Summer is here, and while the sunshine and pool days are fun, there are still plenty of moments when the kids are inside asking, “What can I do now?” If you’re looking for creative ways to keep little hands busy, these easy and fun summer crafts are the perfect solution!
From colorful art projects to nature-inspired crafts, there’s something here for every age. Bonus? Most of them use materials you already have at home!
1. 3D Umbrella Craft
Kids can make umbrella craft with the help of adults. Get the tutorial Here.
2. Seashell Creatures
Collect seashells at the beach or buy a bag from the craft store. Then let kids paint and decorate them into silly sea creatures using googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and markers.
3. Torn Paper Watermelon
Beat the heat with a homemade fan! Fold a piece of red and green paper accordion-style, glue it together, and draw black seeds to create a watermelon-inspired hand fan.
4. Fingerprint Ladybug
Dip fingers in red paint, press onto paper, then draw legs and head with marker. Add leaves template at the back to complete the scene. Get the tutorial Here.
5. Fork-Painted Flowers
Use plastic forks to paint colorful flowers on paper. It’s a great way for preschoolers to explore textures and create something beautiful with just paint and a fork! Get the tutorial Here.
6. Ocean in a Bottle
Fill a plastic bottle with water, blue food coloring, glitter, and oil to make a mesmerizing ocean wave bottle. Add small sea toys for a sensory twist! Get the tutorial Here.
7. PipeCleaner Butterflies
Use colorful pipe cleaner to make beautiful butterfly crafts. Perfect for decorating windows or hanging in the playroom. Get the Tutorial Here.
8. Oobleck- Sensory Play
Let kids play with this amazing Sensory Activity. Get the full tutorial here on how to make oobleck.
9. Frozen Paint Cubes
Freeze water mixed with washable paint in an ice tray. Once frozen, let kids “paint” on paper as the cubes melt — a fun and cool outdoor activity! Get the tutorial here.
10. Tissue Paper Magic
Draw outline shapes on the outside of Tissue paper, then fill the inside with colorful tissue paper. Dip it in water and see the magic. Get the full tutorial here.
11. Bubble Snake Experiment
Create bubble snake with just bottle, dish soap and water. Its fun idea for kids. Get the full tutorial here.
12. DIY Stress Ball
Take a balloon and fill it with Moon Sand. Tie up the end and stress ball is ready. It’s great idea for adults too. Get the full tutorial here.
13. Nature Collage
Gather leaves, flowers, and twigs from outside, then glue them onto paper to create a natural summer masterpiece.
14. Handprint Jellyfish
Cut handprint template which will act as tentacles and head of the jellyfish. Make cute eyes and smiley face with markers. Get the Full Tutorial Here.
15. Umbrella Salt Painting
Draw umbrella shape with glue on paper, sprinkle with salt, then use droppers of colored water to watch the magic happen! Get the tutorial here.
Final Thoughts
These summer crafts are more than just boredom busters — they help kids build creativity, fine motor skills, and memories. So next time you hear “I’m bored,” pull out a few supplies and let the crafting fun begin!