Of course, summer break sounds amazing in theory. No school, no early alarms, just fun in the sun. But let’s be real… after about a week, the kids are already saying, “I’m boooored.”
When it’s bright and sunny outside, they don’t want to go out and play. And suddenly, you’re scrambling for ways to keep them entertained without just handing them a tablet.
That’s where summer crafts come in! They’re the perfect mix of creativity, fun, and— bonus— keeping little hands busy for more than five minutes.
One summer in our teen days, my siblings and I attempted DIY tie-dye shirts, and let’s just say… it was chaotic, messy, and absolutely worth it.
We had fun doing this, and we ended up with some pretty cool (and very, very colorful) shirts.
You may be pleased to know that don’t need fancy supplies or a Pinterest-perfect setup. Some paper, glue, and whatever random art supplies you have lying around can turn into a full-on crafting adventure.
The kids can craft something out of toilet rolls, felt flower bouquet, or even make flowers out of water bottles.
And if you really want to earn some cool points, break out the glitter— just be prepared to find it in random places for months.
So, if you’re looking for easy, fun, and low-stress ways to keep the kids busy this summer, I’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive into 30 summer crafts that’ll keep those little hands creating (and hopefully give you five minutes to enjoy your iced coffee in peace).
1. Spin Art Snails
Spin art is already a blast, but turning it into adorable little snails? That’s next-level fun.
Kids love the surprise of how the colors swirl together, and since no two snails turn out the same, it’s a great way to encourage creativity.
Plus, let’s be honest—snail crafts are way more fun than actual snails in your backyard.
2. Happy Rainbow Sun
There’s something so happy about this one— bright, colorful, and full of summer vibes. It’s the perfect way to teach kids about warm colors and how the sun lights up our world.
Plus, once it’s done, it makes for an awesome window decoration that’ll bring a little sunshine indoors, even on cloudy days.
3. Paper Plate Rainbow Fish
If your kids loved The Rainbow Fish book, this craft is a must!
It’s a fun way to use up those extra paper plates while working on scissor skills (which, let’s be real, can be terrifying in tiny hands). Add some shiny foil or glitter for that extra magical touch.
4. Paper Cup Flowers
Who knew paper cups could turn into something this cute? These flowers make a sweet little bouquet that never wilts, and they’re an easy way for kids to experiment with colors and shapes.
Plus, they’re perfect for Mother’s Day, teacher gifts, or just brightening up the fridge door.
5. Scrape Painted Jellyfish Windsock Craft
Messy but so worth it—this one’s all about fun textures and movement.
The scrape painting technique makes every jellyfish unique, and once they’re done, you can hang them up outside and watch them “swim” in the wind.
Bonus: it’s a great excuse to talk about ocean life!
6. Summer Paper Craft
This one’s perfect for lazy afternoons when you want to keep the kids busy without a huge mess.
Simple, colorful, and packed with summer-themed fun, it’s an easy way to get creative without needing a ton of supplies. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some fine motor skill practice.
7. Beehive Paper Craft
Bees are so important, and this craft is a fun way to teach kids about their role in nature.
The little honeycomb design is so satisfying to put together, and you can even add cute paper bees to make it extra fun.
Just don’t be surprised if your kid suddenly wants to become a beekeeper.
8. Paper Plate Flower Weaving
Weaving is one of those old-school skills that’s actually really good for kids to learn.
This craft turns a simple paper plate into a colorful woven flower, helping little hands build coordination while making something beautiful. Plus, it’s oddly relaxing— even for adults!
9. Folded Paper Butterfly Craft
These delicate little butterflies are the perfect mix of easy and impressive.
The folding technique makes them look fancy without being complicated, and they’re a great way to use up all that extra craft paper lying around.
Tape them to the walls, hang them on strings—instant summer decor!
10. Mini Beach Paper Plate Craft
If you can’t take the kids to the beach, bring the beach to them! This mini beach scene, made from a simple paper plate, lets kids create their own little slice of summer.
Add tiny seashells or a sprinkle of real sand for extra texture and fun.
11. Easy Tissue Paper Sunflower Craft
Sunflowers just scream summer, don’t they? This craft is the perfect mix of easy and beautiful— kids get to scrunch up tissue paper (which is oddly satisfying), and the end result is a bright, cheerful sunflower.
It’s a great way to introduce kids to texture and layering without it feeling like a school lesson.
12. Paper Art Window Craft
Ever seen how stained glass glows when the sun hits it? This craft gives kids that same magical effect, but without the whole “handling actual glass” situation (because, yikes).
They’ll love picking their own colors and patterns, and it makes for an awesome summer window decoration.
13. Toilet Roll Butterfly Craft
Butterflies are basically the mascots of summer, and this is such a cute way to bring them indoors.
Kids get to recycle old toilet paper rolls (yay for eco-friendly crafting!) and decorate their butterflies however they like.
Stick them on the wall, hang them from string, or let them “flutter” around the house.
14. Water Bottle Flower Craft
Who knew an empty water bottle could turn into something so pretty? This is a fantastic way to introduce kids to upcycling—plus, they’ll love stamping the bottle to make flower petals.
You can even turn them into garden decorations by attaching them to sticks!
15. Cupcake Liner Flower Craft
Cupcake liners aren’t just for baking, my friend. They make the cutest little flowers, and kids can layer them up to create bright, colorful blooms.
It’s a super easy, low-mess craft that works for all ages—perfect for a rainy summer afternoon.
16. Cardboard Tube Yarn Insects
This one’s a little extra crafty, but trust me—it’s worth it. Wrapping yarn around cardboard tubes is a great way for kids to build fine motor skills (without even realizing it).
Plus, these little bugs are just so stinkin’ cute, and you can make all sorts of different insects!
17. DIY Felt Flower Bouquet
Real flowers wilt, but these? They last forever. This craft is great for older kids who want to try their hand at sewing or gluing felt pieces together.
And let’s be real—a homemade flower bouquet makes a pretty adorable gift for grandma, mom, or a teacher.
18. Cupcake Liner Butterflies
Cupcake liners strike again! These little butterflies are so easy to make, and kids can mix and match different colors to create unique designs.
Hang them up on the fridge or use them as party decorations for an extra pop of summer fun.
19. Pipe Cleaner Cherry Blossom
Cherry blossoms in summer? Why not! This craft is perfect for kids who love a little bit of sculpting, and the end result is surprisingly elegant.
You can even stick these on a branch for a super cute centerpiece.
20. Floral Paper Wreath
Summer wreaths aren’t just for front doors—you can hang these anywhere for a fun seasonal touch.
Kids will love arranging the paper flowers and choosing their own color scheme.
Bonus: it’s a perfect way to keep little hands busy without breaking out the glitter (because let’s be honest, that stuff never goes away).
21. Paper Plate Sun and Rainbow Craft
Nothing says summer vibes like a big, happy sun and a rainbow. This craft is super easy, using just a paper plate and some colorful strips, but the result is pure joy.
Kids will love watching their rainbow sway in the breeze if you hang it up. It’s bright, fun, and a great way to add a little sunshine to any room!
22. Butterfly Suncatcher
Let’s be real, kids love anything that sticks to a window. These butterfly suncatchers are a mix of artsy and science-y because when the sunlight shines through, they look magical.
It’s an easy craft, but the end result feels fancy—like something you’d buy at a cute little boutique.
23. DIY Pineapple Planters
Got an old can lying around? Boom—turn it into an adorable pineapple planter.
Kids can paint, decorate, and then plant something inside (even if it’s just a fake succulent). Plus, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a cute, little pineapple?
24. Colorful DIY Felt Flowers
Felt flowers are the craft that keeps on giving. They don’t wilt, they brighten up any space, and kids can mix and match their favorite colors.
Whether you make a bouquet or just a single flower, this is a perfect craft for a chill summer afternoon.
25. Cupcake Liner Daffodil Craft
Cupcake liners might be the most underrated craft supply ever. These little daffodils are ridiculously cute and so easy for little hands to put together.
Stick a bunch in a vase, and you’ve got yourself a forever bouquet!
26. Paper Flower Craft
There’s just something about making your own flowers that feels so satisfying.
This craft is simple but looks so pretty when it’s done, and kids can get creative with different colors and petal shapes.
It’s the perfect rainy-day activity when you still want a touch of summer indoors.
27. Paper Plate Sailboat
This one is a must for little ocean lovers. Kids get to design their own sailboats, and when they’re done, they can “sail” them around the house in pretend oceans.
It’s the perfect mix of crafting and imaginative play—double win!
28. Giant Hawaiian Summer Paper Flower Craft
Feeling extra this summer? These oversized paper flowers are so fun to make and look straight out of a tropical party.
Hang them up for summer decorations or use them as a photo backdrop—either way, they’re a total statement piece.
29. Sponge Water Bombs
Okay, this is summer fun at its finest. Cut up some sponges, tie them together, and boom—you’ve got reusable water bombs.
Way less messy than traditional water balloons, but just as fun for backyard water fights!
30. Cardboard Tube Rainbow Blowers
If your kid loves running around pretending to be a superhero (or a dragon, or a magical unicorn), this craft is a winner.
They can make their own colorful rainbow blower, then run outside and watch the streamers dance in the wind.
Plus, it’s a great way to reuse those empty toilet paper rolls.
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