When the temperatures soar, it's time to head indoors and cool off with some creative fun! Whether you're avoiding the afternoon heat or planning an air-conditioned playdate, indoor art projects are the perfect way to keep kids engaged and inspired. With mess-free materials like Kwik Stix, Magic Stix Acrylic Markers, and Wonder Stix, you'll have everything you need for a fun-filled summer afternoon—no paintbrushes, water, or clean-up required!
Here are some of our favorite indoor art activities to help your kids beat the heat and stay creatively cool:
🌈 No-Mess Masterpieces with Kwik Stix
Kwik Stix are solid tempera paint sticks that dry in just 90 seconds and glide on smoothly like a crayon. They’re perfect for little hands and big imaginations—especially when you're trying to avoid a messy cleanup!
Project Idea: “Under the Sea” Scene
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Use blues and greens to create ocean waves
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Add fish, turtles, and mermaids with bold colors
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Bonus: Use metallic Kwik Stix to make shimmering sea creatures!
Why It’s Great Indoors: No water, no smocks, no drying racks—just fast, easy painting right at the kitchen table.
Check out this craft on Instagram @secondstorymontessori
Check out this craft on Instagram @kidscorneroc
Check out this craft on Instagram @tivitray
🎨 Design-It-Yourself Art Boards with Magic Stix Acrylic Markers
For kids ready to take their artwork up a notch, Magic Stix Acrylic Markers are a fun way to add bold, vibrant color to a variety of surfaces. These markers work great on paper, rocks, shells, wood, canvas, and more!
Project Idea: “DIY Name Signs or Door Hangers”
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Grab a wood slice, canvas board, or cardboard
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Use Magic Stix to personalize it with your name, summer slogans, or your favorite animal
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Add dots, doodles, and borders for extra flair
Check out this craft on Instagram @artwithmrsbee
Check out this craft on Instagram @pugandlu
Check out this craft on Instagram @2art.chambers
Window Fun with Wonder Stix
Wonder Stix are the go-to tool for turning windows and mirrors into a creative canvas! These write-on/wipe-off sticks work on just about any surface and are a cool way to mix play with decor.
Project Idea: “Summer Scene Window Drawing”
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Draw a sunny beach, pool party, or picnic scene on a window
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Use red, white, and blue for a patriotic July theme
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Add wipe-away games like tic-tac-toe or connect the dots!
Why It’s Great Indoors: Keeps kids engaged in a new creative space—your windows! Just wipe with a damp cloth to start fresh.
Check out this craft on Instagram @teenylily
Check out this craft on Instagram @little.learner.playground
✈️ Bonus: Art On the Go
If you're planning any travel or day trips this summer, don’t forget to pack your favorite art supplies!
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Kwik Stix are great for hotel rooms, rest stops, or grandma’s house
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Magic Stix Acrylic Markers make decorating souvenirs (like shells or wood slices) a breeze
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Wonder Stix can turn car windows into creative zones (just test first!)
❄️ Stay Cool and Creative All Summer Long
Beating the heat doesn't mean sacrificing fun. With the right tools and a little imagination, your indoor time can be just as exciting as any day at the pool. Whether your child loves to paint, doodle, or design, Kwik Stix, Magic Stix, and Wonder Stix make it easy to create colorful moments—no mess required.
Want more inspiration? Check out our summer craft ideas and tag us @kwikstixpaint to show us how you're staying cool and creative this season!