Summer crafts are an exciting way to keep kids busy while encouraging creativity, whether they’re exploring cute summer crafts that add a splash of color to the season or getting hands-on with nature-inspired projects.
With plenty of options to suit all ages, kids can use their imaginations to make everything from fun paper crafts to beach-themed keepsakes. Many of these summer paper crafts require minimal materials, making them perfect for easy setups and encouraging kids to get crafty indoors or out.
Alongside bright colors and fun shapes, these craft ideas also let kids use items found outdoors, like seashells and leaves, which adds a personal touch to each creation.
Whether your child loves making vibrant decorations or animal-inspired art, these summer crafts are a wonderful way to enjoy the season’s magic. Each project is designed to capture the essence of summer and to create delightful memories that kids will cherish.
These cute summer crafts are ideal for keeping little hands and minds busy. In each activity, kids can express themselves creatively, enhance fine motor skills, and enjoy the simple joy of creating something with their own hands.
So gather some craft supplies, get ready for some fun, and dive into these exciting summer craft ideas!
What You’ll Need
- Construction paper in bright colors
- Child-safe scissors
- Glue sticks
- Markers or crayons
- Googly eyes
- Seashells or small rocks
- Popsicle sticks
- Craft paint and brushes
- Pipe cleaners
- Pom-poms
- Glitter (optional)
- String or twine
- Foam sheets in various colors
- Mini wooden frames or cardboard
- Small stickers or gems for decoration
Method
1. Paper Plate Sun
- Paint the center of a paper plate yellow and let it dry.
- Cut strips of orange construction paper to make sun rays.
- Glue the rays around the edge of the plate.
- Add googly eyes and draw a smiling face to complete your sunny craft.
2. Seashell Creatures
- Wash and dry the seashells you’ve collected.
- Use craft paint to color the shells and let them dry.
- Add googly eyes and draw small faces with a marker.
- Glue on pipe cleaners or pom-poms for extra decoration.
3. Popsicle Stick Sailboat
- Arrange and glue three popsicle sticks side by side.
- Cut a triangle sail from construction paper and decorate it.
- Glue the sail to the middle popsicle stick.
- Use markers to add patterns or details to the boat.
4. Nature Collage
- Go on a nature walk and collect leaves, flowers, and small twigs.
- Arrange your nature items on construction paper in any design you like.
- Glue the items down securely.
- Use markers to add designs or label the plants you used.
5. Bubble Wrap Jellyfish
- Cut a half-circle from bubble wrap to make the jellyfish’s body.
- Paint it in bright colors and set aside to dry.
- Cut ribbon strips and glue them as “tentacles” along the flat edge.
- Add googly eyes for a cute jellyfish face.
6. Flower Crown
- Cut out flower shapes from colored foam sheets or construction paper.
- Glue the flowers along a strip of twine or string to make the crown.
- Add pom-poms or small stickers to the flower centers.
- Fit the crown around your child’s head and tie it to secure.
7. Suncatcher Art
- Cut out a cardboard frame and cover it with clear plastic wrap.
- Tear or cut tissue paper into small pieces.
- Glue the tissue paper to the plastic wrap, creating a colorful pattern.
- Hang it near a window to catch the sunlight.
8. Ice Cream Cone Craft
- Cut a cone shape from brown construction paper.
- Glue pom-poms or cotton balls on top to look like scoops of ice cream.
- Draw sprinkles or add glitter for a fun touch.
- Display your paper ice cream cone on the fridge or wall.
9. Wind Chimes
- Paint small rocks, seashells, or wooden beads in bright colors.
- Tie each item with a string and attach them to a popsicle stick.
- Space them evenly to create a balanced chime.
- Hang your wind chimes outdoors and enjoy the gentle sound.
These summer crafts are not only fun but also offer endless ways to make memories with kids, whether indoors or outdoors. Plus, many of these activities are eco craft ideas that use natural materials and simple, recyclable supplies, making them a great choice for families looking to be environmentally conscious.
With ideas ranging from nature-themed art to colorful paper creations, your kids can even use crafts coloring pages as inspiration to customize their projects. These easy-to-make crafts can bring a cheerful touch to any summer day!