As the school year comes to a close, many kids (and parents!) breathe a collective sigh of relief. The warm sunshine and freedom from schedules can be a recipe for creativity and adventure. To keep your little ones engaged and entertained outdoors, why not try these super fun and easy craft ideas? With minimal mess and maximum enjoyment, you’ll be creating memories that will last long after the summer is over.
But before we dive into the crafts, let’s tackle the age-old problem of boredom!
If ‘I’m so bored!’ has become a daily refrain in your household, fear not. We’ve got some fantastic free printable games to keep those little minds sharp and active during their time off. From construction-themed fun to camping adventures and veggie-mania, there’s something for every age group.
Free Construction I Spy Printable
Free Camping I Spy Printable
Free I Spy Veggies Printable
Here are some of the crafts we’ve discovered that are perfect for making memories outside with your kids:
How To Make A Pinwheel
In many households, the joy of playing with pinwheels is a familiar scene. However, the constant need to replace broken ones can be frustrating and costly. But fear not! With just a few minutes of your time, you can create a paper pinwheel that will delight both kids and adults alike. This simple tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on how to make one, complete with a free template for added ease.
Handprint Campfire Craft
Get ready for a cozy evening in with this delightful handprint campfire craft! Who else is feeling nostalgic about summertime adventures and camping trips? Bring those memories back to life by setting up a mini campfire right in the comfort of your own home. Gather your little ones’ artwork and let them get creative, transforming their masterpieces into a warm and fuzzy campfire that’ll surely become a treasured family keepsake.
DIY Ocean Toy Soap
Want to keep your kids engaged and entertained during the hot summer days? Look no further than this creative DIY project that’s perfect for ocean-themed parties or just for some fun in the sun. With minimal effort, you can create an amazing ocean toy soap that doubles as a thoughtful party favor or unique birthday celebration decoration.
The Best DIY Puffy Paint Recipe
Get ready to unleash your child’s creativity with a fun and easy DIY project! If your little ones are as obsessed with puffy paint as they should be, you’re in luck. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic crafting skills, you can create your own puffy paint at home. And the best part? You don’t need to be an artistic genius to make it happen. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making puffy paint from scratch.
Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just looking for a fun activity to do with your kids, this project is sure to bring a smile to their faces. So why wait? Gather your supplies and get ready to unleash your inner artist with the help of this easy-to-follow guide!
Sand Art Bottle DIY Craft
Transform your kids’ beach memories into stunning masterpieces with this easy and fun craft! If your little ones are obsessed with collecting pebbles and sand from their summer vacation, why not take it to the next level? With just a few simple materials, including food coloring or liquid watercolors, they can turn their sandy treasures into vibrant works of art. Just imagine the excitement on their faces when they see how their humble beach finds can be transformed into something truly special!
How to Make Awesome Paper Airplanes
For many boys, folding paper planes is a beloved pastime. However, once they’ve mastered the classic dart-shaped design, they may be eager to try their hand at more complex creations. That’s where this tutorial comes in – it provides a step-by-step guide on how to fold four unique types of paper planes, offering hours of entertainment and creativity for kids to enjoy.
DIY Shape Bubble Wands
Imagine a summer filled with endless fun and creativity, where kids are completely absorbed in making their own unique bubble wands! With just a few simple materials like pipe cleaners, colorful beads, cookie cutters, and scissors, they can bring their imagination to life. By customizing their creations with different colors and bead combinations, they’ll be fully engaged for hours on end, blowing bubbles and watching them float away.
Paper Plate Sun & Rainbow Craft
Transform your home with an effortless summer DIY project. Envision a whimsical display of light and color dancing in the breeze. This charming craft requires mere basic materials: a paper plate and a few other simple supplies. With minimal effort, you’ll create a stunning piece that will brighten up any room. Once complete, take it outside to witness its radiant beauty as it sways gently with the wind’s caress.
Beaded DIY Wind Chimes For Kids
There’s something undeniably charming about the gentle tinkling of wind chimes. And with this vibrant craft project, you can create your own stunning wind chime to bring joy to your outdoor space. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy and open-ended, allowing your little ones to unleash their creativity by selecting from a rainbow of color options and styles. Gather the necessary supplies and invite your kids for an afternoon of creative fun in the fresh air.
Cotton Round Ice Cream Craft
Summer just wouldn’t be complete without a cool treat like ice cream. That’s why this DIY project is a must-have for your little ones to enjoy during the warmer months. By combining cotton pads and cardboard, you’ll create a simple yet engaging craft that’s perfect for preschoolers to make their own ice cream in no time – literally, it takes less than 5 minutes! This fun activity not only provides a sweet reward but also encourages creativity and fine motor skills development.
Confetti Fish Craft for Kids
Imagine the excitement on your kids’ faces when you present them with a fun and creative confetti craft project. Who wouldn’t love playing with colorful confetti? To make this a reality, I’ve come up with a simple yet engaging activity that lets your little ones create their own confetti fish, which can be reproduced in abundance to form an entire school of colorful sea creatures. The best part? You’ll find a free template to help guide the process.
This summer craft is sure to bring joy and excitement to kids of all ages.
Felt Flower Plastic Spoon Craft
For a fun and creative summer activity with your kids, consider whipping up some vibrant flower crafts using just two simple materials: plastic spoons and felt. This delightful project requires minimal setup and is sure to delight both you and your little ones as you watch them bring their imagination to life.
How to Tie Dye Shirts With Kids
As summer approaches, our minds often wander to the creative and unconventional activities we can indulge in. Tie-dying shirts is one such craze that never fails to excite us! If you’re keen on giving this craft a try but dread the mess that comes with it, don’t worry – we’ve got a tutorial that will guide you through the process almost entirely mess-free.
To further enhance your experience, we’ll also be sharing tie-dye patterns, step-by-step instructions, valuable tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect design.
How To Make A Super Cute Seashell Turtle
Transform the seashells your little ones collected on their last beach adventure from mere decorative trinkets to a sweet and charming turtle figurine. The end result will be almost too adorable for words! Simply gather those shells that have been languishing in a bowl or jar, devoid of purpose, and get creative. You might just find yourself and your kids giggling with glee as you bring this shell-arious project to life.
Paper Wind Sock Craft Tutorial
For those who enjoy crafting without breaking the bank or making special purchases, this activity is a perfect fit. With just a few basic supplies, you can create windsocks in any color of your choice. What’s more, these handmade wonders can be enjoyed throughout the year, regardless of the season. The flexibility to customize colors and the timeless appeal of the finished product make windsocks an ideal craft for those looking for a low-key creative outlet.
Bee Puppet For Kids
When it comes to choosing the perfect crafts, I’m all about activities that are both fun and educational. One of my absolute favorites is making adorable bees out of paper – perfect for a warm summer evening! This tutorial shows you how to create your own cute paper bees, and as an added bonus, there’s a free template available to help guide your crafting process.
Paper Plate Boat Craft Tutorial
Summer is incomplete without the thrill of sailing, and what better way to introduce this joy than with a DIY sailboat project that’s perfect for preschoolers! This engaging tutorial takes you through the simple process of crafting a sailboat using a humble paper plate and some yarn. With its emphasis on creativity and imagination, this activity is sure to delight young minds.
4th of July Flag Handprint Craft for Kids
As summer vibes take over, it’s time to get creative and patriotic! What better way to celebrate Independence Day than with a 4th of July craft that’s both fun and easy for kids to make? Our handprint flag card craft is the perfect solution. With minimal supervision needed, kids will have a blast creating their own masterpieces using paint and their hands – it’s a sensory experience like no other!
Butterfly Suncatcher Craft
Transforming Your Summer with DIY Suncatchers: A Fun Family Project As the sun shines brightly this summer, why not create some beautiful suncatchers that will add a pop of color and delight to your windows? Instead of purchasing store-bought ones, you can make them yourself with your kids! Not only are they a fun and creative activity, but they also serve as a lovely way to bring the outdoors in.
With just a few simple materials and some imagination, you can craft your own suncatchers that will be the envy of all who see them. To get started, download our free butterfly template and let it guide you through the process. It’s the perfect excuse to spend quality time with your little ones, teaching them about art, creativity, and the joy of making something with their own hands.
Coffee Mug Bird Feeders
If your kids are fascinated by birds flitting around your yard, why not take it to the next level and set up a bird-friendly snack bar? It’s easier than you think! Simply repurpose an old coffee mug, grab some spare time, and follow this simple tutorial to create charming DIY bird feeders that will have the little visitors flocking to your garden.
DIY Sidewalk Chalk Paint
Transforming lazy summer days into creative masterpieces, there’s no better way than unleashing your child’s artistic flair on the great outdoors! Chalk painting the sidewalk in front of your home is an ideal activity that combines fun with self-expression. Imagine the vibrant colors and imaginative designs they’ll bring to life – it’s a surefire way to keep them engaged and entertained. For a step-by-step guide on how to make this creative adventure come alive, check out our tutorial!
Outdoor Tic Tac Toe Game
As the sun shines brightly in summer, the world around us transforms into a vibrant playground for kids to explore. For little entomologists, there’s no better way to engage with nature than by creating a fun and interactive tic-tac-toe game featuring ladybugs and tadpoles crafted from rocks. The end result is not only an entertaining activity but also a beautiful piece of art that captures the essence of summertime.
How to Make a Kite
Looking for ways to keep your little ones tech-free during the summer months? One simple yet effective approach is to engage them in outdoor activities that bring joy and excitement. Among these, flying a kite is an absolute classic – not only does it encourage kids to get moving and enjoy the fresh air, but it’s also an easy activity to do together as a family.
And if you’re concerned about breaking the bank on store-bought kites or simply want to spend quality time with your children, making one from scratch can be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Homemade Sand Slime
For kids who are obsessed with slime, there’s no denying its appeal. However, constantly purchasing new batches can be pricey and wasteful. The good news is that making your own slime is a fun and easy DIY project. By combining common household ingredients like sand, baking soda, and warm water, you can create a unique and customized slime experience. For a step-by-step guide on how to make this awesome sand slime, follow the link below.
Easy Paper Plate Suncatcher Craft
As summer sunshine pours in through the windows, it’s only natural to want to bring some of that warmth into your home. A brilliant way to do just that is by crafting a stunning suncatcher. This particular one is made from paper and a few other readily available supplies, resulting in a lovely addition to any room.
Pool Noodle Pom Pom Shooter
Summer just got a whole lot cooler with the perfect blend of fun and education – pool noodle crafts! This DIY project is an absolute must-have for kids (and adults alike) to enjoy during the warmer months. The pool noodle pom pom shooter is an excellent way to spend quality time with your little ones while fostering their creativity and problem-solving skills. And the best part? It’s a fantastic STEM activity that combines art, science, and technology in one delightful package.
How to Make a Paper Boat
Looking for an engaging outdoor activity that will captivate your little ones for hours on end? Consider the humble paper boat! Not only is this project a breeze to set up, but it’s also surprisingly entertaining for kids of all ages. With minimal materials and just 5 minutes of their time, they’ll be conjuring up their very own boats in no time.
Colorful Squirt Gun Painting
Beat the summer blues by engaging your kids in an exciting outdoor activity that’s perfect for warm weather days when school’s out and boredom sets in. Squirt gun painting is a unique way to spend quality time together, combining fun with creativity. Not only will your little ones have a blast playing with their squirt guns, but they’ll also get the opportunity to create their very own masterpiece – a delightful combination of art and play!
How To Make A Whirlygig
The art of crafting has never been more exciting than with the humble spinner. Who wouldn’t be captivated by the mesmerizing whirring motion of these toys? In their various forms, from modern spinners to vintage whirlygigs, kids and adults alike can’t help but be drawn in. Today, we’ll delve into a simple tutorial on how to create a vibrant and engaging whirlygig that’s as effortless as baking a pie!
If you’re interested in more creative outlets, be sure to check out our collection of cardboard crafts and activities for inspiration.
DIY Fruit Fans
Beat the heat this summer with a fun and easy DIY project that’s perfect for kids! Create your own adorable fruit fans using craft paper and your child’s favorite fruits. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a refreshing way to stay cool on those sweltering summer days.
How to Make Melted Crayon Sea Shells
Transforming the ordinary act of collecting seashells into an artful experience, Artful Parent invites you to elevate your vacation vibes with a creative twist. Rather than simply storing shells in a bowl or jar, this craft empowers you to turn them into vibrant, decorative pieces using melted crayons. Join us on this colorful adventure and discover the joy of upcycling seashells into unique treasures!
Pool Noodle Plane Summer Craft
Beat the heat this summer with an engaging STEM activity that combines fun and learning for boys. Leave the traditional backyard games behind and bring out the pool noodles – your kids will have a blast creating flying planes! With just a few simple supplies, they’ll be soaring to new heights in no time.
DIY Ocean Moon Sand
Discover the Joy of Sensory Play with Colored Moon Sand
Are you seeking a fun and engaging DIY project that doubles as a sensory activity? Look no further! Our colored moon sand recipe is an excellent choice. With just a few simple ingredients, including flour, food coloring, and coconut oil, you can create a unique and captivating craft experience for little hands. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make!
Jellyfish Cupcake Liner Craft for Kids
As the sun shines bright on a marine life lesson, why not supplement it with a delightful DIY project? Crafty parents and educators, listen up! To create an adorable jiggling jellyfish, you’ll need just a few simple supplies: a paper bowl, cupcake liners, craft paint, and some basic crafting essentials. This activity is not only fun but also educational, making it the perfect accompaniment to your summer learning adventures.
And don’t worry if things get too messy – we’ve got you covered with some easy-to-print worksheets that’ll keep your little ones entertained without the chaos!
Related Free Printables:
To spark creativity, we’ve put together a selection of printable templates that cater to different needs. First, there’s the ‘Sun Template Outlines’ – a versatile tool for organizing and visualizing ideas. Next up is the ‘Space I Spy Printable Activity’, an engaging way to encourage kids to explore their surroundings. For maintaining household harmony, our ‘Chore Chart Printable’ comes in handy, allowing family members to stay on the same page.
