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A Weekend Drawing Project for the Whole Family

Need a weekend family project? Try a two-day drawing project: invent a creature family, draw their world and make a mini book. Step-by-step plan.

By Kevin Coulston, author and illustrator of 88 children’s art books · · 2 min read

A two-day drawing project gives families a shared goal for the weekend. On Saturday, each person invents a character and draws its world; on Sunday, everyone combines them into a mini book or giant poster. It is screen-free, creative and ends with something to keep.

Weekends can slip away in errands and screens. A shared drawing project gives the family something to look forward to and finish together.

Saturday: invent

1. Morning. Everyone learns to draw a character from a book.

2. Afternoon. Everyone invents their own version: new name, new look, new personality.

3. Evening. Draw the character's home.

Sunday: combine

1. Morning. Plan a story where all the characters meet.

2. Afternoon. Draw the story as a mini book or poster.

3. Evening. Present it to the family (or grandparents on a video call).

A cast of weird characters

Weird, funny characters are perfect for family projects. How to Draw: Crusty Goobers gives everyone wonderfully weird characters to draw, and then kids can invent their own Goobers with new gross-out habits. A family of Goobers going on a picnic? That is a story everyone will remember.

Supplies

  • Paper and pencils
  • Coloring tools
  • Stapler (for the mini book)
  • A large sheet of paper (for the poster)

Make it a tradition

Do a new project every few months: monsters one time, robots another, holidays another. Keep all the books on a family shelf. For more family ideas, see how to run a family drawing night.

Questions parents ask

What is a good weekend project for families?

A two-day drawing project where everyone invents characters and then combines them into a story book or poster.

How do I keep kids busy all weekend without screens?

Plan a shared creative project with clear steps for each day and a fun finished product.

What supplies do I need for a family drawing project?

Paper, pencils, coloring tools, a stapler and a large sheet of paper.

More in home routines and screen time, or browse all 217 posts on the blog.

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