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Summer Vacation Drawing Journal for Kids

Turn summer vacation into a drawing journal. Kids draw one thing each day, creating a souvenir that builds memory, writing and observation skills.

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

A summer vacation drawing journal is a simple, lasting souvenir. Kids draw one thing from each day of the trip, add a few words, and come home with a personal record of their vacation. It builds memory, observation and writing skills at the same time.

Photos are great, but a child's own drawing captures what they noticed and cared about. A drawing journal is a vacation through their eyes.

How to make a vacation journal

  • A small sketchbook or stapled booklet
  • Pencils and colored pencils
  • One page per day
  • Date and place at the top

What to draw

  • The best part of the day
  • Something new they saw
  • Food they tried
  • Animals they met
  • The view from the hotel or campsite

Beach trips and sea creatures

If you are heading to the beach, How to Draw: Fish, Sea Creatures, and More is a perfect travel companion. Kids can learn to draw crabs, fish and octopuses, then draw the real creatures they spot in tide pools.

Add words

  • Young kids dictate a sentence.
  • Older kids write a few lines.
  • Add a rating: stars for the best days.

Keep it light

Skip days are fine. Some days are too busy. The journal is for fun, not homework.

Back home

Share the journal with grandparents and friends. It helps kids remember and talk about their trip. For travel tips, see flying with kids? pack a drawing book.

Questions parents ask

How do I start a vacation journal with my child?

Bring a small sketchbook and pencils, and ask your child to draw one thing from each day, with the date and a few words.

What should kids draw in a travel journal?

The best part of each day, new things they saw, food, animals and views.

Why are drawing journals good for kids?

They build memory, observation and writing skills, and create a personal souvenir.

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