Squirt Gun Super Soaker Painting

As a professional snack distributor, argument negotiator, and CEO of Mess Containment (aka, nanny), I’ve seen my fair share of creative chaos. But nothing — nothing — prepared me for Squirt Gun Super Soaker Painting!

From the brilliant brain of Louise McMullen in “Fun Painting Projects for Kids,” this fun activity is part Jackson Pollock art class and part splash zone. 

All you need is some watered-down washable paint or water color paint, a few water pistols, and an old sheet you’re definitely not emotionally attached to, poster board, or canvases. 

Prop the canvases, tape the poster board, or hang a sheet outside; fill up the water guns; and let the kids loose. Within minutes, their backyard will look like a unicorn sneezed. 

Pro nanny tip: Use washable paint. Trust me. Or trust the purple handprints will haunt the patio furniture.

You Will Need:

Liquid Water Color Paint or Washable Paint 
Funnel or Squeeze Bottles
Water Guns or Little Squirt Guns (one for each color of paint)
Large Canvas, Heavy Poster Board, or Old Bed Sheet
Drop Cloth
Painters Tape (optional) 

What to Do:

1. Put the kids in old bathing suits and slather on sunscreen. 

2. Attach poster board to a fence or outdoor wall with painters tape, or prop a canvas on an easel, or hang an old sheet with clips to a clothesline to keep it steady. 

3. Lay out protective drop cloths or outdoor tarps beneath the area for easy clean up. 

4. Add water to liquid water color paint or washable paint about 50% water and 50% water. 

5. Using a funnel or squirt bottle to add one paint color per squirt gun.

6. Have the kids stand a few feet away and unleash the paint by squirting! Encourage them to experiment with distance: closer shots create denser splashes; farther creates lighter speckles. 

7. Allow paintings to dry fully before moving or peeling tape.

8. Rinse and clean the pistols right away to prevent clogging. 

References:

I found this fun activity in “Fun Painting Projects for Kids” by Louise McMullen

Photos by Stephanie Felzenberg 

As an Amazon Influencer, I earn on qualifying purchases.