Keep little hands busy and creativity flowing all season long!
Summer is the perfect time to unplug, explore creativity, and enjoy some hands-on fun. Whether you’re crafting at home, on vacation, or at summer camp, these easy DIY projects are perfect for kids of all ages—and most use materials you already have around the house!
☀️ 1. Popsicle Stick Picture Frames
Use colorful popsicle sticks, glue, and decorations like stickers, buttons, or gems to make a fun frame. Add a photo from summer vacation or a hand-drawn picture to make it extra special.
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🎨 2. Rock Painting
Collect smooth stones from your backyard or beach trip and turn them into bugs, animals, or inspirational messages using acrylic paint and markers.
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🌼 3. Paper Plate Sunflowers
Paint a paper plate yellow, add a brown circle center, and glue on sunflower seeds for a textured flower. Attach a green craft stick for the stem.
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🦋 4. Coffee Filter Butterflies
Kids can use washable markers on coffee filters, spritz with water, and let dry for a beautiful tie-dye effect. Gather in the center with a clothespin and add pipe cleaner antennae!
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🌊 5. Ocean in a Bottle
Fill a plastic water bottle with water, a little blue food coloring, glitter, and a bit of oil. Seal tightly. Shake and watch the calming waves!
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🔆 6. Sun Catchers
Cut shapes out of clear contact paper or laminating sheets, and stick on tissue paper pieces to create a stained glass look. Hang in a sunny window.
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🦀 7. Handprint Crabs
Paint palms red and stamp them side by side on paper with fingers sticking out for legs. Add googly eyes and a beach scene!
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🍧 8. Pom-Pom Ice Cream Cones
Glue colorful pom-poms to a triangle-shaped paper cone for a cute (and non-melting!) summer treat craft.
🐝 9. Toilet Paper Roll Binoculars
Tape two empty rolls together, decorate with paint or paper, and add a string to wear them around your neck for nature walks or backyard exploration.
🌟 10. DIY Sidewalk Chalk Paint
Mix cornstarch, water, and food coloring to make washable sidewalk chalk paint. Use foam brushes to create murals on the driveway or sidewalk.
Tips for Crafting with Kids:
- Use washable paints and glue for easy cleanup
- Keep a craft bin handy with scissors, markers, glue, and paper
- Let kids lead and be creative—even if it gets messy!
Crafting is more than just fun—it helps build fine motor skills, encourages creativity, and creates sweet summer memories. Which one will you try first?
* AI was used to generate some ideas for this article.
