Summer time is here for all and with that comes some extra down time for our children! There isn’t a better time to foster some creativity within our household than summertime. Whether creativity comes natural to you or you have to stretch yourself to get there these seven activities will help boost your families creative muscles as well as help you limit screen time and keep them entertained.

Nature Walk

My number one source for creativity doesn’t happen scrolling. It happens when I am out in nature. A backyard or greenbelt scavenger hunt is a perfect way to engage our children in our environment. Having them search for a worm or a munched on leaf will have them turning over rocks and discovering a whole tiny eco system that might have otherwise been missed or just forgotten about. Creativity starts with inspiration. Getting our kids inspired can happen anywhere we find excellence. The other day I was watching a short documentary about Pixar Character Designer Deanna Marsigliese. I love her look and style and I found the documentary very inspiring. One of the things she spoke about during this was what she does when she gets stuck. The answer was so simple: She goes on a walk. She observes. I do this too actually so it was nice to hear it from another creative too. I’ll say it again- Creativity starts with Inspiration. Get outside. Bonus Points if you all bring a sketchbook along and draw what you find!

2. Sticker Story Time

Let your child build their own mini world using character stickers! Choose a theme like forest animals, magical creatures, or ocean scenes and let them create on card stock or a blank sketchbook! I personally love the Peter Pauper Press sketchbooks. They are cost effective, good for all dry media, perforated pages, hardbound, acid free and the big sticker on the front comes off easy for a nice blank cover you can make your own. This isn’t affiliated link, Im just sharing this because I want to.

If you have an older child that doesn’t gravitate toward drawing, This blank sketchbook would also make a wonderful Junk Journal! Junk journals are incredibly cute and creative. It’s sort of like modern scrapbooking but with way more wiggle room to make it whatever you want and typically happens in a handy notebook or blank sketchbook below.

Need some sticker inspiration? I have plenty of cute vinyl stickers in my shop to get you and your family started on this creative summer journey! Click here to check out the shop!

3. Cozy Coloring Time

Coloring is back for all ages and it’s here to stay. In a fast paced world find calm in the chaos. The whole family can find a coloring page and just relax. PRO TIP: Print your coloring pages on card stock. This will make them a little more durable for marker use or even some light watercolor work! I’ve even printed coloring pages onto bulk watercolor paper before and let my kids practice color schemes and limited color palletes. My oldest is asking all about lighting lately so this is especially useful for him to focus on just that. I draw a little arrow in light pencil on one corner of the page and tell him to pretend that is where the light is coming and draw in the shadows accordingly. That might not be for everyone, but my oldest loves stuff like that and I’m all for it because that’s the kind of practice that will help him become a better artist. I have some Dinosaur Coloring Pages here for free to get you started!

4. Make a Snail Mail Station

During the Summer kids might not see their friends as much as they're used to. Set up a “Snail Mail Station!” This could be a cozy little nook of the house, or a special decorated box that contain all the supplies. Include fun pens, markers, crayons, colored pencils. Encourage your kids to write notes or stories to their friends. As a bonus to building lasting and memorable relationships, it can also strengthen those creative writing skills and penmanship skills. I love picking up random postcards from unique shops whether online to in person. Some of my favorites have been some Richard Scarry ones I found at our favorite local toy store. I also sell some artist greeting cards in my Etsy Shop. Browse the shop here.

5. Craft a Mixed Media Collage

Use magazine cut outs, fabric scraps, or natural textures like leaves or found feathers. Guide your kids to layer elements and let go of perfection. A great lesson that it is what it is sometimes and life is still beautiful regardless of whether it goes as planned! Search Pinterest for some inspiration on this!

6. Magical Sketchbook Prompts

Remember those junk journals and sketchbooks we went sticker crazy with earlier. Well here are some open ended prompts to spark stories or illustrations. You can even have a family art challenge and draw alongside them! Have a presentation and “art show” at the end of the deadline. You could even treat it like an opening gallery reception and serve refreshments and drinks and invite friends or family to attend!

Here are some fun open ended prompts to get those creative juices flowing!

Draw the Tiniest House in the Forest
Invent a Snail (or other animal) with a Job
Design a Breakfast for a Frog

7. Cardboard Homes

Those pile of boxes can have another life! I am so inspired by all the creations people make with their left over cardboard boxes! This is one we plan on doing this summer as well. I’ll update you on how goes. Once upon a time my son and husband made a cardboard lego marble track and I still have it and will always keep it! It is really cool! A dollhouse or “tree house” made from cardboard can double as a fun toy through out the summer. It will also be fun to see what you can make from knick knacks and things you and your family have found on the inspiring nature walks!

You can kick off this project with a reading of This is My Dollhouse by Giselle Potter. A wonderful tale of a girl who creates her own dollhouse.

So to sum this up fostering creativity doesn’t have to be complicated.With a few tools and open heart, your home can be a haven for imagination. Whether you use whimsical stickers, sketchbooks, or nature as your guide these small moments will become life long memories for you and your family. I hope your summer is charming, peaceful, fun and dull of life!

Looking for charming tools to get started? Visit my shop for illustrated sticker packs, coloring pages, and nature inspired stationery made to spark joy! Happy Creating!

Encouraging Creativity in your Kids this Summer: 7 Easy and Imaginative Activities for kids

Nature Walk