Summer is fun for kids due to school holidays, longer daytime, and the warm weather. All this means they get to be outdoors more, run around even barefoot, and dress lightly. Keeping them engaged and not bored at this time is a challenge. I struggled much with this when my kids were younger, that is, until we found crafts to do. Kids’ crafts can be fun for adults, too – so do what I do all the time and craft away! I’ve curated 20+ easy summer crafts for kids to dive into. They should not break the bank, and supplies should be in the home already.
=======>Summer craft kits for kids
Why craft at all?
Besides keeping kids engaged, crafting is good for developing minds and bodies because it helps develop fine motor skills, creativity, and even a sense of accomplishment.
Easy summer crafts for kids
These summer craft ideas likely use readily available materials in your home. Pick two or three, and have fun!
1. Paper plate sun
If you have paper plates, yellow paint, glue, and markers, you should be able to do this craft with your kids right away. Feel free to improvise where you need to catch up.
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Find instructions here.
2. Seashell Painting
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A trip to the beach is often a highlight of summer, and collecting seashells can be a fun activity on its own. Back at home, these shells can be transformed into little works of art with paint and brushes. Let your kids’ imaginations run wild as they decorate each shell with bright colors and patterns or even turn them into tiny sea creatures. This craft not only enhances creativity but also serves as a lovely memento of your beach day.
3. Popsicle Stick Puzzles
Popsicle sticks are a versatile craft supply. For this activity, lay out several sticks side by side and tape them together to form a mini canvas. Have your child draw a picture across the sticks, then remove the tape. Mix up the sticks, and you’ve got a homemade puzzle! This is an excellent way for kids to create unique toys and work on problem-solving skills.
4. Tie-Dye T-Shirts
Tie-dyeing is a classic summer activity that always stays in style. You only need white cotton T-shirts, a tie-dye kit, and rubber bands. Kids can twist and fold their shirts in various patterns, securing them with rubber bands before applying the dye. The result is always a surprise, and each shirt is a masterpiece that kids will love to wear.
5. Pasta Necklaces
Turning everyday items into jewelry is a fun way to get creative. For pasta necklaces, dye different pasta shapes with food coloring and let them dry. Kids can then string the pasta onto yarn or string to create colorful necklaces. This craft is easy and helps develop fine motor skills as kids work on threading the pasta.
6. Paper Tube Binoculars
Transform toilet paper rolls into binoculars for a fun and functional craft. Decorate two toilet paper rolls with paint, markers, or stickers. Then, tape or glue them together side by side. Attach a piece of string so the binoculars can be worn around the neck. These homemade binoculars are perfect for backyard explorations and birdwatching.
7. Rock Painting
Collecting rocks and painting them is a timeless activity that combines outdoor adventure with indoor creativity. Kids can paint rocks to look like animals or bugs or simply add colorful designs. These painted rocks can then be used to decorate the garden, given as gifts, or kept as cherished keepsakes.
More rock painting ideas for kids.
8. Nature Collage
Encourage kids to explore the outdoors and gather leaves, flowers, and other natural items to create a nature collage. Using paper and glue, they can arrange their findings into beautiful, textured artwork. This craft is a fantastic way to teach kids about different plants and the beauty of nature.
9. Homemade Kites
Building and flying a kite is an exhilarating experience for kids. Kids can construct kites using a plastic bag, string, and sticks. Decorating the kite with markers or stickers adds a personal touch. Once assembled, find an open space on a breezy day and watch as your homemade kite soars through the sky.
Find instructions here.
10. Watercolor Resist Art
Watercolor resist art is a magical craft that reveals hidden designs. Start by having kids draw on white paper with a white crayon. They can create patterns, write their names, or draw pictures. Then, have them paint over the entire paper with watercolors. The crayon resists the paint, making the drawings pop out in white against the colorful background.
11. Handprint Art
Handprint art is a fun way to create personalized keepsakes. Kids dip their hands in paint and press them onto paper to create handprint shapes. These prints can be transformed into various animals or scenes. For example, a handprint can become a fish in an underwater scene, a tree in a forest, or even a turkey for Thanksgiving decorations.
12. Bubble Wrap Painting
Using bubble wrap as a stamp is a fantastic way to create textured art. Cut a piece of bubble wrap, paint it, and press it onto paper. Kids can experiment with different colors and patterns to create unique designs. This activity is gratifying for younger children who love the sensory experience of painting with bubble wrap.
13. Paper Bag Puppets
Paper bag puppets are a simple yet entertaining craft. Kids can create their puppets using paper bags, markers, and other craft supplies. Add googly eyes, yarn for hair, and paper cut-outs for clothes. Once the puppets are complete, kids can create a puppet show, sparking their imagination and storytelling skills.
14. Wind Chimes
Creating wind chimes is a lovely way to make music with the wind. Kids can string these onto pieces of fishing line or string using metal washers, keys, and beads. Attach the strings to a stick or hoop, and hang the wind chime outside. The gentle tinkling sound is a soothing reminder of their creative work.
15. Recycled Robot
Building robots from recycled materials is an eco-friendly and imaginative craft. Gather old boxes, cans, bottle caps, and other recyclables. With some glue and paint, kids can assemble and decorate their robots. This activity encourages creativity and teaches the importance of recycling and reusing materials.
16. Sand Art Bottles
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Layering colored sand in clear bottles creates beautiful patterns and designs. Using sand art kits or homemade colored sand (by mixing sand with food coloring), kids can pour layers of sand into bottles. The result is a vibrant, decorative piece that can be displayed in their room.
17. Fruit Fans
On hot summer days, a homemade fan can provide some cool relief. Cut paper into the shape of a fruit slice, like a watermelon or orange, and color it accordingly. Attach the paper to a craft stick, and you have a cute and functional fan that kids will love to wave around.
18. Salt Dough Ornaments
Making salt dough is an easy and versatile craft. Mix salt, flour, and water to create a dough. Kids can shape the dough into various forms, such as stars, hearts, or animals. Once baked and hardened, the ornaments can be painted and used as decorations or gifts.
19. Sun Catchers
Sun catchers add a burst of color to any window. Using clear contact paper, kids can stick on pieces of tissue paper to create a stained-glass effect. Cut the contact paper into shapes like butterflies or flowers before decorating. Hang the finished sun catchers in a sunny window to see the light shine through the vibrant colors.
20. Foam Stickers Scenes
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Foam stickers are a fun and easy way to create scenes. Provide kids with foam stickers in various shapes and colors and a piece of paper. They can create scenes like a day at the beach, a jungle adventure, or a bustling city. This craft is perfect for little ones who enjoy storytelling through art.
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Crafting is a beautiful way to spend quality summertime time with kids. These 20 easy summer crafts for kids are fun, help develop various skills, and create lasting memories. Encourage your kids to dive into these projects and see where their creativity takes them. Share your crafting adventures and photos in the comments below—we’d love to see your masterpieces!
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