15 Fun and Easy Summer Crafts for Kids to Spark Creativity

Summertime is the perfect opportunity for kids to let their imaginations soar, and what better way to help them get creative than with simple, fun, and engaging crafts? As a busy mom, I understand the importance of finding activities that are not only fun but also affordable and easy to pull together. That's why I've compiled a list of 15 adorable summer crafts for kids—each one is simple to make, uses inexpensive materials, and is bound to leave your little ones inspired.

Whether you're spending the afternoon at home or enjoying some quiet time outdoors, these crafts will keep the kids entertained while they explore their creativity. And because I know how busy summer days can be, I've made sure these ideas are easy to execute, so you can relax while they craft away. Grab your craft supplies and get ready to dive into these fun summer projects that will keep your kiddos busy and your house filled with happy memories.

1. String Art Sunshine

Let’s start with a craft that’s sure to brighten anyone's day! A sunny string art project is a perfect way to celebrate summer. Start with a yellow paper plate, then add rays of colored construction paper. The fun part? Stringing yarn and beads across the middle. It’s like bringing sunshine into your home, and the best part is your kids can personalize their suns however they like. It’s a win-win!

Materials Needed:

• Yellow paper plate

• Construction paper for rays

• Yarn and beads

Learn more: Yarn Craft Sunshine

2. Paper Flower Bracelet

If you're looking for a craft that’s both wearable and adorable, these paper flower bracelets are the way to go. By cutting out circles from colorful tissue paper and threading them through pipe cleaners, your kids can create their very own floral accessories. It’s the perfect project for a little creativity and fine motor skill development, too!

Materials Needed:

• Tissue paper

• Pipe cleaners

• Wooden beads

Learn more: Tissue Paper Flower Bracelet

3. Handprint Jewelry Dish

This craft is not only fun but also a sweet keepsake. Using craft clay, your kids can create a handprint jewelry dish, making it both a practical and sentimental summer craft. As a mom, I always cherish anything that holds a piece of my child’s growth, and this one makes for a wonderful memento.

Materials Needed:

• Craft clay

• Rolling pin (optional for flattening)

• Non-toxic paint for decoration

Learn more: Handprint Clay Jewelry Dish

4. Monster Change Purse

Monsters aren’t always scary—sometimes they’re just cute! This craft uses green felt, buttons, and a few sewing skills (or fabric glue for the non-sewers like me) to create a fun, quirky monster change purse. Perfect for little hands to carry their coins or trinkets!

Materials Needed:

• Green felt

• Buttons

• Needle and thread (or fabric glue)

Learn more: Monster Purse DIY

5. Batik Tote Bags

If you’ve ever tried batik, you know how beautiful the process is, but here’s a twist—use glue instead of wax! This is a fantastic way for kids to learn about fabric art without needing a bunch of fancy supplies. You’ll end up with colorful, one-of-a-kind tote bags, perfect for summer outings.

Materials Needed:

• Plain tote bags

• Glue

• Fabric paint or fabric dye

Learn more: How To Do Glue Batik

6. Learn to Weave

Weaving might sound complicated, but it’s actually a great craft for kids to grasp the basics of patterns and textures. You can easily make a loom with cardboard and string, and let the kids practice weaving colorful yarn to create their own masterpiece.

Materials Needed:

• Cardboard

• Yarn

Learn more: Learn To Weave

7. Rainbow Paper Spinner

This simple craft is the ultimate in old-fashioned fun! Using colorful strips of construction paper and a small dowel, kids can create a whirligig (a spinning toy) that will twirl and twist as they watch it fly through the air. It’s mesmerizing and offers a great opportunity for outdoor play.

Materials Needed:

• Construction paper

• Small dowel

• Scissors

Learn more: Twirligig Rainbow Paper Spinner Toy

8. Folded Paper Snake

Here’s a craft that’ll keep the kids occupied for hours—folding colorful pieces of paper into an interlocking garland. Once they get started, it’ll be hard to stop, and your little one can create their own colorful snake, serpent, or even a whole zoo of creatures!

Materials Needed:

• Colorful construction paper

• Scissors

• Glue or tape

Learn more: Folded Paper Garland

9. Stained-Glass Bunting

This is a beautiful craft that might require a bit of adult supervision, but it’s totally worth it. By using wax paper and melted crayon shavings, kids can create their own version of stained glass—perfect for hanging in windows to catch the light and add some extra summer brightness.

Materials Needed:

• Wax paper

• Crayons

• Iron

Learn more: Stained-Glass Kit

10. Bow-Tie Butterflies

This pasta craft is as charming as it is easy! You’ll paint some farfalle pasta in bright, vibrant colors and then glue them onto paper to create whimsical butterflies. The result is a delightful, nature-inspired craft that your kids can make and display all summer long.

Materials Needed:

• Farfalle pasta

• Paint

• Glue

Learn more: Bow-Tie Noodle Butterfly Craft

11. Starfish Garland

What better way to celebrate summer than by creating a beach-inspired garland? Salt dough starfish are easy to make and the perfect addition to your summer décor. Simply mold the dough, bake, and then string the starfish together to create a whimsical, beachy atmosphere.

Materials Needed:

• Salt dough

• Toothpick (for making holes)

• String or twine

Learn more: Starfish Garland

12. Pet Cactus Rocks

Kids will love crafting these adorable “pet cactus rocks.” It’s a fun, low-cost project where you simply paint some rocks to look like cacti, add googly eyes for personality, and place them in tiny clay pots. You’ll have your own little desert garden!

Materials Needed:

• Rocks

• Paint

• Clay pots

• Googly eyes

Learn more: Pet Cactus Rocks

13. Layered Sand Art

Sand art is making a comeback, and for good reason—it’s fun and easy! With a little food coloring or liquid watercolors, you can create beautiful, colorful sand layers inside glass bottles. It's like capturing a piece of the beach in your very own home.

Materials Needed:

• Colored sand (or regular sand with food coloring)

• Clear glass bottle or jar

Learn more: Sand Art Bottles

14. Dried Bean Mosaics

Who knew beans could be so creative? This craft uses dried beans of various shapes and sizes to create a beautiful mosaic. Add some paint to the beans for extra flair, and your kids will have a unique, artistic masterpiece.

Materials Needed:

• Dried beans (different colors and sizes)

• Glue

• Paint

Learn more: Bean Mosaic Art

15. Bottle Cap Bugs

A fun and easy way to make bugs, these little creatures are made from painted bottle caps, glued onto a piece of driftwood. They’re perfect for nature walks and can also be used as a way to teach kids about the different types of bugs they might see outside.

Materials Needed:

• Bottle caps

• Paint

• Driftwood

Learn more: Bottle Cap Bugs

Summer is such a magical time for kids to be creative, and with these 15 fun summer crafts, you’ll have no shortage of ways to keep them entertained. Not only are these crafts perfect for quiet afternoons, but they also make great gifts or family keepsakes. So gather up your supplies and get started with some of these easy and enjoyable crafts that will help spark creativity in your little ones all summer long.

Feel free to browse around, find a craft or two that speaks to you, and be sure to come back to check out the rest of the list! Happy crafting, mama!