15 Fun and Easy Summer Art And Crafts For kids

When summer break arrived and my toddler was suddenly home all day, I found myself scrambling to come up with ways to keep him busy without screens. I had crayons, markers, and finger paints, basics every parent knows. But soon, I realized that having a wider variety of art and crafts for kids on hand makes a world of difference.

There were days when finger painting lost its magic after five minutes, and I wished I had more engaging options. That’s when I started exploring beyond the usual supplies, and after writing my article on Easy Preschool Crafts, I discovered a whole world of creative tools and activities that turned our summer around.

It started with rolls of newsprint from our local paper, we’d decorate sheets with dot markers, stickers, and even homemade stamps from foam shapes glued to blocks.

My son loved making his own wrapping paper, and it felt like such a win-win: he got his art time, and I had beautiful, handmade paper for gifts. Then came popsicle sticks, pom-poms, googly eyes, and pipe cleaners.

We didn’t need a big setup, just a few bins to keep things sorted and a smock or two for inevitable messes. For variety, I rotated in things like felt shapes, sun print paper, and even flower pressing. It was creative, educational, and, best of all, totally fun.

Now, art time is a beloved part of our summer rhythm. Whether we’re sculpting air-dry clay, designing name bracelets with letter beads, or building rocket ships from paper and tape, art and crafts for kids has become more than just a way to pass the time, it’s how we connect, imagine, and laugh together.

If you’re planning your own summer lineup, don’t be afraid to go beyond crayons. Think felt wreaths, dot markers, or even simple Zentangle doodles. Trust me, your kids will love the variety, and you’ll love having an many supply of low-stress fun.

15. DIY Backyard Cardboard Playhouse

Turn a large cardboard box into a mini playhouse or pretend ice cream shop.

Art And Crafts For kids Tips:

• Use strong tape for reinforcing the structure.
• Cut out windows and doors with adult supervision.
• Let kids paint or decorate it with stickers, bunting, or paper flowers.
• Use plastic tablecloths for a “roof” that’s rain-resistant.

14. Paper Plate Garden Mobile

Create a colorful hanging mobile using paper plates, yarn, and garden-themed decorations.

Art And Crafts For kids Tips:

• Cut a large paper plate in a spiral shape to create the mobile base.
• Attach butterflies, bees, flowers, or sun shapes with yarn or ribbon.
• Hang from a ceiling hook or tree branch for a breezy outdoor display.

13. Homemade Wind Chimes

Recycle household items into charming wind chimes for the porch or balcony.

Art And Crafts For kids Tips:

• Use metal lids, beads, keys, shells, or even plastic cutlery.
• Drill or punch holes for stringing, then tie with fishing line or twine.
• Decorate with paint or markers.
• Make sure hanging items vary in length to catch the wind better.

12. Handprint Ocean Canvas

Capture ocean life using kids’ handprints as the base for fish, octopuses, or crabs.

Art And Crafts For kids Tips:

• Use canvas boards and washable acrylic paints.
• Paint the background blue before starting.
• Add googly eyes, pipe cleaner legs, and glitter for sparkle.
• Include name/date for a keepsake touch.

11. Popsicle Stick Bird Feeder

Build a bird feeder using popsicle sticks and string.

Art And Crafts For kids Tips:

• Glue sticks into a square base, then layer up walls log-cabin style.
• Add a perch stick and tie on yarn for hanging.
• Fill with birdseed and hang in a shaded outdoor spot.

10. DIY Sun Catchers with Clear Plastic Lids

Make colorful sun catchers from recycled plastic and tissue paper.

Art And Crafts For kids Tips:

• Use clean takeout lids or plastic containers.
• Cut or tear tissue paper into small pieces.
• Stick using Mod Podge or a glue-water mix.
• Punch a hole at the top and hang with a thread in a sunny window.

9. Summer-Themed Painted Rocks

Create adorable rock art with summery themes like watermelons, bees, and suns.

Art And Crafts For kids Tips:

• Wash and dry rocks before painting.
• Use acrylic paint and seal with Mod Podge for outdoor durability.
• Add fine details with paint markers.
• Use them as garden markers or paperweights.

8. Paper Cup Sea Creatures

Transform paper cups into jellyfish, whales, or crabs.

Art And Crafts For kids Tips:

• Paint or cover the cups in colored paper.
• Use googly eyes and yarn or paper strips for tentacles and fins.
• Hang jellyfish upside down with a fishing line for a floating effect.

7. Watercolor Bubble Art

Make dreamy, abstract art with colored bubbles.

Art And Crafts For kids Tips:

• Mix tempera paint, dish soap, and water in cups.
• Use a straw to blow bubbles, then press paper over the top to “catch” the bubble prints.
• Try overlapping colors for layered effects.

6. Toilet Paper Roll Binoculars

A classic craft for little explorers.

Art And Crafts For kids Tips:

• Glue two rolls together and punch holes on each side.
• Add a yarn neck strap.
• Let kids decorate with stickers, washi tape, or paint.
• Take them on a backyard safari or nature walk.

5. Craft Stick Fans

Stay cool with a handmade summer fan.

Art And Crafts For kids Tips:

• Use jumbo craft sticks and paper folded accordion-style.
• Decorate with markers, stamps, or stickers.
• Glue sticks on either end and reinforce with tape if needed.
• Fun themes: watermelon slices, sunbursts, or beach waves.

4. Ice Cream Cone Pom Pom Art

Use pom poms and paper to make sweet 3D ice cream cone crafts.

Art And Crafts For kids Tips:

• Cut cone shapes from brown paper and glue them to a base sheet.
• Add colorful pom poms as “scoops.”
• Use glitter or beads as sprinkles.
• Frame the finished piece for a summer-themed room art.

3. Shell and Bead Necklaces

Make beachy necklaces using real shells and beads.

Art And Crafts For kids Tips:

• Use a pushpin or small drill (adults only) to add holes to shells.
• Thread onto twine or elastic.
• Add alphabet beads to spell summer words like “SUN” or “FUN.”
• Great as party favors or vacation mementos.

2. Fruit Slice Paper Garland

Create a colorful garland with citrus and tropical fruit slices.

Art And Crafts For kids Tips:

• Cut out fruit shapes (orange, lemon, kiwi, etc.) from cardstock.
• Decorate with markers or paint.
• Punch holes and string together with yarn.
• Hang over doorways or patios for summer vibes.

1. Fingerprint Fireflies

Make glowing bugs using only fingerprints and simple supplies.

Art And Crafts For kids Tips:

• Use yellow and black ink pads for firefly bodies.
• Add wings with metallic gel pens or cut-out paper.
• Draw antennae and light trails with a black marker.
• Fun to use in storytime crafts or night-themed collages.

Conclusion

These summer crafts are designed to spark creativity, build fine motor skills, and most importantly make memories. Whether you’re working inside to escape the heat or crafting outdoors in the sun, these projects offer hours of joyful, hands-on fun for kids of all ages.