☀️ 15 Summer Crafts For Kids

Okay, real talk. Summer is amazing, but about three weeks in, the “I’m bored” chorus starts, right? You love those little humans, but sometimes you just need five minutes of peace. Fear not, my friend, because I’ve got your back with a list of seriously cool summer crafts that will keep those busy hands occupied and maybe, just maybe, save your sanity. Consider this your secret weapon against the dreaded summer slump.

1. Painted Rock Masterpieces

Grab those smooth, forgotten rocks from the garden. Kids absolutely love turning plain old stones into vibrant works of art. Arm them with some acrylic paints and let their imaginations run wild, creating anything from ladybugs to abstract designs. Pro tip: Seal them with a clear coat of mod podge so they can withstand the elements when hidden around the neighborhood for others to find.

This one’s a winner because it encourages outdoor exploration and adds a touch of community fun when they “hide” their creations.

2. DIY Friendship Bracelets

Remember spending hours braiding these as a kid? It’s still cool, promise. All you need is some embroidery floss in various colors and maybe a tutorial for a basic knot or two. This craft is surprisingly meditative and perfect for older kids who enjoy a bit of a challenge.

It’s fantastic for fine motor skills and teaches the value of a handmade gift. Plus, they make great camp keepsakes.

3. Nature Collages

Send the kiddos on a scavenger hunt in the backyard or local park for natural treasures. Think leaves, twigs, small flowers, interesting seeds, and even pebbles. Back inside, give them a piece of paper and some glue, and watch them create unique, textured collages. Pro tip: Use a paper plate as their “collection tray” to keep things tidy outside.

This craft connects kids with nature and sparks creativity using free, easily accessible materials.

4. Tie-Dye T-Shirts

Prepare for a glorious mess, because this one is a classic for a reason. Grab some plain white t-shirts, tie-dye kits (they usually come with dyes and rubber bands), and set up outside. Twist, scrunch, band, and dye! Warning: May result in sticky fingers and questionable fashion choices, but oh so much fun.

Tie-dye is pure summer magic; it’s vibrant, hands-on, and they get a wearable piece of art at the end.

5. Homemade Playdough Extravaganza

Why buy it when you can make it? A simple recipe with flour, salt, water, cream of tartar, oil, and food coloring creates super soft, pliable playdough. Let them help mix it, then spend hours molding, squishing, and cutting. Pro tip: Add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender) for a calming sensory experience.

This craft is awesome for sensory play, strengthening hand muscles, and encouraging imaginative storytelling.

6. Cardboard Box Transformations

Never throw out a large cardboard box again. Seriously. Give kids paint, markers, scissors, and tape, and watch that box become a race car, a fort, a spaceship, or a puppet theater. The possibilities are genuinely endless. Pro tip: Provide some old paper towel rolls for periscopes or exhaust pipes.

This upcycling project fuels big, imaginative play and proves that the best toys are often the simplest ones.

7. Paper Plate Animals

Grab a stack of paper plates, some construction paper, googly eyes, glue, and markers. From lions with yarn manes to fish with tissue paper scales, paper plates are the ultimate blank canvas for creating adorable animal faces. Pro tip: Cut the middle out of a plate to make a frame for a mask.

This easy craft is fantastic for younger kids, boosts fine motor skills, and results in cute characters for playtime.

8. Sun Catchers (Tissue Paper or Bead)

There are two cool ways to do this. For tissue paper: cut shapes out of contact paper, let kids stick colorful tissue paper pieces on, then cover with another piece of contact paper. For beads: arrange pony beads on parchment paper on a baking sheet, then bake at 400°F for 3-5 minutes until melted into a flat design. Pro tip: For bead sun catchers, make sure to do this in a well-ventilated area.

Both methods create beautiful, light-catching decorations that add a touch of sparkle to any window.

9. Salt Dough Ornaments

Whip up a batch of salt dough (flour, salt, water), roll it out, and let kids cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Bake them until hard, then paint and decorate. These make fantastic, lasting keepsakes or even gifts. Pro tip: Make a small hole at the top before baking if you want to hang them.

Salt dough is a classic for a reason—it’s simple, tactile, and creates cherished memories (and ornaments).

10. DIY Bubble Wands

Forget store-bought wands, make your own! Bend pipe cleaners into fun shapes (stars, hearts, circles) leaving a straight handle. You can even string beads onto the handle for extra grip and flair. Mix up your own bubble solution with dish soap and water. Pro tip: Add a bit of glycerin to your bubble solution for extra strong, long-lasting bubbles.

This craft encourages outdoor play and makes bubble time even more exciting and personalized.

11. Pinecone Critters

Another nature-inspired gem! Collect various sizes of pinecones. Provide googly eyes, felt scraps, pipe cleaners, and glue, and let kids transform them into owls, hedgehogs, or fantastical creatures. Pro tip: Use a hot glue gun (with adult supervision!) for a quicker, more secure hold on trickier pieces.

It’s a simple, low-cost craft that fosters imagination and turns natural finds into playful friends.

12. Painted Seashells

If you live near a beach, this is a no-brainer. After a day of collecting, bring those beautiful seashells home and give them a vibrant makeover with acrylic paints. Kids can paint intricate designs, solid colors, or even turn them into tiny animal figures. Pro tip: Clean and dry the shells thoroughly before painting for better adhesion.

This craft turns beach memories into tangible art and provides a calm, focused activity after an active day.

13. DIY Bird Feeders

Help your feathered friends while getting crafty! Spread peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter for allergies) onto pinecones or toilet paper rolls, then roll them in birdseed. Hang them outside with some twine. Pro tip: Store them in the fridge for a bit before hanging, especially on hot days, to help the peanut butter set.

It’s an educational craft that teaches kids about local wildlife and the joy of giving back to nature.

14. Straw Weaving

This one is surprisingly engaging and great for focus. Gather some drinking straws and various colors of yarn. Kids can weave yarn through and around the straws to create small mats, coasters, or even bracelet-like designs. It’s a rhythmic, calming activity. Pro tip: Use wider straws for younger kids, as it’s easier to thread the yarn.

Straw weaving is excellent for developing concentration and fine motor skills, resulting in cool, textured creations.

15. Water Bottle Terrariums

Turn an empty plastic water bottle into a mini ecosystem! Layer small pebbles, charcoal (optional), potting soil, and small, low-maintenance plants (like moss or tiny succulents). Kids can add small toys or figurines to create a tiny world. Pro tip: Keep the lid on for a self-sustaining environment, but open it periodically for fresh air.

This craft is both artistic and scientific, teaching kids about plant life and creating a beautiful, living decoration.

Conclusion

There you have it—15 ways to banish boredom, spark creativity, and maybe even enjoy a hot cup of coffee (or at least a lukewarm one). Embrace the mess, celebrate the wonky creations, and remember that summer crafting is less about perfection and more about making memories. Go forth and conquer, crafty parent!