Looking for simple ways to keep your kids entertained this summer without a huge mess or hours of prep? These 25 quick and easy summer crafts are perfect for beating boredom and keeping little hands busy. Whether you need a last-minute afternoon activity or a creative project for a rainy day, this list is full of fun, colorful ideas kids will love—and you’ll love how easy they are.
How Are Summer Crafts Beneficial for Kids?
Summer crafts do more than just keep kids busy—they help children grow in creativity, confidence, and essential developmental skills. Crafting gives kids a hands-on way to express themselves, explore new ideas, and stay mentally engaged during school breaks.
Benefits of summer crafts for kids:
-
Encourage creativity and imagination
-
Build fine motor skills through cutting, coloring, and gluing
-
Boost focus, patience, and problem-solving
-
Provide a break from screens with hands-on fun
-
Support emotional expression through art
-
Offer opportunities for family bonding and teamwork
-
Reinforce themes like seasons, holidays, or nature in a playful way
25 Easy Summer Crafts for Kids
Keep boredom at bay with this fun collection of simple summer crafts! These easy projects are perfect for kids of all ages and use supplies you likely already have at home.
Paper Plate Frisbee
Turn a simple paper plate into a flying frisbee with just a few decorations and a cut-out center. Kids can color, paint, or sticker it up and enjoy some active outdoor play when it’s done.
Paper Spinner Craft
This easy paper spinner twirls like magic when you twist and release the string. Use bright colors or patterns to make it extra eye-catching as it spins.
Penny Spinner Craft
With just a cardboard circle and a penny, kids can create a quick spinning top that whirls across the table. A great STEM-inspired craft that teaches balance and movement.
Ice Cream Pop Craft with Template
Kids can decorate their own paper ice cream pops using a fun printable template. It’s a great summer-themed craft that encourages creativity and fine motor skills. With free template.
Yarn and Stick God’s Eye Craft
Using yarn and two sticks, kids can weave a colorful God’s Eye pattern to hang as summer décor. This classic craft also helps with hand-eye coordination and pattern-making.
Salt and Watercolor Art
Kids will love watching salt and watercolor paints react to create textured, colorful designs. It’s a sensory-friendly art project with beautiful results.
Patriotic Hat Craft with Template
Using a free printable template, kids can color and assemble their own patriotic hat to wear during summer celebrations. Great for Fourth of July parades, parties, or play. With free template.
Toilet Paper Roll Octopus
Turn a recycled toilet paper roll into an adorable octopus with curling paper legs and googly eyes. It’s a fun under-the-sea craft perfect for summer themes.
Straw Rockets
Kids can launch their own paper rockets using just a straw and some simple folding. This craft doubles as a playful science experiment that’s perfect for summer fun.
Popsicle Stick American Flags
Create mini American flags by painting popsicle sticks red, white, and blue and gluing them together. Great for patriotic holidays or decorating your space for summer events.
Construction Paper Mosaic
Tear or cut colorful construction paper into pieces and arrange them into a mosaic picture. A calming and creative craft that encourages design and color matching.
Colorful Paper Plate Beach Ball Craft
Paint or color sections of a paper plate to mimic a bright beach ball. It’s a great way to bring summer vibes indoors while practicing pattern and color recognition.
Summer Bucket List Beach Ball Craft
Write summer activity ideas on each panel of a paper beach ball cutout. Kids can “pop” a new activity every day for fun all season long. (with free template)
DIY Bug Catcher Craft
Build a simple bug catcher using a plastic container, mesh, and rubber bands. Kids can explore outside safely and learn about insects up close.
Stackable Turtle Craft
Cut shapes, then stack them for a cute and colorful layered effect. This craft is easy to personalize and display as a group project or solo creation.
Coffee Filter Butterfly
Use markers and water to decorate coffee filters, then pinch and clip them into butterfly shapes. A classic craft that’s easy, vibrant, and great for fine motor skills.
Blot Painting
Fold a piece of paper in half, add blobs of paint on one side, then press it closed and open for a surprise design. This no-rules art technique is great for young creatives.
Tissue Paper Rainbow
Tear or cut tissue paper into small pieces and glue them onto a rainbow outline. It’s a cheerful craft that helps with color recognition and patterning. (with free template.)
Straw Painting
Drop paint onto paper and blow through a straw to spread it out in wild, colorful streaks. A great way to explore movement and abstract art.
DIY Bird Feeder
Spread peanut butter on an ice cream cone, roll it in birdseed, and hang it outside with string. Kids will love making a treat for birds while learning about nature.
Rock Painting
Paint smooth rocks with summer designs, friendly faces, or messages. Use them to decorate gardens, give as gifts, or hide in the neighborhood for others to find.
Balloon Painting
Dip small balloons in paint and press them onto paper for a fun and bouncy painting experience. It’s messy, silly, and perfect for summer art days.
Egg Carton Bugs
Cut up an egg carton and transform the pieces into caterpillars, ladybugs, or other creepy-crawly creatures. Add pipe cleaners and paint for extra personality.
Crawling Paper Caterpillar
Fold a strip of paper accordion-style and blow it through a straw to make it wiggle across the floor. It’s an active craft kids can race and decorate their own way.
Cardboard Popsicle Craft
Use cardboard and colorful paper or paint to create your own pretend popsicles. Kids can make a whole “flavor” collection or use them as pretend summer treats.
Which Craft will You Make this Summer?
With these 25 quick and easy summer crafts, you’ve got everything you need to turn ordinary days into creative adventures. From mess-free classics to clever new favorites, each craft is a chance for kids to explore, imagine, and have fun. So gather a few supplies, pick a project, and get crafting—summer boredom doesn’t stand a chance!
Leave A Comment