There’s something amazing that happens when people create together. You laugh, you share, and you connect in surprising ways that are hard to put into words. Whether you’re a family trying to spend more meaningful time together or a group of friends looking for a way to bond, drawing opens a door to a different kind of connection.

Here are 10 fun, low-pressure ideas to get you started:

1. Make Your Own Memory Game

This is more than just a game; it’s an experience. There’s magic in creating the cards—each person adds their own memories, like inside jokes, vacations, or favorite moments, and you’ll often be surprised at what everyone remembers differently. It’s a chance to see each other’s unique perspective on the same event.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. When you play, you’re literally committing those shared memories to your memory. You’ll see them again and again, often saying them out loud and trying to remember where each card is. It’s a beautiful way to solidify what’s special between you and literally draw everyone closer.

The best part? It’s so easy to play. Whether it’s a quick game before bedtime or something you bring out during family gatherings, Memory Mix often becomes a go-to game on your shelf. It’s fun, meaningful, and endlessly replayable.

2. Reverse Coloring

Reverse coloring is perfect for anyone who feels intimidated by a blank page. Instead of starting with lines, the page is already filled with vibrant colors, and you draw the lines. Trace shapes, add doodles, or make patterns—it’s low-pressure, creative fun.

This is a great activity for family bonding because it’s easy to adapt for all ages. Younger kids can make simple outlines, while adults might add intricate details. Plus, it’s a relaxing way to unwind together, and you can even frame your finished pieces as a collaborative art project.

Check out our free reverse coloring samples and downloadable reverse coloring books in our Shop to get started.

3. Collaborative Drawing

Take a single sheet of paper, grab some markers, and pass it around. Each person adds to the drawing—one might draw a tree, another a house, someone else might add a dragon in the background. The result? A crazy, one-of-a-kind masterpiece that captures everyone’s creativity.

This activity isn’t just fun—it teaches teamwork and compromise. You’ll laugh at the unexpected twists and turns your drawing takes, and by the end, you’ll have a piece of art that represents everyone’s unique contribution.

• At a Restaurant: Pass a sheet around while waiting for food. Each person adds something—like a sun, flower, or animal—for a fun, shared masterpiece.

• With Grandparents or Relatives: Gather around a table and take turns adding to the drawing. It’s an easy way to bond and spark stories across generations.

• While Waiting: Bring a sheet and markers to appointments or pickups. Take turns adding shapes or doodles to pass the time creatively.

• Themed Drawings: Pick a theme, like holidays or seasons, and let everyone contribute related doodles for a festive family creation.

• On the Go: Pack paper and markers for road trips. Add to the drawing during stops or on the road, creating a unique travel memory.

• Fun Challenges: Add playful rules, like “Draw something starting with the letter B,” or “Add an animal that makes you smile.”

• Celebrate Your Art: Frame the finished piece, hang it on the fridge, or gift it to a loved one—it’s a creative keepsake of time spent together.

4. Drawing Prompts Jar

Sometimes you need a little inspiration to get started. Write down fun prompts like “draw your favorite food” or “something you’d see at the swimming pool” on slips of paper. Take turns pulling a prompt and drawing it.

This is a great way to spark creativity and get everyone talking. Share stories about why you chose your subject, and you’ll find that the conversation often becomes as much fun as the drawing itself.

Need some drawing inspiration? See our drawing ideas cheat sheet [infographic].

Here are a few other ideas: Your Favorite Food | Something You’d See at the Swimming Pool | A Magical Creature or Animal | A Place You’d Love to Visit | Something That Makes You Laugh | A Favorite Memory | An Item in Your Bag or Pocket | Your Dream House or Room | Something You’d See in Space | A Superhero You’d Invent | Your Favorite Holiday Scene | A Flower or Plant You Love | Something That Reminds You of Summer | An Object You’d Find on the Beach | A Fun Hat or Outfit | A Cartoon Version of Your Family | Your Pet or a Pet You’d Like to Have | A Fun Pattern or Abstract Design | Something You’d See at a Carnival | An Item in the Room Around You

5. Artistic Storytelling

Start with a simple sentence: “Once upon a time, there was a mischievous raccoon who loved baseball.” Each person adds a sentence and illustrates it. By the end, you’ll have a hilarious and completely original story with accompanying artwork.

This is especially fun for younger kids who love the idea of turning their wild imaginations into a real story. Plus, it’s a keepsake you can revisit again and again.

6. DIY Greeting Cards

Holidays, birthdays, thank-you notes—there’s always an occasion for a handmade card. Gather some paper and art supplies, and have each person create a card for someone special.

What makes this activity great is the chance to share why you’re grateful or happy for someone else. It’s a simple act that spreads joy to the person receiving the card and creates a moment of connection while you make it.

Ideas for Who to Make Cards For

• Family Members: Grandparents, parents, siblings, or distant relatives you want to reconnect with.

• Friends: Best friends needing a pick-me-up, long-lost friends, or someone celebrating a milestone.

• Teachers and Mentors: Schoolteachers, homeschool instructors, coaches, tutors, or an inspiring former teacher.

• Community Heroes: Firefighters, police officers, EMTs, librarians, community workers, or postal and delivery drivers.

• Healthcare Workers: Nurses, doctors, hospital staff, or nursing home caregivers.

• Others in Need: Here are some meaningful ways to share your creativity with people in need. Consider sending your handmade cards to non-profits that distribute them to those who could use a little extra joy. Organizations like Operation Gratitude collect cards for troops, veterans, and first responders, reminding them they’re appreciated. Cards for Hospitalized Kids delivers uplifting cards to children facing tough times in hospitals across the country. For senior citizens experiencing loneliness, Love for Our Elders shares cards and letters that brighten their days.

7. Self-Portraits with a Twist

Have everyone draw a self-portrait, but with a challenge—use only one color, draw yourself as a superhero, or create a portrait in a cartoon style.

This activity is less about the finished product and more about embracing imperfections and having fun. You’ll laugh at the wild interpretations and learn a little about how each person sees themselves.

More drawing challenge ideas to help: sketch what you think you’d look like as an animal | imagine yourself 50 years in the future | draw yourself as a pirate, astronaut, or criminal | try drawing with your non-dominant hand or (even funnier) your feet | draw yourself as a zombie or vampire | sketch what you’d look like after winning the lottery | give yourself ridiculously huge muscles | create a portrait as your favorite junk food (yes, you’re a walking burrito now) | turn yourself into an alien or a monster with three heads.

8. Draw and Guess

It’s like Pictionary but without the timer pressure. Take turns drawing something (anything) while everyone else guesses what it is. The worse the drawings, the better the game—trust me, it’s hilarious.

This is a quick and easy way to have some laughs while still flexing your creative muscles. It’s perfect for family nights or small gatherings.

9. Scene from Memory

Each person picks a memory—maybe a family vacation or a funny holiday moment—and draws it. When you share your drawings, it’s fascinating to see how everyone remembers the same event differently.

This activity opens up conversations about your shared experiences and helps you relive special moments together. It’s like storytelling through art.

10. Outdoor Sketching

Sometimes a change of scenery is all you need. Take your supplies outside, find a cozy spot, and sketch what you see—trees, animals, even the view from your porch.

Being in nature is calming, and drawing together makes it even better. It’s a great way to unplug, connect with your surroundings, and enjoy some quality time with each other.

Why I Do This

I once heard someone say that the key to success is finding your purpose. To discover it, ask yourself: What breaks your heart? Then make it your mission to help heal that, even in a small way.

For me, it’s heartbreaking how we all rush through life, busy with tasks and to-do lists, barely pausing to truly connect. We text, scroll social media, and exchange expensive gifts, hoping to show how much we care. But in the end, how often do we really feel seen or truly connected?

We rarely take the time to say what we love most about each other, what we cherish, or what moments stick in our hearts. We long to be understood, but we shy away from telling each other the things that matter most.

That’s why I started UnchainedBrainz: to create opportunities for people to truly connect. When we create together—whether it’s through drawing, playing a game, or making something as a group—we open up in surprising ways. We see the world through each other’s eyes, share our unique perspectives, and laugh at how differently we remember the same moments.

Even if just a handful of people reconnect because of what we create, I’ll consider it a success. Because when we create together, we grow closer—and that’s where the magic happens.

Happy unchaining!

Janet