Top 34 Engaging Summer Crafts Suitable for Children
With the summer season upon us, families are seeking ways to keep their children entertained and engaged in creative activities. Here, we present a collection of 34 easy and fun summer crafts for kids, compiled from various expert sources and designed to maximize creativity while minimizing the need for special supplies [1][2][5].
## Easy & Fun Summer Crafts Using Household and Natural Materials
### 1. Pasta Necklaces Create wearable art by threading dyed pasta (using food coloring and vinegar) onto yarn [1].
### 2. Nature Collage Sticky Wall Stick leaves, petals, and twigs onto clear contact paper taped to a wall [1].
### 3. Pinecone Owls Transform pinecones into cute woodland creatures by gluing felt and googly eyes [2].
### 4. Rolled Magazine Leaves Roll and glue magazine pages or recycled paper into leaf shapes [2].
### 5. Shaving Cream Marbling Mix shaving cream and food coloring for colorful marbled paper creations [2].
### 6. DIY Leaf Relief Spread clay or play dough, press leaves on top, and paint for a nature impression [2].
### 7. CD Wind Spinners Decorate old CDs and hang them outside to catch the wind [2].
### 8. Bubble Print Butterflies Blow colored bubbles and press paper onto them for butterfly wing patterns [2].
### 9. Pinecone Bird Feeder Coat pinecones with peanut butter and birdseed, then hang outside [2].
### 10. Leaf Bowl Collect large leaves and stiffen with glue for a decorative bowl [2].
### 11. Origami Leaf Fold colored paper into leaf shapes for a simple origami project [2].
### 12. Sunny Suncatcher Decorate clear plastic with markers, cut into shapes, and hang in the window [3].
### 13. Puffy Sidewalk Paint Mix shaving cream, cornstarch, and food coloring for fluffy sidewalk art [3].
### 14. Paper Plate Fish Paint and decorate paper plates to make colorful fish [5].
### 15. Paint Splat Butterfly Fold paper plates in half, splat paint inside, then unfold for symmetrical butterflies [5].
### 16. Pom Pom Painted Watermelon Dip pom poms in paint to stamp watermelon slices [5].
### 17. Campfire Craft Paint or glue paper flames and logs for a campfire scene [5].
### 18. Butterfly Suncatcher Use tissue paper and contact paper to make butterfly window decorations [5].
### 19. Ladybug Craft Make ladybugs from egg cartons or paper plates and paint [5].
### 20. Nature Print Rocks Press leaves or flowers into air-dry clay on rocks, then paint [5].
### 21. Twig Picture Frame Glue sticks or twigs onto cardboard to make rustic picture frames [4].
### 22. Seashell Wind Chime String shells onto yarn or twine for a beachy chime [4].
### 23. Flower Crown Weave flowers and greenery into a circle for a wearable garland [4].
### 24. Yarn-Wrapped Branch Wrap colorful yarn around a sturdy branch for decorative art [4].
### 25. Stone Painting Decorate smooth stones with acrylic paints and markers [4].
### 26. Leaf Rubbing Place leaves under paper and rub with crayons to reveal textures [4].
### 27. Bottle Cap Magnets Glue bottle caps to magnets and decorate as animals or faces [2][4].
### 28. Egg Carton Seedlings Use egg cartons as planters for sprouting seeds [4].
### 29. Grass Head Planters Plant grass seeds in old tights or stockings for grassy heads [4].
### 30. Clothespin Dragonflies Paint clothespins and add tissue paper wings for flying insects [4].
### 31. Nature Mandala Arrange petals, leaves, and pebbles in a circular pattern outside [4].
### 32. Ice Cream Cone Craft Use paper, paint, or recycled materials to make ice cream cone art [5].
### 33. Feather Bookmarks Decorate large feathers with pens and stickers for bookmarks [4].
### 34. Shell Mosaic Picture Glue seashells onto cardboard or wood for a mosaic picture [4].
These crafts encourage children to use everyday household items and found treasures from nature, making summer days creative and memorable [1][2][5].
- Incorporate fashion trends by designing clothing accessories using these easy crafts, such as shaping pasta necklaces or creating patterned paper plate butterflies [fashion-and-beauty].
- Turn your home into a personal sanctuary with homemade decor items from the craft collection, like seashell wind chimes, nature-inspired suncatchers, and bottle cap magnets for a charming, rustic aesthetic [home-and-garden].
- Take a break from the regular travel routine and explore new destinations through cultural crafts, like pinecone owls from a woodland craft session or DIY leaf relief art for a taste of local flora [travel].
- Strengthen the bond between pets and kids by creating homemade pet toys with materials such as old CDs, pinecones, or even seashells for fun playtime activities together [pets].
- Host a car-themed craft day by painting and decorating paper plate cars or making tire tread crafts, followed by a fun afternoon car wash with homemade soaps and sponges [cars].
- Transform your shopping experience by browsing for craft supplies and materials as a family, then team up to complete DIY projects together, creating memories and fostering a sense of collaboration [shopping].
- Draw inspiration from the food-and-drink section to create edible crafts, such as fruit and vegetable art, bubble print butterflies on watermelon, or pom pom painted watermelon slices for a fun and engaging culinary art experience [food-and-drink].
- Use these crafts as conversational starters for relationship-building exercises by discussing the meaning, symbolism, and creative process behind each craft and encouraging open communication about feelings and ideas [relationships].