DIY Project
About

Sensory play

Painting with water

A bucket of water and a big brush let your child paint the fence, the steps and the sidewalk, then watch it all disappear.

Painting with water
LevelBeginner
AgesAges 3 to 5
Time5 minutes to set up, then play
Cost$0 to $5
SummerOutdoorsLow mess

What you'll need

Materials

Tick them off as you find them.

Tools

How to make it

Safety

Empty the bucket when you're done, since young children can drown in very little water.

  1. Step 1: Fill the bucket
    1

    Fill the bucket

    Have your child fill the bucket halfway at the tap.

  2. Step 2: Pick a canvas
    2

    Pick a canvas

    Head outside to a fence, wall or warm sidewalk.

  3. Step 3: Paint big
    3

    Paint big

    Let them paint lines, circles and letters with the water.

  4. Step 4: Watch it vanish
    4

    Watch it vanish

    Ask, "Where did it go?" The sun dries it in a few minutes.

  5. Step 5: Try the roller
    5

    Try the roller

    Roll big stripes like a real house painter.

Edie's tip

Paint on dark pavement or wood. Wet spots show up much darker.

Written by the DIY Project team. How we check · Report a mistake

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