Looking to keep your kids engaged and entertained this summer? Crafting is an excellent way to achieve just that! With the warm weather comes endless opportunities for creative expression, and we’re here to help you make the most of it. Why not take advantage of the great outdoors and have your little ones collect some natural treasures like flowers, leaves, and twigs? Then, settle in for a fun-filled afternoon of crafting together, complete with refreshing glasses of lemonade.
To get started, check out our selection of 31 summer craft ideas – that’s right, we’ve got you covered for an entire month of creative fun! Just imagine the memories you’ll create and the skills your kids will develop along the way.
Perler Bead Bubble Wands
Imagine a world where bubble fun is elevated to new heights – literally! With a little creativity and everyday materials, you can create a unique Perler bead bubble wand that will have kids (and adults!) mesmerized. The best part? You probably already have the necessary supplies at home. For this craft, grab some Perler beads from your stash or pick up a pack online. To complete the project, gather: a pegboard, an iron, parchment paper, and of course, warm soapy water for the bubble mixture.
Once you’ve got all the ingredients in place, it’s time to let the bubble fun begin! Simply have your little ones blow some bubbles and enjoy the show.
Sidewalk Foam Paint
Summers spent drawing on the sidewalks of my childhood were a treasure trove of creativity and freedom. My friends and I would spend hours bringing the concrete to life with hopscotch boxes, rainbows, and all manner of colorful designs. As an adult, I’ve found that sharing this experience with children is just as joyful.
One of our favorite summer crafts is foam painting on the sidewalk – a simple yet mesmerizing activity that can be whipped up using household staples like flour, water, shaving cream, and a few drops of food coloring. Simply grab some squirt bottles and get ready to unleash your child’s inner artist!
Water Gun Painting
Unleash creativity and fun in your backyard with an exciting DIY project that’s perfect for kids! For just under $10, you can create a unique art experience using water squirt guns. The goal is to transform plain canvas into vibrant works of art using colorful liquid paint.
Here’s what you’ll need:* A sturdy canvas* Water guns filled with acrylic or tempura paint (the washable option is ideal for little artists)* Vinyl sheet protection* Water to mix with the paint* An easel to hold the canvas steady* And most importantly, your kid’s imagination and enthusiasm! Gather these materials and get ready for a fun-filled craft time in the sun. With water squirt guns as the painting tools, your child will love squirting colored water onto their masterpiece.
This activity encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and most of all, joyous expression.
Ice cream painted rocks
Summer days are synonymous with sweet treats like ice cream cones. But what’s an equally delightful way to celebrate this season? Rock painting, of course! And what better way to combine the two than by painting ice cream-themed designs on rocks? To get started, gather your supplies: a few flat and smooth rocks, some paint, and brushes for your mini artists.
Once they’ve finished their masterpieces, cap off the perfect summer day with a trip to the local ice cream parlor and let everyone indulge in a cool treat.
DIY Headband
If you have an old cotton shirt or some leftover cloth, you’re just one step away from creating a DIY knotted headband with your kid. This fun project is perfect for upcycling and teaching kids about crafting. To make this headband, you’ll need a suitable material that can keep hair away from the face. Cotton or any other breathable, sweat-absorbing fabric would be an excellent choice. To get started, gather a glue gun, some fabric scissors, and let your creativity flow!
Marbled Sea Shell Craft
As summer rolls around, it’s a given that beach trips are on the horizon. And with kids in tow, you’re likely to have a collection of seashells scattered about. Why not put those treasures to good use? Grab some essentials like shaving cream from Dad, food coloring from the kitchen, paper towels for cleanup, and bamboo skewers for added fun. Just remember to lay down some newspapers – things might get messy as you unleash your creativity!
Garden Fairy House
As a child, I often found myself lost in the whimsical world of make-believe, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blurred. In my early years, I would spend hours playing fairy games in our garden, transforming everyday objects into enchanted realms. Pots became fairy homes, flower petals were used to create delicate wings, and blades of grass served as makeshift skirts. While I never thought to bring these creations to life through art, your children can do just that!
With a dash of creativity and some sparkly flair, they can turn ordinary pots into vibrant fairy homes. If you’re concerned about the mess that might ensue from using glitter, consider substituting it with ‘fairy drops’ – a magical solution for kids who want to add a touch of whimsy without making a mess.
Nature Crafts For Kids
Transform your little ones into budding naturalists by inviting them to create a unique tree design on paper using real leaves and flowers. A fun-filled adventure in the park can provide most of the materials needed for this project: an assortment of colored leaves, fresh flowers and petals, small twigs, and other interesting finds. Just be sure to steer clear of any unwanted critters!
To complete the activity, simply gather some paper, pencils, and paint, and let your children’s creativity shine.
DIY Fruit Fans
Summer fruits evoke a sense of warmth and vibrancy, don’t they? From juicy melons to tangy lemons, each one transports us to a sun-kissed day. These sweet treats aren’t just delicious, but also offer endless inspiration for creative projects. Why not encourage your little ones to get crafty with some refreshing fruit fans? With a bit of adult guidance, they’ll be creating their own fruity masterpieces in no time.
Simply supervise the drilling process and before long, you’ll have an array of colorful, edible art pieces that are sure to brighten up any room!
Fish Craft For Kids
Before putting away those popsicle sticks, remember that you’ll need them for this project. You’ll also require a glue gun and some felt scraps. Take out your craft supplies and see if you can find some googly eyes to give life to the fish… yes, we’re making fish-themed crafts! While they might not be edible, these colorful creations will make great decorations for your kids’ rooms.
Paper Plate Ice Cream Craft
Before diving into the sweet treat, let’s get creative with a fun paper plate ice-cream project that will surely delight your kids. The promise of enjoying their own real ice cream at the end will be the perfect motivator for them to get crafty. To make this activity a reality, you’ll need an abundance of colorful sprinkles, which not only add a pop of color to their paper plate creations but also serve as a tasty topping for their future ice cream indulgence.
Puffy Paint Ice Cream Cone Craft
As the summer months roll around, I find myself fretting over the inevitable consequences of craft time indulgence – a surplus of ice cream consumption! It’s as if the warm weather is a license to indulge in sweet treats, and my waistline pays the price. To salvage what’s left of my sanity (and figure), I’ll need to stock up on canisters of shaving cream – perhaps it’s time to invest in their future?
Meanwhile, keep a watchful eye on your little ones, as the colorful shaving cream may just masquerade as an irresistible ice cream treat – and we all know how that turns out!
Ocean Animal Coffee Filter Craft
While many may be familiar with the term ‘suncatcher,’ its true beauty is often underestimated. These stunning creations can be crafted by kids using everyday materials, like coffee filters, and a downloadable template featuring ocean animals. Once complete, hang your suncatcher in your child’s bedroom window, allowing the sunlight to dance across it as the day unfolds.
Bugs On A Branch Craft
While I’m generally not a fan of creepy-crawlies, even charming ones like ladybugs, there’s one special exception – making them from recycled materials. This unique project involves transforming plastic spoons into adorable ladybugs. To get started, you’ll need the following materials: plastic spoons, felt paper, craft paint, and some basic tools such as sandpaper, a paintbrush, toothpick, scissors, and a hot glue gun.
For an added touch of realism, you can also use a green marker to draw on antennae. If you’re hooked on this craft, be sure to check out our collection of ladybug-themed crafts for more inspiration.
Chalk Ice
It’s time to elevate your kids’ creative play with a dual-purpose popsicle tray. Acquire two trays: one for storing popsicles and another for an upcoming craft project. Additionally, gather colored chalk and leftover popsicle sticks from previous projects. For this activity, you’ll also need a whisk, measuring spoon, cornstarch, and water from your kitchen. Keep in mind that, just like real ice, the chalk ‘ice’ will melt quickly, so encourage your kids to use their creations efficiently.
Paper Bag Kite
Nostalgia abounds when thinking back to our childhood days spent crafting simple yet delightful creations. One such classic is the humble paper bag kite – a project that’s both easy to execute and sure to spark joy in young minds. What’s more, this DIY endeavor requires minimal resources, likely already stocked in your craft supply stash. So why not take a moment to revisit this childhood favorite and share its magic with the next generation?
With a few simple steps, you can help bring the thrill of creating something new to life, starting with a vibrant kite fashioned from an ordinary paper bag.
DIY Fingerprint Glass Magnets
Transform your refrigerator into a personalized gallery with a fun craft project: fingerprint glass magnets! This creative activity allows kids to get messy with paint and leave their thumbprint mark on the glass cabochons. Once they’ve created their unique design, help them add some whimsical doodles to turn their print into insects, spiders, or even Easter eggs – the possibilities are endless!
Finally, pop the domes on, attach the magnets, and pin them up on your fridge for a one-of-a-kind display.
Pipe Cleaner Bubble Wand Craft
Get ready for a unique bubble wand craft project that combines the fun of Perler beads with the versatility of pipe cleaners and cookie cutters! To create this whimsical wonder, you’ll need the following materials: pipe cleaners, cookie cutters, scissors, and your imagination. While it may seem counterintuitive to incorporate cookie cutters into a bubble project, unfortunately, they won’t actually shape your bubbles – physics just isn’t on our side in this case.
Handprint Shell Keepsakes
Imagine the excitement on your child’s face when they see their artwork proudly displayed in a prominent spot, like the mantle or kitchen island. And the best part? You can create this special moment right in your own kitchen! With most of the necessary supplies already at your disposal, you just need one additional ingredient: your child’s handprint. Once you have that, you’re ready to start this fun and easy craft project.
Bookmarks
The time has finally come to introduce our charming felt bookmark, featuring a bird perched atop an oversized paperclip. Isn’t that a delightful combination? If you’ve been following this series of DIY projects, you’re likely already well-equipped with the necessary materials – except for the one crucial component: the paper clip. Fortunately, it’s easily sourced from either the provided links or your local office supply store.
For inspiration, be sure to check out our collection of creative DIY bookmarks for kids and enjoy the thrill of crafting something truly special.
Popsicle Stick Pool Lounge
There’s something undeniably charming about this craft project that combines whimsy and humor. While I may not be achieving a stick-figure summer physique, I’m perfectly content with the end result. To bring this delightful idea to life, you’ll need the following materials: blue cardstock, popsicle sticks, tan pipe cleaners, Sharpie pens, a stick of glue, and large paper cupcake liners that will serve as the ‘pool float.
‘ Don’t hold back on the cupcake liner design – go bold with colors and patterns! For inspiration, imagine something akin to a vibrant, playful poolside scene.
Tie and Dye Beach Towels
As summer descends upon us, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a vibrant tie-dye craft session. The result? A kaleidoscope of colors against the serene backdrop of a sandy white beach – pure bliss! For this project, we’ll be working with a beach towel, perfect for making a statement. And if you’re as excited as we are, you can grab your very own tie and dye kit right here.
Paper Pinwheels
The nostalgia is real! I haven’t seen or made a paper pinwheel in ages. It’s amazing how quickly it transports me back to a simpler time. If you’re feeling nostalgic too, don’t worry – making your own paper pinwheel is easier than you think. All you need are some vibrant cardstock pieces, a few pushpins, and a stick (or an unsharpened pencil as a substitute). This project requires minimal supplies, but the result is well worth the effort.
Curly Caterpillar Craft
While it’s true that caterpillars can have an unsettling appearance, their eventual transformation into beautiful butterflies is a redeeming quality. Unfortunately, this particular caterpillar isn’t going anywhere just yet. On the bright side, you’re likely to find most of the necessary materials for this project already stocked in your craft supplies, except perhaps for a hole punch. The googly eyes you set aside earlier should also be at your disposal.
Gone Camping Craft
Transforming a lazy day into an unforgettable experience for your child is just a craft away! Who can resist the charm of a miniature paper tent, complete with their little face peeking out? Even if they’re not old enough to venture out on a camping trip, that doesn’t mean they can’t indulge in the magic of a night under the stars. And let’s not forget the sweet treats – toasted marshmallows on a stick are the perfect accompaniment!
To bring this imaginative adventure to life, you’ll need to spend some quality time with your child, cutting out intricate designs from the template. So, download the template, gather your supplies (scissors, marshmallows, and graham crackers), and get ready for a fun-filled afternoon of creativity and imagination.
Felt Popsicle Stick Craft
Despite our complex nature, humans share a universal quest for happiness – and who can blame us? It’s not just about achieving inner peace, but also about indulging in simple pleasures like the sweet taste of an iced treat on a sweltering summer day. If you’re finding popsicle sticks littered around your kitchen, it’s probably time to take a cue from your kids and treat them (and yourself) to a refreshing pick-me-up.
Popsicle Stick Tent
Building on the creative momentum from the popsicle crafts and camping-themed activities, this simple stick tent project offers an engaging and imaginative way for children to express themselves. Hang the finished product next to their bed lamp or elevate it by attaching it to a piece of black chart paper and adding some golden stars to create a sense of magic. To take it further, have them cut out bits of brown and orange paper to represent a campfire, bringing the tactile experience to life.
Shimmering Fairy Wand
There’s something undeniably charming about creating fairy wands that sparks joy, regardless of age. I’ve found myself perpetually excited to craft these whimsical tools, and I’m willing to bet your kids feel the same way. If you’re looking to bring a touch of magic to their playtime, here’s what you’ll need to get started.
A sturdy stick serves as the wand’s foundation.
Paint and a hot glue gun are essential for adding color and texture.
Sequins, buttons, and other embellishments allow you to add your personal flair.
While I understand the appeal of wands that sprinkle glitter, I also appreciate the practicality of a wand that doesn’t leave a trail of sparkles in its wake. Why not attach a few shimmering ribbons to one end and call it a day? The result is a unique and enchanting fairy wand that’s sure to bring delight to any young (or young-at-heart) magician.
Leaf Painting For Kids
Imagine gazing at the intricate network of veins on a leaf. While not always visible to the naked eye, these patterns are indeed present. Why not turn this natural wonder into an artistic project? Simply venture out with your kids into the great outdoors—or a nearby park or backyard—and collect fallen leaves. Next, provide them with paper and paint, allowing them to explore and replicate those delicate veins on canvas.
This fun and creative activity is sure to delight young minds and foster a deeper appreciation for nature’s intricate details.
Paper Plate Flower Craft
As the phrase goes, ‘if you can’t say it with words, display it on a plate.’ And isn’t this colorful plate a perfect representation of the warmth and vibrancy that summer embodies? I see a delightful medley of artistic elements at play here – paint, paper cutouts, marker drawings, and an abundance of creative expression. To bring this imaginative world to life, gather your little ones for a fun-filled craft session, armed with all the necessary supplies.
A plate of sweet treats and a refreshing glass of lemonade will keep them energized and inspired as they unleash their creativity.
DIY Firefly Light-Up
Summer nights evoke memories of balmy breezes, refreshing drinks, and playful adventures in the dark. The gentle rustle of leaves, the warmth of a summer evening, and the thrill of capturing fireflies in a jar – these are the moments we cherish. But what if you could recreate this magic with your kids? Introduce them to the whimsical world of flameless LED fireflies!
With just a few simple materials – plastic Easter eggs and mini LED lights – you can create a DIY project that sparks imagination and creativity.
