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DIY Colorful Summer Camp: At-Home Activities to Brighten Your Day

Creative adventures your family can do at home

By Sarah Hauge, Publisher, Macaroni Kid, Englewood, Greenwood Village, Centennial June 11, 2024

Looking for at-home ideas to keep kids busy, happy, and learning? We've curated family-friendly themed activities around the theme of colors to help! Here is a sample schedule to help you brainstorm ideas that will work best for your family:


This week, find your family fun® with the COLOR SPECTRUM.



Layered Gelatin

Ingredients: Gelatin, water, evaporated milk, whipped topping

  1. Mix gelatin according to the directions.
  2. Layer thinly in a clear dish. Make sure each layer is completely set before starting the next color.
  3. Top with your favorite whipped topping.
  4. Optional: To make pastel layers, mix in a splash of evaporated milk.


Books

  • The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
  • The Mixed-Up Chameleon by Eric Carle
  • Monsters Love Colors by Mike Austin
  • Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert
  • My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss


Walking Water

Supplies needed: clear cups, food dye (red, yellow, blue), paper towels

  1. Fill alternating cups 2/3 full of water.
  2. Add food coloring to the filled cups.
  3. Fold paper towels and bridge them between cups.
  4. Observe the results over time.


Rope-Wrapped Keychain

Supplies needed: 4-mm rope, 18 gauge wire, yarn, keychain ring

Get the step-by-step instructions here.



Scratch Art

Supplies needed: cardstock paper, crayons, black tempera paint

Get the step-by-step instructions here.



Postcards

Download FREE printable postcards.

Print the designs on cardstock paper. Color and cut out your artwork. Address and stamp your postcards, and then send them to family and friends



Movies & Shows


Plan an Adventure

Take a virtual art class or visit an art museum or studio. Here are some local venues to consider:

Want to explore art from home? Here are some virtual resources: