It’s summertime and this means crafts for kids with paper and other easy materials is on the to-do list!
Yes, I started that post with an exclamation point because I genuinely think summer is the perfect season, hands down.
It’s full of warm days and sweet strawberry popsicles, and camping outside in the open.
Now, along with summertime, is when the kiddos start getting restless, and when you have to start thinking of productive and fun ways to keep them busy.
Summers usually go by smoother when you prepare ahead of time and keep some ideas on the back burner when it comes to schools letting out and having the kids at home the WHOLE day (or if you homeschool).
What exactly can you do to keep kids busy, entertained, learning a thing or two, and overall happy?
Well, here are some ideas I put together that you can sift through to find your favorites.
They revolve mostly around crafts that they can do along with some outdoor activities as well.
Let’s look at how we can get started planning a fun summer for everyone involved—
First Things First: Create Your Kid’s Art Caddy
Image Source: Blog.ooly.com
To make sure your kids and their friends have everything they need to have a successfully crafty summer, it’s a GREAT idea to start a craft box.
I found this art box as inspiration on Blog.ooly and thought it was absolutely gorgeous. <3
The colors are so bright and vibrant and it’s an excellent example of how you can create your own caddy and get creative with it according to the summer activities your kids choose.
The Caddy
There are all kinds of caddies you can use to create your own unique art box. I found this caddy and thought it was perfect for an organized crafty summer.
Your caddy can be made out of all sorts of materials. Some other ones that are great to work with and easy to clean are:
Galvanized caddy: This one is great if you’re looking for a more rustic look to your art caddy, it also has lots of space for all kinds of crafts.
Bamboo Caddy: Bamboo caddies look very pretty once you get all the supplies in them, though they are more prone to being marked by all the paints and markers. It’s still a great caddy option.
Create-A-Space Caddy: This one you can mix and match each individual caddy. It has a lot of compartments if thats something you like better for organization’s sake.
The Essentials
These are all the ingredients you need to make sure your kid’s summer is filled with fun and joy and creativity!
Markers
Glue
Glitter
Paper
Paints
55+ Crafts For Kids With Paper And Easy Materials ANYONE Can Make!
Image Source: Pink Stripey Socks
These turtles are the absolute cutest and can be used to decorate your fridge if you simply stick a little magnet on the backs of them. They’re a great project for the little animal lovers in your life and makes a great art activity for kids.
Summer Sewing Cards
Image Source: Kids Activites Blog
These cards are sooo pretty and they can definitely make a good ‘thank you’ project. If your kids ever need to write a thank you letter to their grandparents or their teacher then they can definitely make some of these cards.
Grab the FREE printables here.
DIY Custom Flip Flops
Image Source: Lifestyle For Real Life
These custom flip flops are not only fun to make but they’re also useful! They make for an awesome group project and best of all they’re mess free. My friend Marybeth over at Lifestyle For Real Life shows you how to put them together (along with other awesome DIYs you should definitely be checking out).
Super Bouncy Balls
Image Source: Life’s Carousel
How about making some super bouncy balls with your kids? They’ll love the glittery colors and have fun bouncing them off the walls.
My friend Sasha over at Life’s Carousel has this and other kid-friendly tutorials worth checking out!
Make An Art Bot
Video Source: Kids Steam Lab
This project is one of a kind and one your kids will be sure to enjoy. Instead of doing a written tutorial, they’ve made a video showing you how to put this art bot together. Check out the video (there’s more where that came from here.)
DIY Embellished Sunglasses
Image Source: Ruffles and stuff
Summer= Sunglasses time. Which means you could totally be spending some time with your kiddos embellishing some. Make sure you check out the tutorial.
DIY Boat Fresco
Image Source: Artsy Craftsy Mom
Boats are perfect if you want to put together a 3-D fresco your kids can keep forever. Get the full tutorial right here.
Sparkler Fireworks Pom Poms
Image Source: Kids Craft Room
These can be so fun to shake around and are perfect for the 4th of July. They don’t really involve any paint, just some basic materials.
Painted Wood Boxes
Image Source: Tell Love And Party
Teach your kids some organizational habits with these painted wood boxes. They’re great keepsakes for helping them to get their room organized and they can be used to store all kinds of things.
Here is the tutorial (with lots of pretty pics!).
Vacation Memory Jar
Image Source: Kix Cereal
These are perfect keepsakes for your kiddos to put together if you go on vacation and bring back some keepsakes (like seashells and the likes). This is a great project to keep them busy for sure.
Get started with your Vacation Memory Jar.
DIY Hanging Jellyfish
Image Source: Craftiments
These are so pretty! As soon as I found them I popped them on this endless list of fun craft ideas. They make a great classroom project for kids in science class.
Here’s how you can make these awesome jellyfish hangers.
DIY Dory Hat
Image Source: All For The Boys
If your kids are in love with Nemo then they’ll love to put together this Dory baseball cap. It’s a great way for them to express themselves and get the sun out of their face at the same time. Pretty great DIY project ideas for kids if you ask me.
Here are the directions to get started!
Glow In The Dark Fairy Lights
Image Source: The Gold Jelly Bean
Kids ove anything that glows in the dark, why not make these fun DIY glow jars that they can keep as night lights? They’re quick and easy to make, and there is a step by step tutorial right here.
Tin Can Bowling
Image Source: A Girl And A Glue Gun
This one can double as both a summer game and a painting project. There are all kinds of ways you can bring a dull can to life with a little paint and some brushes. Just make sure you put down some newspaper to keep the paint off the floors.
Fun Sponge Balls
Image Source: Muslin and Merlot
Colorful sponge balls are a great no hazard activity to make and play with (and they last forever). It’s a fun craft and its perfect for kids of all ages. All you have to do is learn how to put them together. Here is the tutorial.
Glitter Soap
Image Source: A Few Shortcuts
Glitter soap is perfect for a girly get together. Their shape is cool and you can make them smell great by adding some essential oils.
Grow Your Own Bean Plant Project
Image Source: Growing A Jeweled Rose
This one is so creative and can also be a great science experiment for the classroom or homeschooled children. Teach your kids about plants and cells with this awesome bean plant project.
Create Some Sock Monsters
Image Source: Land Of Nod
Sock monsters are perfect for all the missing socks out there that will never find a partner. You can make the project no sew for younger children so they don’t have to handle a real sewing needle.
Powder Fight Fun
Image Source: Dukes And Duchesses
This project might be better for older aged kids but fun nonetheless. Have you ever seen those powder fights people have on tv that leaves them covered in colors all around? You can recreate that at home with your kids.
DIY Kinetic Sand
Image Source: YouTube
Forget going out and buying some expensive kinetic sand. Just make some with your kids at home. It’s a project you can both enjoy and it’s pretty fun to play and make shapes with. Make sure you watch the video for full directions.
Mason Jar Snow Globe
Image Source: Graymalin
Snow globes can be fun little trinkets for your kids to enjoy making. All you have to do is find their favorite figurines and a mason jar of their choice. Pretty lovely!
Get the snow globe tutorial here.
No-Sew Fleece Octopus
image Source: While She Naps
Forget teddy bears, make this no-sew fleece octopus instead. It makes for a great decorative plush toy for their room, or can even serve as a pillow if you make it big enough.
DIY Summer Party Sign
Image Source: Sister Suitcase Blog
Show your love for summer by creating a sign together! Perfect for family reunions and parties!
Fairy Houses
Image Source: Crafts By Amanda
I would have drooled at these fairy houses if I would have had then back when I was seven. They are just the prettiest and can make a great mommy and daughter(s) project.
Watercolor Pillows
Image Source: Tidbits-Cami
Your kids will love these watercolor pillows. I mean let’s face it, who doesn’t want to bury their face in colorful fluffiness? You can have fun with your kids while you make them and let them dry.
Dream Catchers
Image Source: Art Bar Blog
Dreamcatchers! Everybody loves a good dream catcher. And whether you believe the old myths and stories behind them or not, they’re a pretty project that can be fun to put together.
Unicorn Glitter
Image Source: The Best Ideas For Kids
Gooey DIY slime is in no way out of style! Especially this Unicorn type. Isn’t it so mesmerizing to look at? There are a TON of slime recipes out there ( I really like the galaxy slime recipes too) so you can have your pick of the ones that you like best.
As soon as I set eyes on this Unicorn Slime I knew it was the one.
Fun Fan Faces
Image Source: Mr. Printables
Fans are great for the heat and make a pretty fun at home DIY project. Make sure you create a ton to give to your whole family and share with friends. To take it a step further, you can even string them together to create a nice fan garland.
Bunny Pom Poms
Image Source: Blog.Pommaker
Bunny Pom Poms are the cutest creations on planet Earth (second to actual bunnies though). Why not create some bunny pom poms to have some fun with? You can use them as magnets or string them together to put them in your kid’s room. The possibilities are endless.
Alphabet Bingo
Image Source: Crazy Little Projects
Alphabet Bingo is a great way to learn your ABC’s!
This is a super creative twist on bingo and you can use M&M’s, jelly beans, or skittles as placeholders!
Shoebox Foosball Game
Image Source: U-Create Crafts
This is a super creative project that your kids can whip out and use to play with their friends when they come over. They’re sure to have a blast putting it together.
Marshmellow Toothpick Structures
image Source: Munchkins And Mom
Here is a great way to create little structures without having to go out and buy a whole Lego set. This is a great project for kids with curiosity as to how things work and that enjoy building things. Best of all you can use things other than marshmallows, like jelly beans for example.
Here is where you can find out more.
Rock Candy!
Image Source: Growing A Jeweled Rose
Rock Candy is a great way to end this fun list of creative things to do at home with your kids. I remember making these myself when I was in third grade and I was completely ecstatic with my rock candy, to say the least.
Valentines Day Paper Heart Mobile
Image and Idea: Buggy and Buddy
Here is a simple craft work with paper idea. Make a heart garland with your kids that you can hang in their room. It doesn’t take messy paints and looks cute! Check out the easy craft idea here.
Cute And Easy Easter Basket Crafts
Image and Idea: The Joy of Sharing
Create some baskets to put stuff in, whether that’d be Easter eggs, jewelry, or pens. You name it, and you can probably make a basket for it with glitter and paint and lots of colors. Here is how you can make these.
DIY Corner Bookmarks
Image and Idea: Easy Peasy and Fun
These corner bookmarks are absolutely gorgeous and can be a great way for your kids to let their imagination run wild. There are endless monster faces you can create that can double as placeholders for their favorite books. Here’s how to put them together.
Modular Origami Bracelet
Image and Idea: Paper Kawaii
Make some wearable paper jewelry! Origami is a great way to practice following directions with your kids. With their favorite colored paper, they can learn to make bracelets for all of their friends. Here is how.
Medieval Crown
Image and Idea: First Palette
Anyone would love to own this grand medieval crown, so why not make one right at home? This can be pretty simple craft work with paper if you just cut out the shapes and add some sparkles to it. Here’s how it works.
Easy Donuts
Image and Idea: Craft Create Cook
For a second these donuts can look real! But they’re just make pretend foods you can make at home with your kids. Catch the step-by-step directions here.
Pom Pom Caterpillar Clothespin
Image and Idea: Factory Direct Crafts
You can make these cute caterpillar clothes pins to hang up pictures with. They are super easy to make and don’t create any messes or stains. It can be a great way to organize your pictures/drawings. Here’s how you make them.
DIY Paper Dinosaur Hat
Image and Idea: Paper and Glue
Create a wearable dinosaur hat! This is some simple craft work with paper that you can put together at your own leisure. Here are the directions.
DIY Spin-finite Tops
Image and Idea: PBS
If you want to create a craft that is a little more dynamic then try these spinning tops. They don’t take too much assembling and you can practically use whatever you want to decorate them. Check them out here.
DIY Sidewalk Chalk Pops
Image and Idea: Project Nursery
Ever thought about making sidewalk pops? It’s a super creative way to make playing with chalk more fun and inventive without having to use messy paints. Here’s how.
Fun Sneakers
Image and Idea: BHG
Decorate some blank sneakers together and make some lifelong memories! Sneakers are a great craft idea to create something wearable and expressive that your kids can have fun with. See more here.
DIY Minecraft and Pokemon Inspired Lunch Kit
Image and Idea: Life Unadorned
Create some video game inspired containers with just a few supplies (like paint and tape). Just a small creative way to make their lunches a tad more fun. Get the directions here.
Balloon Car Craft
Image and Idea: Parents
Create this balloon car out of items around the house and watch it go! Check out how to do it here.
Easy Homemade Play Dough
Image and Idea: Pretty Providence
While play dough doesn’t necessarily involve paper, its still a great way to entertain your kids! Instead of buying it at the store you can take the time to make it together. Here’s how.
No Sew DIY Pouch
Image and Idea: Red Ted Art
This pouch is the cutest and can be used to keep your kid’s allowance. It’s super pratical and an easy DIY craft idea for sure. Get the steps here.
Unicorn Planter
Image and Idea: Easy Peasy and Fun
These planters are probably a TOP favorite on this list. They turn out absolutely gorgeous and best of all you can actually use them to plant your favorite type of plant in them (talking about plants, have you checked out this awesome guide to indoor plants we put together? It’s great if you’re wondering which houseplants to get!)
Get the Unicorn Planter directions here.
Ribbon Wands
Image an Idea: Somewhat Simple
Create some ribbon wands! I like creating mine out of plastic ribbon instead of cloth, since I find it works better. Best of all you can make a ton of different color combinations. Here is how.
3 Step DIY Paper Bowls
Image and Idea: Must Have Mom
If you’re looking for simple craft work with paper then this is the craft for you. These cute bowls can be used in a variety of ways it all depends on how creative you want to get. Check them out.
DIY Crayon Candle
Image and Idea: The Pinning Mama
These crayon candles an be a great DIY gift idea for your kids. Especially during the holidays when you want to gift something meaningful. Here is how to make them.
Lava Lamp
Image and Idea: Mashable
Who does’t love a good Lava Lamp? They can be great craft experiments for your kids to make that they can use for a long time. Here is how to make them.
Dashes and Dots DIY Floral Mug
Image and Idea: I Love To Create Blog
Create a colorful mug with your favorite color paints. Cheap, easy, and clean. Get the directions here.
DIY Ombre Tassel Necklaces
Image and Idea: Homemade Banana
This tassle necklace might be a bit of a hassle for your younger kiddos, but is definitely a pretty craft idea for your older ones. They are super wearable and you can even make earrings out of them to match! Here are the directions.
Flower Button Art
Image and Idea: The Best Ideas For Kids
Here is an easy paper craft idea. Make some button flowers! You can make them into cards or framable art work to use as decoration. Here’s how.
Button Bowl
Image and Idea: Ventuno Art
Create a button bowl to put your favorite things in! Catch the step-by-step tutorial here.
Minion Goodie Jars
Image and Idea: Crazy Little Projects
Make some Minion goodie jars. You can create them to put art supplies in them, candy, or even use them as part of your birthday party goodies. Check them out.
Pretty DIY Flower Suncatcher
Image and Idea: Suzys Sitcom
Catch some sunlight with this DIY flower suncatcher! Hint: This can also make a great group project for the classroom or if your child has friends over. Here’s how to put it together.
Popsicle Resist Art
Image and Idea: Fun At Home With The Kids
This one is a great simple paper craft and if you check out the directions it even brings a printable template you can use to put it all together. You can even go as far as framing your kid’s artwork once its finished. Here’s how!
Pom Pom Hand Puppet Craft
Image and Idea: NY Metro Parents
Go ahead and make some hand puppets! They’re some of the easiest to make and only require a few items you can easily find in your local crafts store (or even things around the house). Here are the directions.
Time To Have Fun With Some Easy Crafts For Kids!
I would probably break my site if I tried to cram all the DIY projects you could do over the summer with your kids. I’m not sure I can even pick a favorite out of all the craft projects and activities since they are all unique, fun, and useful in their own way.
Keep in mind, though some of these projects can be fun, they can get messy real quick. That’s why it’s always good to make sure you have a designated art area where they can play and create awesome things.
Now it’s your turn. What was your favorite summer DIY craft idea out of this list? Make sure you let me know below!
Happy Crafting! 🙂
