30 Creative Summer Craft Ideas For Kids!

Not that I don’t love all the seasons of the year…but summer is definitely my not-so-secret favorite (if only for the endless sunshine and carefree vibes). Since it’s just around the corner, and you know what that means—it’s time to bring out all the creativity and get the kids crafting outside! This means lots of colorful, hands-on projects that keep little hands busy and imaginations soaring. But that’s not all. As every fun-loving parent knows, summer crafts aren’t just about keeping kids entertained—they’re about making memories, too. Check out these 30 creative summer craft ideas for kids that are perfect for all season long.

When it comes to summer crafting, the word “craft” isn’t just glue and paper. It means messy finger painting, nature-inspired projects, and even upcycled art that turns everyday things into treasures. I’ve got tons of options for them all here, from classic crafts like friendship bracelets and painted rocks to more unique ones like DIY bird feeders and sun catchers made from recycled materials. You’ll find ideas that fit every age and skill level, so whether your kids love to get their hands dirty or prefer something a bit more delicate, there’s something here for everyone.

You could also try simple crafts that get kids outside, like leaf rubbings or flower pressing, or go big with a DIY tie-dye t-shirt or homemade wind chimes. The best thing about summer crafts? They’re perfect for mixing and matching. Try combining painting with nature finds or turning a simple drawing into a one-of-a-kind paper lantern.

Want even more summer fun? Check out my favorite outdoor games, easy snack recipes, and backyard science experiments that’ll keep the whole family entertained long after the crafting’s done.

30 Creative Summer Craft Ideas For Kids!

1. Paper Plate Suns

Turn simple paper plates into bright, cheerful suns with paint, markers, and yellow construction paper rays.

2. DIY Nature Crowns

Collect leaves, flowers, and twigs on a nature walk, then help kids glue them onto paper crowns for a magical outdoor vibe.

3. Rainbow Suncatchers

Use tissue paper and contact paper to create colorful suncatchers that brighten up any window.

4. Salt Dough Shells

Make salt dough together, shape it into seashells, and paint them after they dry for a beachy keepsake.

5. Popsicle Stick Photo Frames

Decorate popsicle sticks with paint or stickers to create personalized frames for favorite summer photos.

6. Painted Rock Pets

Find smooth rocks outside and turn them into adorable animals with paint and googly eyes.

7. Ice Cube Painting

Freeze colored water in ice cube trays with popsicle sticks and let kids paint on paper as the ice melts.

8. Paper Straw Necklaces

Cut colorful paper straws into beads and string them into fun, lightweight necklaces.

9. Fruit Stamped Cards

Cut fruits like apples or lemons in half, dip them in paint, and stamp patterns onto cards or paper.

10. Tissue Paper Flowers

Stack and fold tissue paper to create fluffy, bright flowers that never wilt.

11. Bubble Wrap Prints

Paint bubble wrap and press it onto paper for cool textured prints and backgrounds.

12. DIY Wind Chimes

Use recycled items like bottle caps, beads, and sticks to create tinkling wind chimes for the porch.

13. Rainbow Pasta Art

Dye pasta with food coloring, dry it, then glue it into colorful shapes or pictures.

14. Paper Bag Puppets

Turn plain paper bags into animals or characters with markers, yarn, and scraps of fabric.

15. Sand Art Jars

Layer colored sand in clear jars for bright, decorative summer crafts.

16. Glow Stick Jars

Crack open glow sticks and put the glowing liquid in jars for magical summer night lanterns.

17. Sunprint Paper Art

Use sunprint paper and natural objects to create cool silhouette designs with just sunlight.

18. Tie-Dye T-Shirts

Bring out the bright colors with simple tie-dye kits and white tees—perfect for summer wear!

19. Pinecone Creatures

Collect pinecones and transform them into little animals using paint, felt, and googly eyes.

20. Shell Necklaces

Drill tiny holes in shells and string them on cord to make beachy necklaces.

21. Paper Fan Crafts

Fold colorful paper into fans for a simple and useful craft on hot days.

22. Stamped Tote Bags

Use foam stamps and fabric paint to create custom summer tote bags for beach trips.

23. Fruit Slice Soaps

Melt soap base and mold it into fruit slices for fun, usable crafts.

24. Recycled Bottle Planters

Cut and decorate plastic bottles to make cute planters for easy summer gardening.

25. Pom-Pom Caterpillars

Glue pom-poms together and add eyes and pipe cleaner antennae for fuzzy critters.

26. Paper Lanterns

Cut and fold colored paper to create lanterns that glow when a light is placed inside.

27. Painted Shell Magnets

Paint small shells and glue magnets on the back for beachy fridge decor.

28. Fabric Scrap Bracelets

Twist and braid fabric scraps to make colorful bracelets or headbands.

29. Nature Collages

Collect flowers, leaves, and grass to glue on paper and create beautiful nature collages.

30. Water Balloon Pinata

Fill small water balloons with confetti and hang them for a splashy party craft.

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