Collaborative post
We spend so much time trying to get our little ones outside and away from screens, and sometimes all it takes is a fresh idea to make it happen. One of our favourite things to do as a family lately is take watercolours outside and let the kids paint whatever catches their eye. It combines everything we love about being outdoors with something creative and calming, and honestly, it works just as well for toddlers as it does for older children.
If you have not tried outdoor painting with your kids yet, I really think you should. Here is why we love it and how to make it work without any fuss.
Why Watercolour Painting Works So Well Outdoors
There is something about being outside that makes kids more relaxed and open to trying new things. When you hand them a paintbrush in the garden or at the park, they are not worried about making a mess on the kitchen table. They can splash water, mix colours on the grass, and experiment without anyone hovering over them.
Watercolours are perfect for this because they are lightweight, easy to clean up, and they do not stain clothes the way acrylics or poster paints do. A quick rinse under the outdoor tap and everything is sorted. No drama.
What I also love is that nature provides all the inspiration you could ever need. Kids do not have to sit there wondering what to draw. They can look at the flowers in the garden, the clouds, a leaf they picked up on a walk, or even just the colours of the sky. It turns a simple craft activity into something that gets them really observing the world around them, which is brilliant for their development.
What You Need to Get Started
The beauty of outdoor watercolour painting is that you really do not need much. Here is what works for us:
A basic watercolour set with a range of colours. You want something that is good enough quality that the colours actually show up on paper, because there is nothing more frustrating for a child than painting and barely seeing any colour. A small palette for mixing is handy too.
Decent paper makes a huge difference. Regular printer paper buckles and tears the second it gets wet. Cotton paper or a proper watercolour notebook holds up much better and gives kids a nicer experience. They can actually see their painting take shape instead of fighting with soggy paper.
A water brush is a game changer for painting outdoors. Instead of carrying pots of water that inevitably get knocked over, a water brush holds the water inside the handle. You just squeeze gently and paint. It is so much easier, especially with little hands.
Beyond that, just grab a blanket or a clipboard to lean on, and you are good to go. We sometimes take a small bag with everything in it on our walks, and the kids love stopping somewhere scenic to sit and paint for twenty minutes.
Tips for Painting Outdoors with Little Ones
If your children are quite young, keep your expectations relaxed. The goal is not to produce a masterpiece. It is about the experience of sitting outside, feeling the breeze, and playing with colour. Toddlers will probably just enjoy swirling colours together, and that is absolutely fine.
For slightly older children, you can make it more of an activity by giving them little challenges. Ask them to paint three things they can see. Or try colour matching, where they have to mix their paints to match the exact shade of a flower or a stone. It is a brilliant way to teach them about colour theory without it feeling like a lesson.
Pick your spot wisely. Somewhere with a bit of shade is ideal because watercolours dry very quickly in direct sunlight, which can be tricky. A garden table, a park bench, or even just a picnic blanket under a tree works perfectly.
Wind can be a bit of an enemy when it comes to loose paper, so a notebook or a clipboard is much better than individual sheets. Trust me on that one. We learned the hard way after chasing paintings across a field.
Finding the Right Kit
One thing I have learned is that the supplies really do matter, especially when you are painting with kids. Cheap sets from the pound shop might seem like a good idea, but the colours are often washed out and the brushes fall apart after one use. That puts kids off before they have even started.
We have been using a kit from Tobio’s that comes with everything you need in one box: watercolour tubes, a wooden palette, a cotton paper notebook, a water brush, and even a little illustrated guide for beginners. It all fits together neatly, which makes it easy to grab and take with you on days out. If you fancy giving it a go, you can check it out at tobioskits.com
It has been really good for getting the kids excited about painting because everything just works nicely together.
A beginners workbook is another great option if your children are the type who like a bit of structure. These have sketched outlines that kids can paint over, which takes the pressure off drawing and lets them focus on the fun part of adding colour. It is like a colouring book but for watercolours, and it really does build their confidence.
The Benefits Beyond the Fun
Aside from keeping kids entertained and off screens, outdoor painting has some lovely benefits that are worth mentioning. It encourages mindfulness and focus. Even the most energetic children tend to slow down and concentrate when they have a paintbrush in their hand. There is something almost meditative about it.
It develops fine motor skills, colour recognition, and creativity. It gets kids looking at nature more closely and appreciating the details around them. And it creates a lovely memory too. We have a growing collection of outdoor paintings on our fridge, and the kids love pointing out where they were when they painted each one.
It is also wonderfully inclusive. You do not need any artistic skill to enjoy watercolour painting. There are no rules, no right or wrong. A three year old can have just as much fun as a ten year old, and parents can join in too. Some of my favourite afternoons have been sitting in the garden painting alongside my girls, everyone doing their own thing quietly.
Give It a Try
If you are looking for a new outdoor activity to try with your family this season, watercolour painting is one I cannot recommend enough. It is affordable, portable, and something the whole family can enjoy together. Pack a little kit in your bag next time you head out for a walk or a picnic and see what happens. I think you will be surprised at how much everyone gets into it.
Happy painting!