You don’t need to go to a museum to see art – you can make it at your kitchen table! If you’re looking for some nice weekend family engagement with little ones, or if you want to use art to start a discussion, these simple, fun, and meaningful family art projects bring the joy of making art home.
No expensive art supplies or experience necessary! The only things you’ll need are things you already have at home. Just bring your imagination, a sense of curiosity, and the willingness to get a little messy.
At the Orlando Museum of Art, we believe that creativity brings families and communities together, nurturing lifelong learning. These family art projects align with our mission to equip families with opportunities to communicate, think critically and stay inspired together.
1. Color Stories with Found Objects
What to do: Gather objects from around your home or neighborhood that are all one color. Present them as a temporary color collage or still life and take an artwork-worthy photograph with an original title.
Teaches: Color theory, composition, observation
Make it more fun: Make one for every color of the rainbow! Or, make one that tells a story, e.g., “A Day at the Park” with all green items.
Museum connection: Explore the OMA Collections to see how color is captured across works of art through time.
2. DIY Texture Rubbings
Activity: Find textures around the house or outside and make rubbings! Cover a leaf, coin, or brick with a piece of paper, then use a crayon to gently rub the surface to reveal patterns. Cut and paste your new creations into a scene or collage!
Teaches: Sensory awareness, pattern recognition, fine motor skills
Make it more fun: Create a texture treasure map! Draw a path through different textures, like regions on a map, to lead to different materials as clues.
Museum connection: Visit OMA’s exhibitions like Dawoud Bey and The 2025 Florida Prize in Contemporary Art to learn how artists use texture to create depth.
3. Story Portraits
Activity: Create a portrait of someone in your life using visual symbols that reflect their story, like a soccer ball, their favorite snack wrapper, or music notes.
Teaches: Storytelling, empathy, visual symbolism
Make it more fun: Swap portraits to see how others interpret you, as well!
Museum connection: Learn about the meaning of portraits and objects in art during a visit to OMA or register for a family event like Art Adventures through OMA’s Programs.
4. Shape Builders
Activity: Cut basic shapes from construction paper or cardboard (squares, circles, triangles) and then arrange them into playful compositions, like abstract art, fantastical creatures, and imaginary cities.
Teaches: Geometry, spatial awareness, creative problem-solving
Make it more fun: Get a timer and have each family member make something in five minutes, then show it off, explaining the background behind their art.
Museum connection: Discuss how contemporary artists use shapes and color to express an idea, then visit OMA and find similar expressions in our current exhibitions.
5. Nature Prints
Activity: Go outdoors and collect flowers, leaves, and herbs. Paint them, then stamp them onto a piece of paper with light pressure (consider overlapping colors or using brown paper bags for extra texture).
Teaches: Environmental awareness, printmaking, experimentation
Make it more fun: Use the prints to make greeting cards or frame them to give as gifts.
Museum connection: Join Sketching in the Galleries on the first Saturday of the month and consider how nature inspires the work of artists in OMA’s collections and exhibitions.
How to Keep Creativity Flowing for the Whole Family
- Create an art supply bin for your family: Include crayons, scissors, glue sticks, paper, and materials that can be reused, such as fabric scraps and cardboard.
- Create dedicated times for art: Try out a “studio hour” on Saturday where everyone can share art, or have everyone pick one week to direct a project of their choosing.
- Display your own exhibition: Hang finished projects in your hallway or create a digital slideshow of pictures of all your projects.
- Seek inspiration from the world around you: Visit your local park, get inspired by the murals in downtown Orlando, or take a family trip to visit OMA so you can see the masterworks in person.
Keep the Experience Going at OMA
Museum opportunities extend beyond just visits. OMA offers classes and activities that engage families in meaningful creation. Workshops and hands-on exhibits cater to all ages, fostering creativity and collaboration.
These initiatives encourage family engagement. After a workshop or lecture, families can discuss their thoughts on art pieces, enhancing communication and bonding as they express feelings, fostering empathy.
The museum also hosts community events for families to connect and create memorable experiences. Valuing creativity and drawing inspiration from OMA helps families build lasting memories.
