Regardless of whether they're stuck inside, on a play date or just feeling artistic, painting is just plain fun for kids. So if you hear the dreaded complaints of "I'm bored!" this summer, then just don some smocks and go to town to create some artistic masterpieces. Even the youngest kids in your family can enjoy paint. It's just a matter of playing with their food - babies and toddlers will enjoy vanilla yogurt with different food colorings added to make "paint." Mix it up, dump it out on the highchair tray, and let your mini-Monet go to town. For older children, it's a blast to actually be allowed to paint a wall! If you have one in your garage or basement that you don't mind painting, then let them have at it and create a beautiful mural. If you get tired of it, then you can simply paint over it. Or better yet, use washable paints to remove the design and start all over. Get creative with painting designs by ditching the brush.
Use different surfaces to apply your paint, such as running a toy car's wheels through paint and creating tracks. Or ball up a paper towel to make splotchy designs. A sponge cut in different shapes makes a great paint design as well. Look for other "paints" in your home. If you want to take the paint party outside, then just add water to regular sidewalk chalk to get more of a "painted" finish. You can wet the chalk itself, or hose down the driveway. Your oldest kids might enjoy creating a masterpiece they can use, such as a piece of furniture. Scour garage sales for old wooden chairs - or use one of your own - and wash it with soap and water. When it's dry, sand it down with sandpaper and wipe the dust off with a damp cloth. Allow to dry, and let your older child choose her favorite color. She can even try a splatter design or other idea. Then she'll have her very own throne! Think outside the paint can this summer and have a little fun!