110 Creative Summer Drawing Ideas For Kids And Teens 2024

With summer vibes in full swing, what better way to beat the heat and unleash your creative side than with some cool summer drawing ideas? Drawing is a great way to keep your kids and teens entertained while they’re home for the summer. The best part about drawing projects is that they can be adapted to all skill levels! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, there’s something sweet about grabbing your art supplies and diving into a fun drawing adventure. From sketching palm trees swaying in the breeze to capturing the irresistible allure of ice cream treats, these drawing prompts with a summer theme are sure to inspire endless creativity and keep boredom at bay.

In today’s blog post, we’re serving up a scoop of summer fun with a list of 110 summer drawing ideas tailor-made for kids and teens. Whether your young artists are early finishers looking for their next masterpiece or simply seeking a fun way to express themselves, we’ve got you covered. So, grab your pencils, acrylic paint, and any other art supplies you love, because it’s time to hit the drawing board. Let’s make this summer one to remember, one drawing at a time!

What you’ll need for your summer drawing art project

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Paper
Pencils
Fine point marker
Colorful markers
Crayons or colored pencils
Acrylic paint

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Tips & tricks for your summer drawing art project

Young Kids Can Trace
For younger artists who may be just starting out, tracing can be a fantastic way to build confidence and develop fine motor skills. Provide them with tracing paper or translucent sheets to overlay on reference images or templates. This allows them to trace the outlines and shapes, giving them a solid foundation to work from. As they gain more experience, encourage them to add their own unique touches and embellishments to their traced drawings.
YouTube Has Great Drawing Tutorials
When in doubt, turn to YouTube! There’s a wealth of drawing tutorials available on YouTube for artists of all skill levels. Whether your child is interested in mastering the art of drawing animals, landscapes, or their favorite cartoon characters, you’re sure to find step-by-step tutorials to guide them along the way. Encourage them to explore different channels and find instructors whose teaching style resonates with them.
Always Start with Pencil
It’s always a good idea to start your drawing with a pencil. This allows you to sketch out your ideas and make any necessary adjustments before committing to ink or color. Starting with a light pencil sketch gives you the flexibility to experiment with composition, proportions, and perspective until you’re satisfied with the overall layout of your drawing.
Outline Your Drawing with Fine Point Marker
Once you’re happy with your pencil sketch, it’s time to outline your drawing with a fine point marker. Using a marker with a fine tip allows you to create crisp, clean lines that define the shapes and details of your drawing. Be sure to take your time and work slowly and deliberately to ensure accuracy and precision in your outlines.
Add Color with Crayons, Colored Pencil, or Even Acrylic Paint
After outlining your drawing, it’s time to add some color! Depending on your preference and the materials you have on hand, you can use crayons, colored pencils, or even acrylic paint to bring your drawing to life. Experiment with different techniques and blending methods to achieve the desired effects. Don’t be afraid to get creative and mix and match colors to create unique and vibrant illustrations.
Share Your Artwork
Don’t let that beautiful artwork go to waste! Hang it in your art room, share it with your art friends, or even share it on social media (if age appropriate).

110 Creative Summer Drawing Ideas for Kids & Teens

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Summer Hobbies

Dive into the world of summer hobbies with these drawing ideas that capture the essence of leisure and relaxation. From gardening and camping to fishing and bike riding, there’s a wide array of activities to inspire creativity and imagination. Whether your child enjoys exploring the great outdoors or indulging in artistic pursuits indoors, these summer hobby-themed drawing prompts are sure to spark their interest and keep them entertained for hours on end. Don’t see your favorite summer hobby? Add it to the list!

Surfing at the beach
Building sandcastles
Skateboarding in the park
Rollerblading on the boardwalk
Camping in the wilderness
Fishing by the lake
Playing outdoor sports like soccer or basketball
Gardening in the backyard
Riding bikes on trails
Birdwatching in nature reserves

Family Adventures/Activities

Embark on exciting family adventures and activities with these drawing prompts that celebrate the spirit of togetherness and exploration. From picnics in the park and beach outings to backyard barbecues and road trips, there’s no shortage of inspiration for fun-filled family time. Encourage your child to capture their favorite moments and memories with their loved ones through art, creating cherished keepsakes that they’ll treasure for years to come. You could even give one of these drawings as a Mother’s Day gift!

11. Picnicking in the park

Having a barbecue or cookout
Going on a road trip
Visiting an amusement park
Exploring a local zoo or aquarium
Going on a hike in the mountains
Watching outdoor movies
Stargazing on warm summer nights
Having a family game night outdoors
Taking a sunset walk together

Ocean Inspiration

Nothing says summer like the ocean! Immerse yourself in the beauty of the ocean and coastal landscapes with these drawing ideas that evoke the tranquility and serenity of beachside living. From majestic palm trees and crashing waves to adorable sea creatures and vibrant coral reefs, there’s endless inspiration to be found in the wonders of the sea. Encourage your child to let their imagination run wild as they explore the rich diversity of marine life and coastal environments through art.

21. Palm tree swaying in the breeze

Sailboats on the horizon
Beach scene with seagulls
Waves crashing against rocks
Lighthouse overlooking the ocean
Sand dunes in the desert
Underwater sea creatures like dolphins or turtles
Beach bonfire with friends
Sunset over the ocean
Tropical island paradise

Pool Party Inspiration

Make a splash with these pool party-inspired drawing prompts that capture the excitement and energy of summertime fun in the sun. From colorful pool floats and refreshing beverages to playful water games and sun-kissed swimmers, there’s plenty of inspiration to be found at the poolside oasis. Encourage your child to channel their inner artist as they bring the vibrant atmosphere of pool parties to life on paper, creating lively and dynamic illustrations that embody the carefree spirit of summer.

31. Kids splashing in the pool

Colorful pool floats and inflatables
Poolside barbecue
Diving competition
Water balloon fight in the backyard
Lounging on poolside chairs
Game of Marco Polo
Underwater scenes of swimmers
Reflection of palm trees in the pool
Poolside snacks and drinks

Fourth of July

Celebrate Independence Day in style with these Fourth of July-themed drawing ideas that pay tribute to the red, white, and blue. From patriotic flags and fireworks displays to backyard barbecues and festive parades, there’s no shortage of inspiration for capturing the spirit of America’s birthday. Encourage your child to explore the rich symbolism and traditions of the Fourth of July through art, creating vibrant and spirited illustrations that honor this beloved national holiday.

41. Fireworks lighting up the night sky

Fourth of July parade with marching bands
Backyard barbecue with friends and family
Stars and stripes of the American flag
Patriotic decorations like bunting and banners
Playing with sparklers
Cookout with hot dogs and hamburgers
Baseball game
Neighborhood block party
Picnic in the park with red, white, and blue decor

Animals

Explore the diverse world of animals with these drawing prompts that highlight the beauty and wonder of the animal kingdom. Encourage your child to unleash their creativity as they bring their favorite animals to life on paper, capturing their unique characteristics and personalities with every stroke of the pencil.

51. Seagulls flying over the beach

Crabs scuttling along the shore
Sea turtles nesting in the sand
Dolphins leaping out of the water
Tropical fish in coral reefs
Playful otters in a river
Whales breaching in the ocean
Butterflies in a garden
Birds nesting in trees
Squirrels playing in the park

Summer Foods

Indulge your sweet tooth with these summer-inspired drawing ideas that celebrate the delicious flavors and irresistible treats of the season. From juicy watermelon slices and frosty ice cream cones to tangy lemonade pitchers and s’mores by the campfire, there’s no shortage of mouthwatering subjects to inspire your child’s artistic endeavors. Encourage them to explore the vibrant colors and tempting textures of their favorite summer foods through art, creating delectable illustrations that capture the essence of summertime indulgence.

61. Ice cream cones with sprinkles

Juicy watermelon slices
Picnic basket filled with sandwiches and fruit
Sizzle of hamburgers on the grill
Refreshing glasses of lemonade
Colorful fruit salad
Barbecue feast with ribs and corn on the cob
Popsicles
Freshly baked cookies
Cooking s’mores over the fire

Outdoor Scenes

Embark on exciting outdoor adventures with these drawing prompts that capture the thrill and excitement of exploring nature’s playground. Encourage your child to embrace their sense of adventure as they capture the beauty and wonder of outdoor exploration through art, creating vibrant and dynamic illustrations that transport viewers to the heart of nature’s wonders.

71. Sun-filled forest

Wildflowers in a meadow
Lakeside scene
Bustling farmer’s market
Busy city park
Summer carnival
Peaceful country road
Field of sunflowers
Kids playing in a sprinkler
Sunset over a rural landscape

Summer Fashion

Step into the world of summer fashion with these drawing prompts that celebrate the season’s hottest trends and coolest styles. From flowy sundresses and trendy sunglasses to colorful swimsuits and stylish sandals, there’s endless inspiration to be found in the vibrant world of summer fashion. Encourage your child to explore their sense of style and creativity as they sketch their favorite summer outfits, experimenting with different colors, patterns, and accessories to create runway-worthy looks that capture the essence of summertime chic.

81. Kids in summer hats and sunglasses

Colorful swimsuits and cover-ups
Trendy flip-flops and sandals
Flow of summer dresses in the breeze
Stylish shorts and tank tops
Beach bags filled with towels and sunscreen
Wide-brimmed sun hats
Hawaiian shirts
Kids with ice cream cone t-shirts
Cool shades and visors

Summer Celebrations

Get ready to party with these drawing ideas that celebrate the joy and excitement of summer celebrations and special occasions. From Fourth of July fireworks and beachside bonfires to backyard barbecues and family reunions, there’s no shortage of festive inspiration to spark your child’s imagination. Encourage them to capture the energy and excitement of summer festivities through art, creating lively and dynamic illustrations that showcase the spirit of summertime fun and togetherness.

91. Birthday party in the backyard

Excitement of a graduation ceremony
Summer wedding with flowers and decorations
Neighborhood block party
Family reunion with generations gathered together
Summer festival or fair
Community barbecue or potluck
Pool party with friends
4th of July Celebration
Beach bonfire with s’mores

Nature Exploration

Encourage your child to observe and appreciate the intricacies of nature as they sketch plants, animals, and landscapes, honing their observational skills and deepening their connection to the world around them through art. Whether they’re drawing a single leaf or an entire ecosystem, every illustration is an opportunity to celebrate the wonders of nature and inspire a lifelong love of the outdoors.