Creative and Fun
Summer is the perfect time to unplug, slow down, and spark creativity — especially for kids. With long days and fewer routines, it’s an ideal season to introduce your little ones to the joy of crafting. Whether it’s painting in the backyard or making DIY gifts for family, summer crafts for kids provide more than just fun — they help build focus, fine motor skills, and confidence.
Why Summer Is the Best Time for Crafting
Unlike the school year, summer gives kids the freedom to explore new interests at their own pace. Crafting during summer:
- Encourages screen-free time
- Boosts imagination and creative thinking
- Creates opportunities for bonding with siblings, friends, and caregivers
- Offers a constructive outlet for boredom
- Builds skills like cutting, gluing, planning, and problem-solving
And best of all — many craft projects use simple, recycled, or household materials you already have.
5 Easy and Engaging Summer Crafts for Kids
1. Nature Collages
Go on a nature walk and collect leaves, flowers, or small twigs. Back at home, use cardboard, glue, and markers to turn those natural treasures into beautiful collage art. Bonus: it’s a great way to learn about local plants!
2. DIY Painted Rocks
Kids love painting, and rocks make the perfect canvas. Use non-toxic acrylic paint to turn ordinary stones into ladybugs, smiley faces, or even inspirational messages. They can decorate the garden or be given as gifts.
3. Paper Plate Animals
Transform ordinary paper plates into lions, turtles, or butterflies with some colored paper, googly eyes, and glue. This is a perfect indoor craft for a rainy summer afternoon.
4. Friendship Bracelets
Summer and friendship bracelets go hand in hand. Teach kids to braid or knot colorful embroidery floss to make unique bracelets for their friends or family members.
5. Handmade Cards
Let kids create their own handmade cards for birthdays, thank-yous, or just because! Provide blank cardstock, stamps, markers, stickers, and watch them create from the heart. These are great keepsakes — and can even be part of your own family gifting traditions.
Tips for Successful Crafting with Kids
- Set up a designated craft area to minimize mess and maximize creativity
- Use eco-friendly, non-toxic supplies whenever possible
- Keep a “craft bin” with scissors, glue, paper, markers, and extras
- Let kids lead the way — crafting is about process, not perfection
- Celebrate their creations — hang them on the wall, mail them to relatives, or turn them into DIY gifts!
Make Summer Count with Creativity
Summer crafting isn’t just about staying busy — it’s about making memories, expressing creativity, and spending quality time together. So gather your supplies, head outside if the weather allows, and see where your imaginations take you.
