Summer break is the perfect time for kids to slow down, get creative, and spend less time on screens.
But as every parent knows, it doesn’t take long before the “I’m bored” moments start to appear. That’s where easy summer crafts come in.
These crafts also help kids build confidence, learn new skills, and enjoy quiet time while still having fun.
In this guide, you’ll find tons of kid-friendly ideas that work for toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids all summer long.
Why Summer Crafts Matter for Kids
Summer crafts give kids a fun way to stay creative, focused, and entertained during long school breaks.
They help fill slow afternoons, encourage imagination, and offer a nice break from screens. Plus, crafting together is an easy way to connect and make small moments feel special.
Summer Craft Basics:
- Keep a small basket of simple supplies ready.
- Choose crafts based on your child’s age and attention span.
- Use outdoor spaces when possible to reduce mess.
- Rotate materials to keep activities fresh and exciting.
- Mix in recycled items to save money and spark creativity.
A little planning makes summer crafting easier for everyone.
Best Summer Crafts for Kids to Try Now
Summer is the best time for hands-on, screen-free fun. These craft ideas are easy, engaging, and perfect for kids of different ages and interests.
1. Paper Plate Sunshine Craft
Kids can turn a simple paper plate into a bright summer sun using yellow paint, markers, and paper rays. This craft encourages creativity and helps younger kids practice scissor skills. You can also let them decorate the rays with stickers or glitter for extra fun. It’s a cheerful project that works well indoors on hot days.
Best for: Ages 3–7, low-mess activity, quick setup.
2. DIY Popsicle Stick Picture Frames
Using popsicle sticks, glue, and markers, kids can build their own colorful frames. They can add shells, beads, or buttons for a summer theme. Once finished, they can slide in a photo from a summer trip or playdate. This craft doubles as a keepsake and a cute gift.
Best for: Ages 5–10, creativity building, memory crafting.
3. Nature Collage Board
Kids gather leaves, flowers, twigs, and small nature treasures from the yard or park. They glue everything onto cardboard to make a nature-inspired art piece. It’s a fun way to spend time outdoors and turn their finds into something meaningful. This craft teaches kids to look closely at textures, shapes, and colors.
Best for: Ages 4–10, outdoor time, sensory learning.
4. Seashell Wind Chime
Using shells, string, and a small stick, kids can make a gentle-sounding wind chime. They can decorate the shells with paint or markers before hanging them. The chime looks beautiful outdoors and gives kids a sense of accomplishment when it catches the breeze. It also introduces simple knot-tying skills.
Best for: Ages 6–12, outdoor décor, fine-motor practice.
5. Ice Painting Art
Freeze washable paint mixed with water in an ice tray, add craft sticks, and let kids paint as the ice melts. The colors blend in cool, watery patterns that feel perfect for hot weather. This activity is both sensory-rich and calming. Kids love watching how the ice changes as they paint.
Best for: Ages 3–8, hot days, sensory play.
6. Recycled Egg Carton Ocean Animals
Kids cut and paint sections of egg cartons to make turtles, fish, or jellyfish. Adding googly eyes and pipe cleaner details makes each creature unique. This craft is great for talking about ocean life and recycling at the same time. It’s simple but packed with creativity.
Best for: Ages 4–9, eco-friendly crafting, imaginative play.
7. Cardboard Tube Binoculars
By decorating two cardboard tubes and tying them together, kids can build pretend binoculars. They can paint them, wrap them in paper, or add stickers to match any theme – pirates, safari, beach day, or camping. These binoculars are perfect for backyard adventures and pretend play.
Best for: Ages 3–7, pretend play, reusable materials.
8. Sponge Water Bombs
Cut sponges into strips or balls, tie them tightly with a rubber band or thread, and fluff them out to make soft water “bombs.” They’re safer and reusable compared to balloons. Kids can use them for water toss games, target hits, or fun backyard challenges. These cool kids off while keeping things active.
Best for: Ages 5–12, outdoor energy play, summer heat.
9. Bubble Wrap Prints
Bubble wrap becomes a fun printing tool when kids brush paint over it and press paper to make colorful patterns. They can create fish scales, butterflies, flower textures, or abstract shapes. It’s messy in a good way and keeps kids busy indoors. The final prints look lively and unique every time.
Best for: Ages 3–8, indoor creativity, sensory fun.
10. DIY Paper Fans
Kids fold paper accordion-style, decorate it, and attach popsicle sticks at the ends to make a simple fan. They can personalize each fan with summer patterns like waves or suns. It’s a quick craft that kids can actually use when it gets warm. Plus, it builds patience and folding skills.
Best for: Ages 5–10, hot days, simple construction.
11. Sand Art Memory Jar
Kids can layer colored sand, tiny shells, and small summer treasures inside a clear jar. Each layer becomes a memory from walks, beach trips, or backyard adventures. This craft encourages storytelling and helps kids create something they can proudly display. It also builds patience as they pour carefully.
Best for: Ages 6–12, calm crafting, keepsake making.
12. Painted Story Stones
Children paint small rocks with simple images, animals, weather, people, objects, and use them to tell stories. They can mix and match stones to create new adventures each time. This activity boosts imagination and language skills in a playful way. The stones are also great for travel bags.
Best for: Ages 4–10, creative thinking, storytelling.
13. Watercolor Coffee Filter Flowers
Kids color coffee filters with markers, spray them lightly with water, and watch the colors blend into soft watercolor patterns. They then twist the center with a pipe cleaner to turn it into a bright summer flower.
The process feels magical and relaxing. These flowers make a pretty room décor too.
Best for: Ages 3–8, low-mess art, fine-motor practice.
14. DIY Nature Wands
With sticks, ribbons, yarn, and small nature finds, kids can make decorative wands for pretend play. They can tie leaves, feathers, or painted shells onto the stick for a whimsical look. This craft encourages outdoor collecting, creativity, and movement-based play.
Best for: Ages 4–9, outdoor fun, imaginative play.
15. Paper Plate Ice Cream Cones
Kids cut and paint a “cone” shape, then add scoops made from paper circles. They can decorate each scoop with sprinkles, glitter dots, or cotton “whipped cream.”
It’s a cheerful craft that celebrates summer treats without the sugar. It also teaches layering and simple cutting.
Best for: Ages 3–7, themed crafting, beginner skills.
16. Frozen Dinosaur or Toy Rescue
Small toys are frozen into blocks of ice, and kids use warm water, droppers, or toy tools to “rescue” them. It’s part science, part sensory play. Kids stay cool while observing how ice melts and changes. This activity keeps them engaged for long stretches.
Best for: Ages 4–8, hot days, STEM-based play.
17. DIY Shell or Pebble Photo Frame
Kids decorate a plain frame with shells, stones, or beach finds using strong craft glue. They can fill it with a summer photo once dry. This craft helps kids design a piece of décor they’ll want to keep. It’s also a nice way to use natural materials meaningfully.
Best for: Ages 6–12, creative design, memory projects.
18. Cardboard Sailboat Craft
Kids cut simple boat shapes from cardboard, paint them, and add a paper sail. These boats can float in a tub or sink if coated lightly with tape. The craft teaches balance and design while linking to ocean play. Kids love seeing which designs float best.
Best for: Ages 5–10, water play, early STEM learning.
19. Sunshine Handprint Art
Using yellow paint, kids stamp their hands around a circle to create a bright sunburst. They can add a happy face in the center or write a summer message. This keepsake captures little handprints while boosting creativity. It’s quick, colorful, and always turns out cute.
Best for: Ages 2–6, keepsakes, fast crafts.
20. DIY Scrapbook-Style Summer Journal
Kids collect small memories, stickers, drawings, wrappers, wristbands, leaves, and glue them into a simple notebook. They can write short notes or captions on each page. This craft helps kids reflect on their experiences and build storytelling habits. It grows throughout the summer.
Best for: Ages 6–12, memory keeping, creative writing.
21. DIY Water Balloon Piñatas (Sponge Version)
Instead of real balloons, kids soak large sponges in colored water and hang them outside. They hit the sponge gently with a stick and enjoy the splash. It’s a safe, eco-friendly twist on a classic summer activity. Kids stay cool and active without the usual balloon waste.
Best for: Ages 5–12, outdoor play, low-waste fun.
22. Torn-Paper Ocean Collage
Kids tear blue, green, and white paper and layer the pieces to create waves, beaches, or underwater scenes. They can add cut-out fish, shells, or seaweed shapes. The tearing technique strengthens hands and gives the collage a textured look. This craft is simple but very calming.
Best for: Ages 4–9, ocean themes, fine-motor building.
23. Rainbow Suncatcher Craft
Using contact paper and tissue paper squares, kids arrange colors into a rainbow design. When hung near sunlight, the colors glow beautifully. It’s a cheerful décor piece that helps kids learn about color blending and patterns. The sticky surface also makes it toddler-friendly.
Best for: Ages 3–8, window décor, sensory-friendly.
24. Popsicle Stick Mini Campsite
Kids use popsicle sticks, small stones, fabric scraps, and twigs to build a tiny campsite scene. They can create tents, a pretend campfire, and even little signs. This craft encourages storytelling and hands-on building. It’s a great choice for kids who love outdoor adventures.
Best for: Ages 6–12, creative building, pretend play.
25. Nature Rubbing Art
Kids place leaves, flowers, or textured objects under paper and rub crayons over the surface to reveal patterns. They can create a full page of textures or arrange them into a picture. It’s an easy way to notice details in nature without needing glue or paint.
Best for: Ages 3–8, sensory learning, quick setup.
26. DIY Mermaid Tail Bookmark
Kids cut and decorate a mermaid tail shape using cardstock and markers. They can add glitter, scales, or stickers to personalize it. This craft feels magical and encourages summer reading. Plus, the finished bookmark is both cute and useful.
Best for: Ages 5–10, reading motivation, themed crafting.
27. Painted Driftwood Decorations
If you have access to driftwood or dry sticks, kids can paint patterns, shapes, or simple images on them. These pieces become rustic décor for bedrooms or patios. It’s a peaceful craft that combines nature finds with creativity.
Best for: Ages 6–12, outdoor finds, calming art.
28. Fruit-Themed Paper Fans
Kids make paper fans shaped like watermelon slices, oranges, or lemons. They color them with markers or crayons and fold them to create a fun summer accessory. This craft is playful and encourages kids to learn fruit patterns.
Best for: Ages 4–9, hot days, fun themes.
29. DIY Ice Cream Stick Puppets
Kids draw characters on cardstock, cut them out, and glue them onto popsicle sticks. They can make animals, ocean creatures, or silly faces. These puppets are great for simple shows and storytelling. This craft boosts imagination and keeps kids entertained afterward.
Best for: Ages 3–8, pretend play, creativity.
30. Watercolor Salt Art
Kids paint with watercolor on thick paper, then sprinkle salt on the wet paint. The salt absorbs the color and creates star-like patterns. It feels like a science experiment mixed with art. Each piece dries with a unique, textured look.
Best for: Ages 5–10, science-meets-art, low-prep craft.
31. Leaf Print T-Shirts
Kids place leaves on a plain T-shirt, dab fabric paint around the edges, and peel the leaves off to reveal crisp shapes. Each shirt becomes a wearable piece of art inspired by nature. It’s a great outdoor craft that also teaches pattern and design.
Best for: Ages 6–12, outdoor painting, wearable art.
32. Paper Roll Fireflies
Using cardboard tubes, kids paint them black or yellow, add wings from paper, and glue on glow-in-the-dark stickers or tissue paper “lights.” These little fireflies look adorable at night near a window. The craft encourages kids to learn about insects in a fun way.
Best for: Ages 4–9, nature themes, imaginative play.
33. Ocean-Inspired Sensory Bottle
Kids fill a clear bottle with water, glitter, beads, and tiny plastic sea creatures. When shaken, the items float and swirl like an underwater scene. It’s soothing to watch and doubles as a calming tool for quiet time.
Best for: Ages 3–8, sensory soothing, ocean learning.
34. DIY Kite From Paper and Sticks
Kids make a small, lightweight kite using paper, tape, and thin sticks. They personalize it with drawings or stickers before testing it on a breezy day. The joy comes from both building and flying it. This activity introduces simple engineering concepts.
Best for: Ages 6–12, outdoor play, basic STEM.
35. Pastel Chalk Silhouette Art
Kids place a cut-out shape, like an animal, handprint, or sun, on black paper and color around it with chalk. When the shape is lifted, a glowing outline appears. The contrast looks dramatic and beautiful. It’s a quick way to create striking art.
Best for: Ages 5–10, low-mess coloring, bold visuals.
36. Seashell Critter Magnets
Kids decorate seashells with eyes, paint, or markers to turn them into silly creatures. After decorating, they glue magnets on the back to create fridge décor. This craft helps kids reuse natural materials in a fun, creative way.
Best for: Ages 6–12, ocean themes, fridge-friendly crafts.
37. Water Spray Bottle Painting
Kids spray diluted paint onto paper taped to a fence or wall. As the colors drip and blend, they create bold, abstract designs. The process feels exciting and is perfect for messy outdoor art. It keeps kids active while crafting.
Best for: Ages 4–10, outdoor art, sensory-friendly.
38. Fruit Stamp Art
Kids dip cut fruit, like apples, lemons, or peppers, into paint and stamp them onto paper. Each fruit makes a different shape and pattern. It’s a playful way to learn textures while making bright summer artwork.
Best for: Ages 3–8, sensory play, simple setup.
39. Mini Fairy Garden in a Jar
Kids fill a jar with pebbles, moss, painted rocks, and tiny handmade accessories like paper flowers or twig furniture. It becomes a magical miniature world they can decorate and rearrange. This craft sparks storytelling and imaginative play.
Best for: Ages 6–12, fantasy play, detailed crafting.
40. Splash Art Tie-Dye Paper
Kids use droppers or pipettes to splash liquid watercolor onto thick paper. The colors spread out in starburst patterns, creating a tie-dye effect. It’s vibrant, quick, and great for experimenting with color mixing.
Best for: Ages 4–9, colorful art, beginner-friendly.
41. DIY Driftwood Sailboats
Kids use small driftwood pieces, a stick for a mast, and a paper triangle sail to create tiny sailboats. They can test them in a bucket or kiddie pool and adjust the design if needed. This hands-on activity teaches balance and buoyancy in a simple way.
Best for: Ages 6–12, water play, outdoor STEM.
42. Nature Weaving Board
Kids weave grass, flowers, leaves, or yarn through a cardboard board with cut slits. Each board becomes a natural tapestry filled with summer colors. It’s a quiet craft that encourages focus and creativity while using items found outdoors.
Best for: Ages 5–10, calm crafting, sensory learning.
43. Frozen Paint Chalks
Kids mix water, cornstarch, and food coloring, pour it into molds, and freeze it to create icy chalk. As it melts on the pavement, it leaves bright streaks and patterns. This activity feels refreshing on hot days and makes outdoor art even more fun.
Best for: Ages 4–9, summer heat, sensory play.
44. Paper Jellyfish Hangings
Kids use paper bowls or circles, cut streamers for tentacles, and decorate them with markers or tissue paper. When hung from the ceiling or porch, these jellyfish sway like underwater creatures. They’re simple but add a playful summer vibe to any space.
Best for: Ages 3–8, ocean themes, decorative crafting.
45. DIY Rock Tic-Tac-Toe Set
Kids paint rocks with Xs and Os or themed icons like suns and shells, then create a simple board on cardboard or cloth. This craft doubles as a game they can play all summer. It encourages strategy, creativity, and teamwork.
Best for: Ages 5–10, game-making, multi-use craft.
46. Sponge Stamped Garden Art
Kids cut sponges into shapes like flowers, clouds, or butterflies and stamp them with paint onto large sheets of paper. The prints come out bold and cheerful. It’s a great outdoor craft that lets kids experiment with pattern-making freely.
Best for: Ages 3–7, outdoor painting, easy setup.
47. Under-the-Sea Paper Aquarium
Kids create a mini aquarium inside a shoebox using cut-out fish, tissue paper seaweed, and blue cellophane. They can hang fish with string to make them “float.” It’s a detailed craft that keeps kids busy and builds storytelling skills.
Best for: Ages 6–12, detailed art, ocean learning.
48. Weather Wheel Craft
Kids make a spinning wheel with different summer weather types – sunny, cloudy, windy, rainy – and attach a movable arrow. It’s great for morning routines or pretend play. This craft also helps kids learn to identify weather patterns.
Best for: Ages 4–8, learning-based crafting, routine building.
49. DIY Butterfly Feeder Craft
Kids decorate a shallow plate or jar lid, attach strings to hang it, and fill it with a simple sugar-water mix and flowers. It becomes a lovely spot for butterflies. This craft teaches kids about nature, kindness, and gentle observation.
Best for: Ages 6–12, nature learning, outdoor calm time.
50. Summer Memory Shadow Box
Kids fill a small box with summer treasures – photos, shells, tickets, drawings, and notes. They decorate the outside with paint or markers to make it personal. This craft turns everyday moments into a meaningful keepsake that lasts long after summer ends.
Best for: Ages 7–12, memory making, sentimental crafting.
Practical Tips to Make Summer Craft Time Easier
Summer crafts don’t have to feel overwhelming or messy. With a little planning, you can create a fun routine that keeps kids engaged and excited to create.
- Plan a Weekly Craft Theme: Pick one theme each week, like ocean, nature, or colors, to make choosing activities easier. It also helps kids know what to expect and keeps them excited for the next idea.
- Use Washable and Low-Mess Materials: Choose paints, markers, and glues that clean up easily. This makes craft time less stressful and encourages kids to be more independent.
- Have Easy and Hard Versions of Crafts: If you’re working with multiple kids, offer a simple version for younger ones and a challenge version for older kids. Everyone feels included and engaged.
- Display or Photograph Finished Crafts: Hanging art on a wall or taking photos before recycling helps kids feel proud of their work. It also keeps clutter under control.
With these easy tweaks, you’ll enjoy smoother days filled with creativity and fewer mess-related headaches.
Conclusion
Summer crafts are such an easy way to keep kids busy, creative, and happy during long, warm days.
With the right ideas and a few simple supplies, you can turn slow afternoons into fun moments that your kids will actually remember.
If you found these ideas helpful, stick around for more kid-friendly activities, simple DIYs, and seasonal guides. And don’t forget to share this post with another parent who needs fresh summer inspiration!
