These summer crafts for kids are perfect to keep kids busy with some fun activities on boring days. They’re going to love these projects!
I’ll be honest, I’m more of a cold weather person. Fall and winter are typically my favorite times of year, as I enjoy crisp days and feeling comfy in a snug jacket.
Having said that, this year feels a little bit different! I feel like it rained a lot more than average this last six months, though I’m not sure if that is reality or just my impression based on worldwide events. This year? I’m ready to get outside!
I notice the kids in my neighborhood are eager to get out and play too. Lots of bike riding, drawing on the sidewalk with chalk, and overall tomfoolery. And who doesn’t like tomfoolery? I’m a big fan.
One thing I thought was fun is that a neighbor pulled a card table out into the middle of the driveway so that her kids could do some crafts. Right there on the table in the sun! It inspired me to put together this list of summer crafts for kids. Because the truth is . . . kids get bored during the summer.
I was a kid once. After you’ve ridden your bike for the 700th time and gone to the pool so much you have wrinkled toes permanently, you’re going to need something else to do. The littles start complaining about being bored. What is it time for? Summer crafts, my friends.
This list of 50 summer crafts for kids will keep your children entertained, either inside or out (it’s easy to pull a lot of these ideas to a driveway card table!). It’s a great list for kids of all ages, whether they been toddlers or tweens. There’s a little something for everyone here.
I encourage kids to get outside as much as possible, but when they need a little something extra or are for whatever reason hanging out indoors, this list will help. Scroll down to see my favorite summer crafting picks! Then let me know your favorite ideas in the comments.
1
Tie Dye Headbands from T-Shirts
These tie dye headbands are easy to make from t-shirts! Both kids and adults will love this fashion craft, and it's perfect for summer.
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2
Rainbow Painted Flower Pots
Use paint to make painted flower pots with rainbow ombre awesomeness! Both children and adults alike will love this easy craft. So fun!
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3
DIY Spin Art Machine
Make your own spin painter by using a household item! This DIY spin art machine is so fun for kids to do – it’s budget friendly and easy to set up.
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4
prettylifegirls.com
How to Make a Stained Glass Suncatcher
Stained glass making isn't conducive for having kids around, so the Pretty Life Girls will show you how to recreate the look with cellophane! This is a cool idea with no limit to the designs.
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5
Glow in the Dark Play Dough
Learn how to make this simple homemade play dough recipe with two ingredients! Add a fun twist with some glow in the dark paint.
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6
Make Toilet Paper Roll Binoculars
Learn how to make toilet paper roll binoculars for kids! These are perfect for summer fun, and use materials you already have at home. Plus there are free printable papers if you need them.
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7
gluesticksblog.com
DIY Tattoo Soap Bars
DIY tattoo soap bars are easy for kids to make, and the temporary tattoo stays on the bar of soap even after many washings! Add fun scents, too!
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8
Make Stamps from Wine Corks
Instead of purchasing stamps at the store, save a couple of bucks and make your own from wine corks. It's VERY easy and kids will love it!
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9
leftbraincraftbrain.com
Recycled Plastic Flowers Art
This is pretty much the prettiest science experiment you'll ever do! Through the magical chemistry of polymers, you can turn recycled plastic into a beautiful flower garden or bouquet.
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10
Clothespin Butterflies That Kids Will Love
Learn how to make clothespin butterflies that kids are going to love! This is easy to make with craft paint and other simple supplies.
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11
Cat Bookmarks From Paint Chips
Instead of using random scraps of paper, I whipped up these super colorful and cute feline themed cat bookmarks out of paint chips!
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12
50+ Summer Perler Bead Ideas
Whether you’re a beach or a mountains person, you’re going to love these summer perler bead ideas for kids! Get over 50 fun and easy perler bead patterns!
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13
Courtney Sanchez
DIY Wind Chimes For Kids
Courtney shows you how to make this glass bead wind chime with driftwood and acrylic paint! It's not overly loud, so it's a perfect summer craft project that won't drive you crazy.
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14
Make Sidewalk Chalk Paint
This three-ingredient sidewalk chalk paint is a blast for kids this summer! Learn how to make it – you probably have everything on hand.
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15
eighteen25.com
Washi Tape Popsicle Stick Frames
Have you ever used washi tape? Combine it with popsicle sticks to make the cutest, coolest frames ever! Kids will love putting together patterns and colors.
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16
Make Bracelets with Perler Beads
Have you ever tried hama beads, aka perler beads? Learn how to make a perler bead bracelet in this tutorial. Easy and fun for adults or kids.
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17
iheartartsncrafts.com
Jellyfish Salt Painting Activity
Kids will love using salt, glue, and watercolors to create some colorful ocean art. They can make the shapes of any underwater creatures they like.
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18
Play Doh Slime Recipe
This is the coolest slime recipe ever, with no Borax! Kids are going to love making this unique slime with Play Doh.
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19
Coffee Filter Flowers
Make these cute flowers out of coffee filters using inexpensive supplies! Kids will love this project for spring or summer.
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20
rhythmsofplay.com
Handprint Jewelry Bowl or Ring Dish
A handprint art ring dish or jewelry bowl made with marbled polymer clay is a unique homemade gift idea that kids can make! I love it when craft ideas are useful, and this is a great example of that.
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21
Colorful Dip Dyed Kids Wall Art
Use liquid watercolors or food coloring to make this unique dip dyed kids wall art project. Kids will have fun and the results are stunning!
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22
sustainmycrafthabit.com
Painted Rocks Sharks
Hop on the rock painting trend and have some toothy fun with these shark painted rocks. Follow this simple step-by-step tutorial for how to paint rocks that look perfect planted in the sand.
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23
Fun Flower Duct Tape Pens
Learn how to make flower pens using a fun craft material – duct tape! These DIY flower pens are easy enough for kids or adults. SO fun!
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24
Debbie Chapman
DIY Puffy Paint Recipe
Puffy paint is so easy to make and it’s so much fun to paint with! It has the coolest, puffy texture that really pops off the page.
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25
Coffee Filter Butterflies
Make these cute butterflies out of coffee filters using inexpensive supplies! Kids will love to make these for spring or summer.
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26
createcraftlove.com
Sponge Ball Water Fight
This is a craft you're going to want to keep outside! Cut up sponges and assemble them into bombs – that kids can soak and have a water fight with! Turn on the sprinkler and have a great time.
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27
How to Make Slime with Laundry Detergent
Learn how to make slime with laundry detergent! This is a completely non-toxic, easy recipe for kids with few ingredients.
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28
Amanda Freund
Recycled Storage Caddy
What should you do with all those old cereal boxes and toilet paper rolls? Let kids turn them into storage containers with Duck Tape! They can design a wide variety of storage solutions for things all over the home.
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29
Summer Bug Cards
These bug cards are the perfect summer crafts for kids! Make them easily with stickers, ink pads, and other simple supplies.
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30
Meaghan Mountford
Seashell Creatures Summer Craft
Use air-dry clay, shells, and paint to make these cute seashell creatures. A great summer shell craft for kids or grown-ups.
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31
Confetti Bookmarks for Kids
These cool bookmarks are so easy for kids to make! Learn how to make your own bookmark with confetti inside.
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32
projectkid.com
Make Upcycled Planters with Paint
I can't get enough of these upcycled planters! Grab cans, paint in various colors, and Duck Tape. Kids are going to love making some colorful and uniquely designed faces.
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33
Vanessa Brady
Pipe Cleaner Bubble Wands
It's easy to craft up princess bubble wands using a few pipe cleaners and beads. This is a craft that most preschoolers can do independently or with little assistance! You can make any shape you like.
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34
Moon Glow in the Dark T-Shirt
Make a glow in the dark t-shirt with an image of the moon using this easy tutorial – all you need is some glowing fabric paint.
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35
Melissa Fenlon
Tissue Paper Collage Wall Art
This is a paint-free project that kids are going to love! Make the backgrounds of these colorful collages with tissue paper and Mod Podge. Add pictures to turn them into wall art.
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36
Marbled Polymer Clay Pens
Kids will love playing with clay in this DIY pens project! They'll learn to marble, and the pens make great gifts for friends and family.
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37
Maggy Woodley
Paper Plate Weaving How To
No need for a fancy weaving loom! Kids can leave to weave and make beautiful crafts at the same time. Perfect for many ages.
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38
Make DIY Bracelets with Duck Tape
These DIY bracelets made with Duck Tape are SO easy! Make these braided bracelets as a fun kids' craft idea. Teens and tweens will love them.
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39
Perler Bead Bookmarks
Learn how to make perler bead bookmarks using simple supplies! Kids will love this easy project with beads, popsicle sticks, and glue.
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40
kidsactivitiesblog.com
DIY Galaxy Jar (Sensory Bottle)
If you're looking for super easy summer crafts for kids that all your littles are going to love, galaxy jars are your craft! Easy to make and fun to play with for all ages.
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41
thecraftedsparrow.com
Summer Painted Planters
Summer is all about fruit! Kids will love decorating terra cotta pots to match the fresh fruits of summer – then they can plant their favorite plants in the pots as well.
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42
DIY Outer Space Jewelry
This kids' outer space jewelry craft is out-of-this-world fun! This strand of planets is made with clay – it's really easy to do.
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43
club.chicacircle.com
How to Make Homemade Lip Gloss
You can make your own lip gloss with Kool Aid! The recipe is super easy and perfect for a group of girls! A great slumber party or birthday party activity.
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44
No Sew Pillows from Felt
Are you ready for summer craft camp with the kids? Make these cute no sew felt pillows in fun lion and sun shapes. These are SO easy and littles will love them!
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45
happyhooligans.ca
DIY Marbled Paper with Shaving Cream
Learn how to make marbled paper with shaving cream and watercolors! The process is fascinating and really easy. Kids will love combining their favorite colors together to make unique patterns.
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46
Nature Scavenger Hunt for Kids
If you're looking for a unique activity this summer, this nature scavenger hunt for kids is the perfect way to get them outside!
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47
Amanda Formaro
Magazine Mosaic Flag
Made from recycled magazines, this magazine mosaic flag is a fun art activity that kids will love. Showing your patriotism is not just reserved for adults, kids love showing off their USA pride too! This is a great way to use some of those old magazines and allow kids to express their creativity.
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48
Perler Bead Crown for Kids
Do you love crafting with perler beads? Make a unique perler bead crown with this easy tutorial! Cute for a kids' party or dress up.
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49
adventure-in-a-box.com
Planet Earth Clay Craft
This was made for Earth Day, but you could make it any time of year! I love the idea of making small planets as a fun summer craft for kids.
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50
DIY Pencil Toppers the Kids Will Love
How adorable are these personalized pencil toppers? They’re bright and cheery, perfect for sending special messages and for party favors.
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51
projectkid.com
How to Make a DIY Popsicle Noisemaker
Popsicles are a staple of summer, and the 4th of July is coming! Here’s a quick little noisemaker craft that will get the kids in the spirit! This project is easy enough that kids’ can make it on their own or with little supervision.
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52
Perler Bead Tic Tac Toe Game
Learn how to make perler bead tic tac toe using simple supplies! Kids will love this easy project with beads that results in a game to play.
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53
thehappierhomemaker.com
Ombre Tin Can Bird Feeder
Do you have some tin cans in the recycling bin? You won't believe how easy it is to make a birdfeeder with your supplies. Children are going to love painting their creation!
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54
dianarambles.com
How to Dye Sand at the Beach
Colored sand is super simple and fun to make! The kids will love doing this craft, and they will think it is magic watching the sand turn a color. Safe for the water, too.
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55
projectswithkids.com
Easy Painted Fairy Houses
These fairy houses are just adorable and they couldn’t be easier to make! Grab some terra cotta pots, paints, and your kids will enjoy embracing their creativity for these outdoor creations.
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56
Girl and a Glue Gun
DIY Paper Spinner for Summer
These spinners are super simple summer crafts for kids that will keep them entertained! They are also inexpensive to create, made from cardboard, twine, and markers.
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