Keeping kids engaged during the long break can be challenging. These fun crafts not only entertain but also help develop fine motor skills, creativity, and patience. Try these 19 engaging summer crafts to ensure your kids have a blast.
Painted Plate Art
Kids can create stunning painted plate art with just a few supplies. Provide them with white plates and a variety of paints to let their imaginations run wild. They can paint anything from abstract designs to landscapes. This craft helps them practice brush control and color mixing. Display their masterpieces on the wall or use them as unique decorative pieces for the home.
Shell Necklaces
Collect shells from the beach and turn them into beautiful necklaces. Children can thread a string through small holes in the shells and add beads for extra flair. This activity not only enhances fine motor skills but also creates memorable keepsakes. It’s a great way to preserve beach memories.
Homemade Bird Feeders
Transform used toilet paper rolls into bird feeders. Spread peanut butter on the rolls and roll them in birdseed. Hang them outside and watch the birds come. Kids will enjoy seeing their handmade feeders in action and learning about different bird species.
Painted Rocks
Gather smooth stones and let kids paint them with vibrant colors. They can create patterns, animals, or abstract designs. Once dry, use the rocks to decorate the garden or as paperweights. This craft fosters creativity and can be a relaxing activity.
Tie-Dye T-Shirts
Make unique tie-dye T-shirts with simple kits available at craft stores. Kids can twist and tie the shirts in various ways to create different patterns. It’s a messy but fun activity that results in wearable art. They’ll love showing off their colorful creations.
Nature Collages
Encourage kids to collect leaves, flowers, and twigs from the yard. Glue these natural elements onto a piece of paper to create a nature collage. This craft connects them with nature and develops their observation skills. Display their artwork around the house.
Popsicle Stick Picture Frames
Turn popsicle sticks into personalized picture frames. Glue the sticks together in a square or rectangle, then decorate with paint, stickers, or glitter. Insert a favorite photo for a lovely keepsake. This craft is a great way to remember summer fun.
Paper Bag Puppets
Create fun puppets using paper bags. Kids can use markers, construction paper, and googly eyes to make different characters. This craft encourages imaginative play and storytelling. Put on a puppet show for family and friends.
Beaded Bracelets
String colorful beads onto elastic cords to make bracelets. Kids can create patterns or spell out their names with letter beads. This activity improves hand-eye coordination and provides a great way for kids to express their personal style. They make perfect friendship bracelets too.
Egg Carton Caterpillars
Recycle egg cartons by turning them into caterpillars. Cut the cartons into strips, paint them, and add googly eyes and pipe cleaner antennae. This simple craft teaches kids about recycling and insects. They can play with their caterpillars or use them as decorations.
Homemade Kites
Build kites using lightweight materials like paper and sticks. Let kids decorate the kites with markers or paint. Take them outside on a windy day to see how high they can fly. Making and flying kites can be an exciting and rewarding experience.
Fingerprint Art
Create unique art pieces using fingerprints. Kids can dip their fingers in paint and press them onto paper to make animals, flowers, or other designs. Add details with markers once the paint dries. This craft is easy and yields charming results.
Rainbow Windsocks
Use colorful streamers and paper cups to make rainbow windsocks. Attach the streamers to the bottom of the cups and hang them outside. The wind will catch the streamers, creating a beautiful display. This craft brightens up any outdoor space.
Clay Sculptures
Mold air-dry clay into fun shapes and figures. Kids can sculpt animals, people, or abstract forms. Once dry, they can paint their creations. Working with clay helps develop fine motor skills and creativity. These sculptures make great decorations or gifts.
DIY Suncatchers
Make suncatchers with clear plastic lids and translucent beads. Arrange the beads in the lids and melt them in the oven (with adult supervision). Hang the finished suncatchers in a sunny window to catch the light. This craft produces stunning results.
Bubble Painting
Mix paint with bubble solution and blow bubbles onto paper. The bubbles will leave colorful splatters as they pop. This activity is messy but lots of fun. Kids will love the unexpected patterns and colors that emerge.
Paper Mache Bowls
Create bowls using paper mache techniques. Cover a balloon with layers of newspaper strips dipped in glue. Once dry, pop the balloon and paint the bowl. This craft teaches patience and results in a functional piece of art.
Leaf Rubbings
Place a leaf under a sheet of paper and rub a crayon over it to reveal the leaf’s texture. Kids can experiment with different leaves and colors. This activity is simple yet fascinating, and it helps them learn about nature. Display their rubbings as a mini art gallery.
Watercolor Bookmarks
Cut watercolor paper into bookmark shapes and let kids paint them. They can use various techniques like splattering, blending, or stamping. Once dry, punch a hole at the top and add a ribbon. These personalized bookmarks make reading even more enjoyable.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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