Summertime is the perfect time for kids’ imaginations to run wild. That’s why we’ve compiled 18 of the cutest, easy-to-make summer crafts for kids to help them get started. Simple to make, with inexpensive materials, your kids will be inspired by the beautiful results.
1. Paper Plate Sunshine
How happy is this sunshiny craft? Start with yellow paper plates, add construction paper rays, then string yarn and beads across the middle to make these summer crafts for kids.
Learn more: iHeartCraftyThings
2. Tissue Paper Flower Bracelet
Cut circles out of colorful tissue paper to create a beautiful flower. Then string a pipe cleaner through the middle and add wooden beads. Make a dozen and pass them out to your friends!
Learn more: Buggy and Buddy
3. Handprint Clay Jewelry Dish
More than practical, this sweet keepsake made from craft clay will commemorate a moment in time.
Learn more: Simple as That
4. Monster Change Purse
All this funny craft takes is a strip of green felt folded in thirds, a button for a nose, some extra felt for features, and a needle and thread.
5. Glue Batik
Learn the age-old craft of batik with a twist—use glue instead of wax!
Learn more: Babble Dabble Do
6. Learn to Weave
How many of us spent entire summers weaving things for our mom and dad (potholders, anyone)? This craft teaches kids the basics, from how to make a simple loom to how to create designs.
Learn more: Tate Kids
7. Rainbow Paper Spinner
Talk about old-fashioned fun! Create a whirligig made from colorful strips of construction paper and a small dowel, give it a few twists, and watch it fly.
Learn more: Teach Beside Me
8. Folded Paper Garland
Warning: This craft may be addicting! Once you start folding colorful pieces of construction paper together to form an interlocking garland, you may not want to stop.
Learn more: Minieco
9. Stained-Glass Bunting
This craft requires a warm iron, so make sure a grown-up is nearby. This beautiful “stained-glass” bunting is actually wax paper, cut into triangles with melted crayon shavings pressed in between.
Learn more: Artful Parent
10. Bow-Tie Noodle Butterflies
No summer would be complete without a little pasta art. In this case, farfalle pasta is painted in bright hues, then glued to paper to create this whimsical scene.
Learn more: Crafty Morning
11. Salt Dough Starfish
All you need to create this gorgeous craft is salt dough, a toothpick, and lots of patience! Best of all, it costs just pennies to create.
Learn more: Chickabug
12. Pet Cactus Rocks
These adorable little succulents are really just painted stones with googly eyes attached, nestled into tiny clay pots. Create your own colony that will make you smile every time you see them.
Learn more: The Best Ideas for Kids
13. Sand Art Bottles
Another throwback craft, layered sand art is making a comeback. This version uses food coloring or liquid watercolors to color the sand. Then, different colors are poured in layers into a clear glass bottle, creating a dreamy wave-like effect.
Learn more: Art Bar
14. Bean Mosaics
Beans, beans the magical fruit … who knew they could make such pretty designs? All it takes is a few inexpensive varieties of dried beans, a little craft paint, and some glue to create these gorgeous decorations.
Learn more: The Pretty Life Girls
15. Bottle Cap Bugs
Little kids are buggy about bugs, and what better time than summertime for them to craft up a few of their own?
Learn more: This Grandma Is Fun! Artzy Creations
16. No-Sew Duct Tape Zipper Pouches
This ingenious craft uses ziplock bags wrapped in duct tape to create colorful pouches kids can use for pencils, hair ties, coins, and more.
Learn more: Happiness Is Homemade
17. Egg Carton Baby Turtles
These summer crafts for kids are made from recycled egg cartons, paint, construction paper, and googly eyes. The irresistible baby turtles will inspire hours of creative play.
Learn more: Emma Owl
18. Craft-Stick Flower Pots
Who knew a tin can and some colorful craft sticks would make such an adorable flower pot? Tuck a colorful plant inside and these make awesome gifts for friends, family, and neighbors.
Learn more: Typically Simple
Plus, Inspire Your Kids’ Creativity With These 12 Online Art Resources.
