Summertime is the perfect time for kids’ imaginations to run wild. That’s why we’ve compiled 55 of the cutest summer crafts for kids to help them get started. Simple to make, with inexpensive materials, your kids will be inspired by the beautiful results.
I Heart Crafty Things
1. String art 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
These adorable little succulents are really just painted stones with googly eyes attached, nestled into tiny clay pots. Create your own colony—they’ll make you smile every time you see them.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This adorable rainbow jellyfish craft is rich with vibrant colors, and it’s easy to make. Pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and Styrofoam balls are all you need.
Go on a nature walk and gather natural items like pine cones, leaves, pieces of wood, etc. Then add your own creative touch with paint and accessories to create a beautiful diorama.
Kandinsky loved music and color and believed colors could express feelings the same way music could. Kids can try their hand at imitating his style with this craft.
Preserve your seaside memories by pressing shells into homemade salt dough. Attach a leather cord and wear it all summer. You can also use pebbles or marble jewels.
An agamograph is a sheet of paper folded accordion style with two different pictures colored on it. Don’t worry, they’re not as complicated as they look. Learn how to make them at the link below.
Add some dazzle to your garden with these bejeweled stepping stones. Use sea glass, jewels, crystal shards, buttons, or seashells. To personalize it further, have your little one press their handprint in the middle.
How gorgeous are these summer crafts for kids? All you need are coffee filters, pipe cleaners, tiny elastics, and markers to make these beautiful ballerinas.
