Get a list of creative and easy summer crafts for kids that will keep them entertained for hours. Use these ideas and make them your own.
I remember summer growing up pretty clearly. Without telling you I’m old, let’s just say it was before the internet but after color television. I don’t know about you, but growing up with four brothers, my mom kicked us out of the house on most summer days. Which I totally get.
As I said, this was before the internet, so there was no way to look up summer crafts the way there is now. You had old standbys like macaroni necklaces and melty beads, but to come up with craft ideas for five kids was probably somewhat of a challenge.
Especially when your littles have a ten year gap from oldest to youngest.
Now that we have technology, and great ideas are at our fingertips. If you want to keep kids busy during the summer, you have more options than just chucking them out the door (we got sent to the neighborhood pool). There are lots of summer craft for kids you can try!
If you need some great projects, I’ve compiled a list for you. You probably have supplies to make a lot of these on hand, and the range of time it takes on average for most of these is about 30 minutes to an hour.
The nice thing about these ideas is that they are for a variety of levels, so whether you have a preschooler or a tween, you’ll find something on this list.
There are going to be a lot of crafts on this list that you already have the supplies for as well. For example, projects below use salt, paper towel rolls, paper plates, egg cartons, baking soda, and more. I’m sure you kind find ways to make these ideas your own!
Scroll down and take a peek at these 50 summer craft ideas for kids. I can’t wait for you to see what I’ve put together.
1
Washer Necklace
Learn how to make washer necklaces using this simple tutorial! It's a perfect craft for kids, especially for tweens – plus it's inexpensive.
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2
Photo Magnets
Learn how to make easy personalized magnets using photos you'll print yourself! This is an easy and inexpensive gift to make.
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3
Kimberly McLeod
Colored Salt Jars
Did you know you can color salt? Sand can be expensive to buy so we used salt to make these colorful salt jars that look like sand jars. It’s easy to make and the results are amazing!
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4
Leslie Manlapig
Colorful Dip Dyed Wall Art
Use liquid watercolors or food coloring to make this unique dip dyed kids wall art project. Kids will have so much fun and the results are stunning!
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5
How to Make Stickers
Learn how to make stickers at home with origami paper and Mod Podge! It's really easy to do and fun for kids or adults.
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6
Steve Carrell
Origami Lotus Flower
Learn to craft a beautiful origami lotus flower with this easy-to-follow guide. Perfect for beginners seeking a relaxing, creative project.
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7
Rachel Faucett
How to Tie Dye with Kids
One of my all time favorite crafts is tie-dying, which is always a big hit with the kids. Learn how to make three different projects: towels, t-shirts, and a garland.
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8
DIY Pins for Kids
Learn how to make fun, easy DIY pins with salt dough – a perfect craft for kids to express their creativity!
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9
diycandy.com
Sand Slime is Beachy Fun
Dive into the world of sand slime! Learn how to make this moldable magic that’s perfect for sensory play (and way cooler than beach sand).
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10
Colorful Frame Using Tissue Paper
This tissue paper frame is perfect for whipping up quickly and adding color to your home. Kids will love playing with the colorful tissue paper pieces.
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11
Cheryl Sorce
DIY Spin Art Machine
Make your own spin painter by using a household item as a spin painter! This DIY spin art machine is so fun for kids to do – it’s budget friendly and easy to set up.
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12
Confetti Letters for Decor
If you love confetti crafts, try this easy monogram letter art! This technique can be used with a variety of letters, numbers, and shapes. Kids can hang in their bedrooms.
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13
Cool Toothpick Cacti
Succulents and cacti are all the rage right now, so try this cute toothpick craft with kids. Make a cool cactus that requires no water!
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14
Egg Carton Art
If you like egg carton crafts, try this canvas project with your kids. You'll have just as much fun as they do!
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15
Patti Estep
Alcohol Ink Jewelry Dishes
Alcohol ink jewelry dishes are easy to create and make beautiful handmade gifts. Kids can make them look like flowers, but there are so many options when working with these beautiful inks.
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16
Birdhouse Craft
These easy painted birdhouses with tissue paper are such a great craft for kids. They will keep your children occupied this summer.
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17
Clay Pot Mushrooms
Learn how to make the cutest mushrooms using terra cotta pots! These are very easy to make, for kids or adults.
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18
Steve Carrell
Make Sidewalk Chalk Paint
This three-ingredient sidewalk chalk paint is a blast for kids! Learn how to make it – you probably have everything on hand. This sidewalk paint is such a fun summer activity.
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19
Painted Rocks
Learn how to paint rocks with this simple tutorial. You probably have all of the supplies needed on hand already! Fun to leave around the neighborhood for others to find and enjoy.
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20
Rainbow Magnets
Learn how to make the cutest rainbow magnets with simple shapes and Mod Podge! These are perfect for kids and beginning crafters.
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21
Cardboard Dollhouse
Learn how to make a dollhouse out of cardboard! It's really easy, inexpensive, and you can decorate it with Mod Podge.
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22
How to Screen Print at Home
Use this screen printing method for DIY t shirt printing and more! Silkscreen your favorite design – all you need is an embroidery hoop, Mod Podge, and a sheer curtain.
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23
Leslie Manlapig
Flower Pens with Duct Tape
Learn how to make flower pens using a fun craft material – duct tape! These DIY flower pens are easy enough for kids or adults. SO fun!
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24
easttnfamilyfun.com
Tie Dye Painted Seashells
Once you get back from your summer beach vacation, use acrylic paint and a simple process to dye your shells. This is a fun idea for the kids – use the seashells in other crafts after dyeing.
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25
Make Your Own Washi Tape
Are you excited about washi, but not about the prices? Make your own washi tape with this simple tutorial. You can pick any pattern you like!
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26
Backpack Charms DIY
Learn how to make backpack charms using Duck Tape! This is a fun and easy crafts for kids.
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27
Altoid Tin Crafts
What should you do with an old Altoids tin? Turn it into storage! Learn how to do it with Mod Podge using this tutorial.
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28
DIY Window Clings
Use Mod Podge to make your own DIY window clings on a budget – these gel window clings are so easy, and a great kids' craft!
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29
Megan Kapple
Glow in the Dark Play Dough
Learn how to make unique DIY play dough with only three ingredients – this version glows in the dark and is so inexpensive to make! Kids will love it.
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30
iheartcraftythings.com
Newspaper Shark Craft
This newspaper craft for kids is amazingly simple to make and is great for kids of all ages. Plus, it only requires a few supplies to make so you probably already have everything you need on hand for the activity.
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31
Carnival Ticket Bowl
A DIY bowl from carnival tickets is so easy to make! Mod Podge causes it to keep its shape and harden into a usable bowl. This project is great for storing goodies or room decor.
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32
Faux Stained Glass
Learn how to make DIY stained glass using this simple recipe of paint and Mod Podge! It's so easy, even a kid can do it.
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33
Michelle McInerney
Macaroni Cat Necklace
Painting pasta is an easy and quick way to create jewelry with kids! What other animals can you make with this unique idea?
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34
Agnes Hsu
Pretend Play Ice Cream Cones
These adorable pretend play ice cream cones are so much fun for kids to make for summer crafts. They won’t melt for countless hours of imaginative play!
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35
DIY Personalized Pencils
Learn how to make custom pencils with pretty paper and Mod Podge! These paper wrapped pencils are a really easy craft.
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36
Kids Art Coasters
Learn how to make kids artwork gifts with these wooden coasters! These kids art coasters are REALLY easy to make and are so cute.
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37
Alli Ward
Popsicle Stick Bird Feeder
Grab some craft sticks and make a summer bird feeder – kids will love watching to see what feathered friends come and visit. Get rainbow sticks or paint plain ones any color you like.
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38
Bottle Cap Magnets
Learn how to make DIY magnets with bottle caps! You probably have the supplies in your home already. Easy for both kids and adults.
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39
Melissa Lennig
Colorful Squirt Gun Painting
Get your littles painting AND get them outside at the same time! Squirt gun painting for kids is about as fun as it gets. Try a wide variety of colors!
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40
Insect Identification Chart
This insect identification chart is such an easy kids craft. It allows your children (and you!) to learn about the bugs in your environment!
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41
Ice Cream Stick Photo Frame
Learn how to make a photo frame with ice cream sticks! This is such an easy craft for kids or adults and uses washi tape.
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42
No-Sew Tote Decorating
Try this no-sew tote decorating! Just use your favorite fabrics and Mod Podge to make applique patches. Learn how to make it your own.
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43
Sarah Dees
Salt Dough Snake Craft
Here’s a fun snake craft that kids of all ages will enjoy! Make snakes from salt dough, and then paint them. Kids can pattern them after real snakes, or they can just paint them fun colors.
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44
Kim Byers
Cactus Rock Planter
These rock cacti are the perfect summer craft. It gets kids outdoors to find the perfect rocks and they can be as creative as they like! Cactus come in all shapes and sizes, so have fun.
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45
Leslie Manlapig
Make Wine Cork Stamps
Instead of purchasing stamps at the store, save a couple of bucks and make your own from wine corks. It’s VERY easy and so inexpensive to make.
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46
DIY Tablet Case
Learn how to make this DIY tablet case using a dollar store find! It's easy to do with Mod Podge.
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47
Make a DIY Checkers Game
This travel DIY checkers game is so easy to make with Duck Tape! You probably already have the supplies in your home. Kids will love it!
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48
DIY Photo Puzzle
Learn how to make a puzzle from a picture! This is such an inexpensive method. A custom photo puzzle makes a great gift and it’s SO easy!
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49
Brandy Nelson
Sharpie Tie Dye T-Shirts
This quick and easy Sharpie tie dye tutorial will show you how to tie dye a shirt with Sharpie markers. Such a fun activity to make with kids and the best part is watching the ink bleed and transform into so many neat designs!
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50
Maggy Woodley
Easy Friendship Bracelets
I used to love making easy friendship bracelets when I was young. It was great to make these at summer camp and give to my new friends, and also during those loooong summer afternoons.
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51
Easy Storage Box
Want to try Mod Podge with kids? Start with a box to store knick knacks and toys! This easy kids craft is fun for children and parents alike.
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52
Heart Shaped Window Clings
These valentine window clings are so easy – all you need is colorful acrylic paint and Mod Podge to make this fun glass clings for kids!
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Did you enjoy these projects? I’d love for you to let me know in the comments! I’d also love for you to visit the following kid craft posts:
Boredom Busters • Camping • Cardboard Box • Christmas • Clothespins • Crafts for Boys • Crafts for Girls • Crafts at Home • Crosses • Dragons • Easter • Googly Eyes • Halloween • Handprints • Mod Podge • Painting • Paper Mache • Pipe Cleaners • Poinsettias • Rainbows • Recycled • Summer • Superhero • Toilet Paper Rolls
Allyson
Tuesday 11th of June 2024
Thank you
Ellimere DiLapi
Wednesday 21st of June 2023
THIS WAS NOT HELPFUL!!! I have covid and I am super bored!
Amy
Wednesday 21st of June 2023
Maybe some boredom busters? https://modpodgerocksblog.com/boredom-busters-for-kids/ Hope you feel better soon!
Rebecca Payne
Thursday 8th of July 2021
So many great ideas. I always look forward to your posts.
Amy
Thursday 8th of July 2021
Thank you so much Rebecca!