Collaborative Family Mural Painting Project

Butcher paper or craft paper roll (at least 4 feet long — longer is better)

Washable paint in multiple colors

Paintbrushes in various sizes

Cups for paint

Tape for mounting

Drop cloth or old sheet to protect the wall and floor

Tape a long sheet of paper to a wall, fence, or along the floor. Position it at your child's height so they can reach all the way across their section.

Choose a theme together. An underwater scene, a garden of flowers, a city skyline, an outer space adventure, or completely abstract — whatever excites your family.

Set out cups of paint and brushes for everyone who is painting. Each person gets their own brush at minimum.

Each person picks a section of the mural. There are no strict boundaries — just general areas to start from.

Paint together, narrating as you go. "I am painting a big sun in my corner. What are you adding over there?"

Let sections overlap and blend where they meet. The borders between painters are often the most dynamic and interesting parts of the mural.

When everyone is finished, step back together and take in the full artwork. Talk about each person's contribution.

This is a social art experience as much as a visual one. The conversation during painting is where the real connection happens.

Let younger children paint freely in their section, even if it is just abstract color. Their energy adds to the overall piece.

Take a photo of the mural with all the artists standing in front of it. This becomes a treasured family memory.

Murals work beautifully outdoors on a fence or garage wall with the paper taped up. The space feels expansive and freeing.

Roll up and save the mural when it dries. Unfurl it months later and relive the experience together.