leaves, flowers, or branches—anything from nature you can set upright to cast a shadow. As they trace the shadow’s lines, talk about how God created the sun, light, and shadows.
Read James 1:17 together:
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Our God is stronger and more steadfast than even our mighty oaks. And he is forever good and true.
If you’d like to add a prayer to the process or explore prayer journaling indoors when the weather isn’t good, check out our posts on Spiritual Growth: The Chart You Weren’t Given (praying on their own is a big marker in kids making your faith their own) and Prayer Journaling with Kids.
If you also need a more physical activity, making chalk obstacle courses never disappoints! Create it based on a Bible story:
- Be an animal trying to make it to Noah’s Ark
- Be a wiseman trying to get to baby Jesus in Bethlehem
- Be Joseph on his roller coaster ride from his dream, to the hole, to Egypt, to royalty, to prison…it just keeps going!
- Be Jesus trying to carry the cross (7 stations of the cross)
- Be a freed Israelite traveling from Egypt to the Promised Land.
2. DIY Chalk Paint for Nature Art
Chalk paint is an easy, washable way to decorate sidewalks and driveways with colorful reminders of God’s love. My daughter and her neighbor friends have decorated nearly half the block with crazy obstacle courses, hearts, and messages of “Jesus loves you.”
To make your own chalk paint, grate sidewalk chalk in a cheese grater. My daughter and her friends have been grating hers for a couple years. Then bit by bit, add water and stir. Add just enough water to keep a vivid color when painted on cement.
Give kids small paintbrushes and encourage them to paint pictures of God’s creation. Help them sign their work with a favorite Bible verse, cross, or message of God’s love.
3. Scripture-Inspired Rock Painting
Who doesn’t love hiding or discovering a hidden treasure? My daughter is tickled to find a painted rock–and to hide it for the next person.
Go on a nature walk with your child to collect smooth rocks. Bring them home and paint them with simple Bible verses, such as “God is love” (1 John 4:8) or “Trust in the Lord” (Proverbs 3:5). Add decorations of patterns, rainbows, or nature themes.
These make great gifts or can be placed around the neighborhood to spread messages of encouragement. Pray that just the right person who need it finds it.
4. Nature Collages with a Creation Theme
Gather fallen leaves, petals, and twigs to create collages that celebrate the creation story of Genesis 1. Glue the natural materials onto a thicker construction paper in the shape of animals, trees, or the sun. Maple seeds make great dragonfly wings! And Maple leaves make great ballerina and princess dresses.
While crafting, read them the creation story and encourage kids wonder what they would’ve seen if they were there. Challenge them to craft a new creature of their own. Together, pray your thanks to God for your favorite things in nature.
Make Art, Make Memories, Make Faith Come Alive.
These summer art activities are more than just boredom busters—they’re creative ways to reflect on the wonders of God. Whether kids paint, trace shadows, or collect leaves, they’ll build memories and a deeper connection to their Creator.
And remember, fellow Pioneer: No matter what territory you’re navigating, keep cultivating their seeds of faith. Simply. For true legacy.
P.S! Looking for more life-giving ways to grow your tiny disciple? Be sure to subscribe for monthly content as it releases!