Rainbow rainy day art is an easy STEAM activity for kids. Toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and school-aged elementary kids enjoy this hands-on rain art project and educational science learning activity.
Have fun getting creative and learning with the kids with this art and science STEAM project. Kids love to draw using a rainbow of colors and watch how quickly the rain transforms their drawings.
No rain? No problem! Find out how to try this rainy day art science activity using another easy method that children will LOVE in the step-by-step rain art directions listed below.
Related: Shadow Art Outdoor STEAM Project
Related: Rock Balancing Stone Stacking Art STEAM Activity for Kids
How to Make Rainbow Rain Art
Making rainbow rainy day art is a fun and straightforward STEAM activity for kids. All you need are some washable markers, watercolor paper, or heavyweight cardstock
, and the desire to have fun and get creative on a rainy day.
We recommend heavyweight (140lb) watercolor paper
to withstand the rain, but heavyweight cardstock also works. If you want to try this activity but don’t have any rain showers in the forecast, we recommend using a spray bottle or watering can to gently ‘rain’ on your drawings.
It is easy to create a light sprinkling of water that can quickly transform rainbow drawings into rainbow rainy day art. You can even drip water from your fingertips. If you choose this method, it is best to drip, spray, or splash water on your drawings outside. Or, create rain art in the bathtub, a shower, or a large sink. Just don’t wash the whole picture away!
Related: 20 Ways to Play in the Rain
Related: Best Flower Art Projects for Kids
Rain Art Supplies:
- Washable Markers
- Watercolor Cold Press Paper Pad or Heavy Cardstock
- Haws Indoor Watering Can
or misting spray bottle (optional)
or Related: The Best Art Supplies for Kids and Why Young Artists Should Use Them
Rainbow Rainy Day Art Step by Step Directions
Step 1 – invite children to draw on heavy watercolor paper or cardstock using a rainbow of colors
Have your children draw a rainbow. Then, invite them to create artwork and doodles using all of the rainbow colors in any way they choose.
Related: Rainbow Science STEAM Projects for Kids
Step 2 – Place Rainbow Rainy Day Art Out in the Rain
Place your rainbow drawing out in the rain and watch what happens. Children love watching the rain create new art!
Alternatively, you can put rain art outside and set a timer to go back and check it in a few minutes, but don’t leave it out too long in heavy rain, or it will all wash away!
No rain? No problem!! Use a watering can, a misting spray bottle, or dripping wet fingertips
to rain down on your artwork.
Step 3 – Allow Rainy Day Art to Dry
Please pick up your rainbow rainy day art and carefully bring it inside to allow it to dry. Hold it as flat as possible when you carry it in–watch out. It can drip!
The colors may shift and change depending on how much water is on the paper. Watching the colors move on wet paper is also loads of fun for kids!
Related: Top 10 Rainbow Suncatchers
Related: Rainbow Peg Dolls DIY Toy for Kids
Rain Art Project for Kids
Rainy day art is an easy STEAM activity for kids. Children love to learn as they watch colorful pictures transform in the rain.
Learn more about Rhythms of Play HERE!
Ensure you also check out our Arts & Crafts Page and this fantastic collection of easy rainbow art projects kids LOVE!
Rainbows have always remained a marvel in the minds of most growing kids. There are so many lovely stories attached to the rainbows. Rainbow art seems like a great way to bring out the best in kids. Thanks a lot for sharing this post. Amazing pictures too.
Thank you, Sachin! I agree rainbows are filled with magic!