Bring your next summer art project outside! This fun and easy DIY activity will be sure to create lasting memories for your family. So, let’s put away those screens and dive into a world of colorful creativity!

Have your kids tried painting with water guns yet? If not, let it be your next outdoor art project, transforming your backyard into an art studio. My boys were so excited to get it started and had so much fun! Make beautiful art and hang it up in the house or make a fun game by creating targets for them to shoot.

At first, I used non-toxic liquid watercolor paint. It was easy to use, and the colors turned out great. Then I went to clean it up… Apparently, my brain was not working properly that day because I forgot to make sure it was washable paint! AHHH!!! I now have a colorful stained patio and sidewalk. MOM LIFE!

So when prepping this fun art activity, save yourself by using non-toxic WASHABLE paint. To be extra safe, prep what you can in the grass, away from the sidewalks.

Supplies Needed

Water Guns/Pistols
Washable Paint
Canvas/sturdy watercolor paper

If you can, prep everything before so those cute excited little hands don’t get in the way. I like to have everything prepared so that when the kids come out, they can get right to the fun!

How To Make Art With Water Guns

Step One

Mix washable, non-toxic paint and water using a 50/50 ratio. Once you have a good liquid consistency, fill up your water guns.

Step Two

We set up an easel in the grass and taped watercolor paper to it. You can tape the paper to a fence if you don’t have an easel, just be sure to cover the fence well if you don’t want to possibly stain it.

Step Three

Embrace the mess letting the kids unleash their inner artist, creating beautiful art and memories. You’ll get a different effect depending on how close or far away you stand. Experiment and have fun!

Water gun painting is a fantastic outdoor summer art idea that is great for all ages! My 12-year-old and my 2-year-old had a blast. This art technique also improves fine motor skills for toddlers, so it was perfect for my toddler, who will be starting preschool in the fall.