How To Make A Water Balloon Splatter Art For Kids

April 19, 2026

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water balloon splatter art of a canvas with paint splatters on it

This water balloon splatter art is a super fun outdoor summer activity for kids! Use simple art supplies to create beautiful works of art. Fair warning for all parents: this activity is messy, but that’s part of the fun! Once you see the smiles on your kids’ faces you’ll be glad you did this activity.

Since this outdoor summer activity is messy and is best done outdoors, I love setting up different stations outside for kids to rotate. I add this sponge toss game and this DIY ring toss game outside as well. We usually save the water balloon splatter art for last since kids need to clean up after it. They play the sponge and ring toss games while I set up the splatter art. Again, it’s messy but worth it!

Blue, red, and orange washable liquid tempera bottles lie on a pastel surface beside white sheets with water balloons on the right.

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What You’ll Need For This Water Balloon Splatter ARt

Water balloons
Washable paint (variety of colors) – (Mine were from Lakeshore, but these are similar)
Water
Canvas
Funnel or squeeze bottle (helpful, not required)
Bucket or tray
Drop cloth, old sheet, or outdoor space
Old clothes or paint smocks

How To Set Up This Outdoor Summer Activity

1. Prep your space (don’t skip this!)
This activity is very messy. Head outside if possible. Place your canvas flat on the ground or propped up against a sturdy surface like a tree where it can handle some wild splashes.

Two blank white canvases lying on dirt among green ivy leaves.

2. Fill the balloons with paint
Stretch the opening of a balloon over the tip of a paint bottle (or use a funnel). Squeeze a small amount of washable paint into the balloon.

Close-up of a pink paint bottle with a white pump dispenser; a purple water balloon rests on top, outdoors with a blurred green garden background.

3. Add a little water
Carefully add a small amount of water to help the paint move and splatter better. Don’t overfill or the balloon may pop too early.

a water balloon filled with water and paint

4. Tie the balloons
Gently tie off the balloon once filled. Carefully shake it to mix the paint and water. Keep them in a bucket until ready to use.

Person holding a blue water balloon with red balloons in the blurred background outdoors

5. Create your splatter art
Let kids throw the balloons at the canvas. Each burst creates an unpredictable splash of color. Try tossing from different heights or angles for different effects.

Two white canvases with blue, pink, and orange paint splatters leaning on ivy-covered ground outdoors.

6. Let it dry
Once the masterpiece is complete, leave it flat to dry completely before moving.

Tips For Success

Two abstract painted canvases lying on dirt and fallen leaves, one blue-green with splatters, the other orange and yellow with streaks of color outdoors on the ground.

Fill balloons ahead of time to keep kids engaged (setup can take a bit!)
Prepare for a mess. Expect paint on hands, clothes, and possibly places you didn’t plan. It’s messy but worth it seeing those smiles!

Summer Books To Read After Finishing Your Splatter ARt

Cannonball: A Fun, Summertime Read About Believing In Yourself and Having Fun (Diverse Children’s Book)

~~$18.99~~ $10.84