Create a Colorful Rainbow

Spotting a rainbow in the sky always feels a little, well… magical!  

They’re the silver lining after the rain and look the brightest when the sky is still dark and gloomy. Rainbows have become a commonly recognized symbol of positivity and a reflection of new beginnings, good luck, hope, promise, equality, and peace. 

Bring a little cheer into your space at home by creating a simple rainbow that gives children of all ages a chance to design one that feels unique and beautiful. Print our rainbow template to start with a pre-drawn outline or draw your own, leaving plenty of space within each stripe to get creative. If you create your own outline, we suggest getting the biggest piece of paper you can find!  

 As you might know, the acronym ROYGBIV stands for the colors of the rainbow. Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet. For the purposes of this craft, you’re welcome to combine the last two colors into a simple band of “purple.”  

Watch our video for some inspiration and then gather a few supplies based on your child’s skill level so they can begin creating their own rainbow: 

• Keep it simple by gathering crayons, colored pencils, or markers. Color in each band or even create patterns within each stripe to add more visual interest. Try zigzags, hearts, or waves. 
• Tear small pieces of construction or tissue paper in each color, then glue them down to add a little texture to your rainbow.  
• Do-a-Dot markers make bold colors easy for little hands or try washable paint. 
• Try sorting Fruit Loops® by color and gluing them to your paper—texture and a tasty treat! 
• For older children: Grab safety scissors and gather magazines that would otherwise go into the recycle bin. Flip through and locate big chunks of each color in various pictures. Cut them out and sort them into ROYGBIV piles. Glue down pieces in a variety of shades, shapes, and patterns to achieve a cool collage effect. 

Remember, provide guidance on the order of the colors as they appear in the real world, but don’t stress if your little artist goes their own way. Just have fun with it!  

Bonus content:  
Learn how a rainbow is formed. 
Learn how to draw a rainbow with Art for Kids Hub. 
Try these recipes for an end-of-the-summer rainbow treat.