Looking for simple ways to keep kids entertained during the long summer days? These easy summer crafts for kids are perfect for sparking creativity without requiring a lot of time, money, or supplies.
1. Paper Plate Fish
Materials
- Paper plate
- Paint or markers
- Googly eyes
- Glue
- Scissors
- Paper towels (optional)
Instructions
Start by placing the paper plate on a protected surface. Let kids paint or color the entire plate in bright, fun colors, using stripes, dots, or any creative patterns they like. Once the plate is completely dry, cut out a small triangle wedge from one side—this will form the fish’s mouth.
Take that cut-out triangle and glue it to the opposite side of the plate to create the tail. Add a googly eye near the mouth area, and finish by decorating the fish with extra details like scales, bubbles, or fins using markers or paint.
2. Coffee Filter Rainbow
Materials
- Coffee filters
- Washable markers
- Spray bottle with water
- Tray or plate (to catch drips)
Instructions
Flatten a coffee filter and place it on a tray or plate to prevent mess. Have kids color the entire surface using washable markers, encouraging them to use multiple colors close together.
Once the filter is fully colored, lightly spray it with water until the colors begin to blend and spread. Be careful not to oversaturate. As the water absorbs, the colors will create a soft, tie-dye rainbow effect. Allow the filter to dry completely before handling or displaying.
3. Clothespin Butterfly
Materials
- Coffee filter
- Washable markers
- Spray bottle with water
- Clothespin
- Pipe cleaner
Instructions
Lay the coffee filter flat and decorate it with bright colors and patterns using markers. Lightly mist the filter with water to blend the colors together, then set it aside to dry fully. Once dry, pinch the center of the filter to form wings and secure it by clipping a clothespin over the middle.
Twist a pipe cleaner around the top of the clothespin to create antennae, adjusting the ends into small curls. Fluff out the wings gently to give the butterfly a full shape.
4. Handprint Sun Art
Materials
- Yellow and orange washable paint
- White or colored paper
- Paintbrush
- Wipes or paper towels
Instructions
Pour a small amount of yellow and orange paint onto a palette or plate. Using a paintbrush or by dipping directly, coat your child’s hand with paint. Press their hand firmly onto the paper, lifting it straight up to create a clear print.
Repeat this process in a circular pattern, rotating the direction slightly each time to form sun rays around an invisible center. Once the handprints are dry, you can paint or draw a circle in the middle and add a smiling face to complete the sun.
5. Seashell Painting
Materials
- Clean, dry seashells
- Acrylic or washable paint
- Paintbrushes
- Cup of water
- Paper towels
Instructions
Make sure the seashells are clean and fully dry before starting. Set them on a protected surface and let kids paint them using bright summer colors or patterns like stripes, dots, or swirls.
Encourage creativity by mixing colors or layering designs. If needed, allow the first layer to dry before adding details. Once finished, let the shells dry completely before handling. They can be displayed in a bowl, used for decoration, or even given as small handmade gifts.
6. Puffy Paint Ice Cream
Materials
- Shaving cream
- White glue
- Food coloring
- Bowls and spoons
- Paper or cardstock
Instructions
In a bowl, mix equal parts shaving cream and white glue until smooth and fluffy. Divide the mixture into smaller bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each, stirring gently to create different “flavors.”
Spoon or spread the puffy paint onto paper in the shape of ice cream scoops stacked on a cone. Kids can swirl colors together or layer them for a fun effect. As the paint dries, it will keep its soft, puffy texture, making the artwork look like real ice cream.
7. Rock Ladybugs
Materials
- Smooth rocks
- Red and black paint
- Paintbrush
- Cup of water
- Paper towels
Instructions
Start by cleaning and drying the rocks to remove any dirt. Paint each rock completely red and allow it to dry thoroughly. Once dry, use black paint to add a line down the center for the wings, along with small dots for spots.
Paint a black semicircle at one end for the head. Let everything dry again before handling. These cute ladybugs can be used as garden decorations or playful keepsakes.
8. Paper Straw Palm Tree
Materials
- Paper straws
- Green construction paper
- Glue
- Scissors
- White or blue background paper
Instructions
Lay a sheet of background paper flat and begin by gluing paper straws vertically near the bottom to form the palm tree trunk. You can stack or slightly overlap them to make the trunk taller.
Next, cut long leaf shapes from green construction paper, adding small snips along the edges for a fringed look. Glue the leaves at the top of the straw trunk, fanning them outward to resemble palm fronds. Press gently to secure everything and allow it to dry before moving.
9. Bubble Wrap Prints
Materials
- Bubble wrap
- Washable paint
- Paintbrush
- Paper
Instructions
Cut a piece of bubble wrap to a manageable size and place it bubble-side up. Use a paintbrush to apply a thin, even layer of paint over the bubbles. Carefully flip the painted side onto a sheet of paper and press down gently with your hands to transfer the pattern.
Lift the bubble wrap straight up to reveal the textured print. Repeat with different colors or overlapping prints to create fun designs. Allow the artwork to dry completely.
10. Toilet Paper Roll Octopus
Materials
- Empty toilet paper roll
- Paint or markers
- Scissors
- Googly eyes
- Glue
Instructions
Start by cutting evenly spaced slits around one end of the toilet paper roll to create tentacles. Gently curl each strip outward using your fingers or a pencil. Decorate the entire roll with paint or markers, using bright ocean colors or fun patterns.
Once dry, glue googly eyes near the top of the roll. Let everything set before playing with or displaying your octopus.
11. Sunflower Paper Craft
Materials
- Yellow and brown construction paper
- Glue
- Scissors
Instructions
Cut out a large circle from brown paper to form the center of the sunflower. Next, cut multiple petal shapes from yellow paper. Arrange the petals around the edge of the brown circle, gluing them one at a time so they fan outward evenly.
Press each piece firmly to secure it. Once all petals are attached, allow the craft to dry flat. You can mount it onto another sheet of paper or add a green stem if desired.
12. Ice Cube Painting
Materials
- Ice cube tray
- Water
- Food coloring
- Popsicle sticks
- Paper
Instructions
Fill an ice cube tray with water and add a few drops of food coloring to each section, mixing gently to create different colors. Place a popsicle stick into each compartment and freeze until solid. Once frozen, remove the cubes and use them like paintbrushes on paper.
As the ice melts, it will leave behind soft, blended colors. Encourage kids to experiment with mixing colors directly on the paper for a unique watercolor effect.
13. Paper Plate Watermelon
- Paper plate
- Red, green, and black paint (or markers)
- Paintbrush
- Cup of water (for rinsing brushes)
- Paper towels
- Scissors
Instructions
Begin by painting the large inner circle of the plate red, leaving about 1–2 inches around the edge unpainted. Rinse your brush and then paint the outer rim green to create the watermelon rind. Allow the plate to dry completely before adding details.
Once dry, use black paint or a marker to draw small oval seeds across the red section. For a fun finishing touch, cut the plate into triangle slices to resemble real watermelon wedges. You can also add a lighter green stripe between the red and dark green areas for a more realistic look.
14. Ocean Sensory Bottle
Materials
- Clear plastic bottle with lid (water bottle works great)
- Water
- Blue food coloring
- Fine glitter (blue, silver, or iridescent)
- Small waterproof ocean toys or beads (optional)
- Baby oil (optional, for wave effect)
- Funnel (optional but helpful)
- Strong glue or tape (to seal lid)
Instructions
Fill a clean bottle with about three-quarters full with water, then add a few drops of blue food coloring until you reach your desired ocean shade. Sprinkle in a small amount of glitter and add any ocean-themed toys or beads if you’re using them.
For a wave effect, pour in a small amount of baby oil, which will float on top and move separately from the water. Fill the rest of the bottle, leaving a little space at the top, then secure the lid tightly. For extra safety, seal the lid with glue or tape.
Gently shake the bottle to watch the glitter swirl like ocean waves, or tilt it side to side for a calming sensory experience.
15. Paper Bag Kite
Materials
- Paper lunch bag
- Streamers, ribbon, or strips of tissue paper
- String or yarn
- Hole punch
- Markers, crayons, or stickers
- Glue or tape
Instructions
Decorate the paper bag with markers, crayons, or stickers. Turn the bag so the opening is at the bottom, which helps it catch the air like a kite.
Cut several long strips of ribbon or tissue paper to create the tail, then glue or tape them evenly along the bottom edge of the opening so they flow behind the kite. Next, use a hole punch to make two holes near the top corners of the closed end of the bag.
Cut a piece of string and tie each end through the holes to form a handle. After checking that all parts are securely attached, take the kite outside, hold the string, and let the bag catch the wind as you walk or run gently to help it lift and flutter.
With just a few basic materials and a little creativity, these summer crafts for kids can turn into hours of fun and learning. Pick a few favorites, gather your supplies, and enjoy a colorful, creative summer together.
For more summer craft inspiration, check out these posts:
- 12 Must-Try Summer Animal Crafts For Kids (So Cute)
- 10 Easy Summer Animal Crafts for Kids You Can Make Today
- Beach Crafts for Kids By Age Group
Save this Pin!
