Keep their kids entertained this summer and spark their creativity with some at-home crafts.
From colourful art to nature-inspired DIYs, there’s no shortage of exciting craft ideas that will not only entertain children but also help them develop new skills.
Here are a couple of fun and easy summer craft ideas to try.
1. Painted Rock Creatures
Get outside and into nature with painted rock creatures. This easy and affordable craft involves gathering smooth stones and transforming them into cute animals, bugs, or fantasy creatures. All you need are some acrylic paints, brushes, and a little imagination. Kids can paint ladybugs, bees, or even dinosaurs, then place their creations in the garden or around the house as fun decorations. It’s a great activity to keep little hands busy and helps them connect with nature at the same time.
2. Tie-Dye T-shirts
Tie-dye is a summer classic that never goes out of style. Kids will love the process of twisting and folding plain white t-shirts into different patterns, then adding colourful fabric dyes. Whether they’re creating rainbow spirals or custom designs, the results are always exciting. This craft is perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply an afternoon at home. Plus, the best part is that kids get to wear their creations proudly once they dry!
3. DIY Nature Collages
Summer is the season for outdoor adventures, and a nature collage is the perfect way to capture all the beauty of the season. Encourage kids to collect leaves, flowers, sticks, and other natural items during walks or backyard explorations. Once they have their materials, they can arrange them on a piece of cardboard or heavy paper to create a beautiful, textured masterpiece. This craft promotes creativity, helps kids observe the world around them, and provides a perfect memento of summer.
4. Paper Plate Crafts
With a few paper plates, glue, and markers, kids can make a wide range of fun and imaginative crafts. From turning them into colorful masks, animals, or even hats, the possibilities are endless. Paper plates are inexpensive and easy to find, making them an excellent choice for quick and simple projects. For an added twist, children can cut the plates into different shapes or use them to make interactive storybooks. This craft is perfect for rainy summer afternoons or outdoor play.
5. Handprint and Footprint Art
Capture the growing hands and feet of little ones with handprint and footprint crafts. These projects make wonderful keepsakes and are often easy for younger children to complete with minimal assistance. Use washable paints to create handprint flowers, foot-shaped fish, or even handprint animals. After the paint dries, parents can frame the finished artwork or turn it into greeting cards or gifts for family members. It’s a fun way to preserve the memories of a child’s summer and their ever-changing size.
6. Bubble Wrap Printing
Create colourful prints using bubble wrap—one of the most satisfying crafts for kids. The process is simple: kids paint directly onto a piece of bubble wrap, then press it onto a sheet of paper to create textured prints. It’s a sensory experience that combines art with a bit of fun, as popping the bubbles is always a hit! Experimenting with different colors and bubble wrap sizes can produce stunning results, making it a creative project that children of all ages will enjoy.
7. DIY Bird Feeders
Encourage kids to give back to nature by creating simple bird feeders. Using materials like pine cones, peanut butter, and birdseed, children can make their own eco-friendly treats for local birds. All they have to do is spread peanut butter on a pine cone or a cardboard tube, roll it in birdseed, and hang it in a tree. This craft is educational as it teaches kids about animals, nature, and the importance of helping wildlife. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to bring some feathered friends to the backyard.
8. Suncatchers
Catch the sunlight with colourful, homemade suncatchers. This craft involves using plastic or cardboard to create a frame, which kids can decorate with tissue paper, paint, or even beads. Once completed, the suncatchers can be hung in windows where they’ll catch the light and create a dazzling display. This craft is ideal for teaching kids about colours, light, and shadows while brightening up the home with handmade art.
9. DIY Slime Making
Slime is a favourite sensory craft for many children, and making it from scratch can be a fun science experiment. With simple ingredients like glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution, kids can create gooey, stretchy slime in a variety of colours and textures. For an extra sensory experience, add glitter, foam beads, or even small plastic toys to the mix. Not only will kids have fun with the squishy slime, but they’ll also learn about the science behind chemical reactions.
10. Mini Flower Pots
Give kids the opportunity to create their own little garden with mini flower pots. Start with plain terracotta pots and let kids decorate them using paint, markers, or stickers. Once their pots are dry, they can plant small flowers or succulents inside, creating their own mini garden. This craft teaches responsibility and gives kids the chance to care for their plants throughout the summer.
