27 Summer Crafts for Kids
Summer is the perfect season to spark creativity and keep kids engaged with fun, hands-on activities.
With long sunny days and endless imagination, crafting offers an opportunity to explore, learn, and create memories together.
From nature-inspired projects to colorful decorations, summer crafts help children develop skills, express themselves, and enjoy the outdoors.
27 Summer Crafts for Kids
1. Sun Wand
Craft a magical “Sun Wand” by cutting out a starburst sun shape from cardboard or sturdy paper.
Decorate the center with pressed flowers, glitter, and stickers. Attach long ribbons in summer shades like orange and yellow to the bottom for a whimsical effect.
This craft doubles as a prop for imaginative play or summer festivals. Kids will love waving their colorful wand under the sunny sky.
2. Watermelon Wreath
Transform a paper plate into a summery “Watermelon Wreath.” Cut the center of the plate out and paint the bottom half like a watermelon, complete with green rind and black seeds.
Add a mini flag that says “Summer” or “Kalokairi.” Attach sun details at the top using pipe cleaners. Hang it as a decoration or gift it as a keepsake of sunny days.
3. Shell Snails
Create adorable “Shell Snails” using air-dry clay for the body and real seashells for the shell.
Kids can shape colorful snail bodies, press googly eyes in place, and add dried flowers or twigs for antennae.
Attach the snails to a wooden base with a leaf for a natural setting. These snails are a creative way to incorporate nature and sculpture into one fun summer activity.
4. Deer Mask
Recycle cardboard to craft a “Deer Mask.” Cut out a deer face shape and paint it with soft brown and orange tones. Add cute details like white spots and sleepy eyes.
Use string or tape to secure it for wear. This simple craft is perfect for dress-up or a woodland-themed summer activity.
Kids will love personalizing their unique animal face.
5. Rhyming Popcorn
Combine learning with art through “Rhyming Popcorn.” Draw a popcorn bucket on paper and cut out yellow popcorn shapes.
Write rhyming words on each piece of popcorn and stick them around the bucket.
This craft helps kids enhance their phonics skills while creating a colorful display for the classroom or home. Perfect for younger kids learning to read.
6. Butterfly Necklaces
Turn paper plates into “Butterfly Necklaces.” Cut and paint the plates into butterfly wings.
Add yarn and fabric scraps for the body and embellish with sunflower seeds for texture. Attach yarn for a necklace strap.
This wearable craft teaches kids about butterflies and incorporates nature into their creative play.
7. Birdhouses
Recycle cardboard boxes into “Birdhouses.” Let kids decorate them with paint and patterns, then place small clay birds inside.
This eco-friendly craft sparks creativity while introducing kids to birdwatching and conservation.
Display the birdhouses as decorations or toys for imaginative play.Octopus Roller
8. Octopus Roller
Craft an interactive “Octopus Roller” by cutting out a playful octopus design on paper and adding a rolling cardboard piece as the body.
Kids can color and customize their octopus with vibrant colors and underwater-themed decorations. Roll it for hours of fun while learning about marine life.
9. Sea Creatures
Make a collection of “Sea Creatures” using painted paper plates. Transform plates into sharks, jellyfish, and crabs by adding construction paper fins, tentacles, and eyes.
This activity is perfect for group settings and teaches kids about ocean biodiversity. Display them on walls for a summer sea-themed event.
10. Fish Collage
Let creativity flow with a “Fish Collage.” Use cut-out shapes of fish, triangles, and circles on a blue-painted background. Add glitter for a shimmering ocean effect.
This craft encourages shape recognition and is a vibrant way to celebrate underwater life. Perfect for summer classrooms or home art projects.
11. Owl Collage
Create an eco-friendly “Owl Collage” using scrap paper, magazines, and bottle caps. Begin by cutting an owl shape from cardboard.
Layer it with colorful patterns for the body and feathers. Use bottle caps for the eyes, adding paper or beads for extra detail.
This craft helps kids recycle while expressing creativity. Display the finished owl as wall art or a unique decoration for summer spaces.
12. Flower Suncatcher
Make a radiant “Flower Suncatcher” by pressing dried flowers between sheets of wax paper or tissue.
Frame the arrangement with a cardboard or paper ring and hang it in a sunny spot. The vibrant colors of the petals create a stunning effect when sunlight passes through.
This activity celebrates nature and brightens any room or garden during summer.
13. God’s Eye
Weave a “God’s Eye” using colorful yarn and two sticks. Cross the sticks to form an X and wrap yarn around them in a diamond pattern.
Alternate colors for a vibrant design. This traditional craft is simple to learn and encourages patience and concentration.
Perfect for older kids, the finished piece can be used as a decoration or gift.
14. Turtle Art
Create playful “Turtle Art” with coffee filters and green paper. Paint or tie-dye the filters for the turtle’s shell, then attach a head, legs, and tail cut from paper.
Add details like eyes and a smile for personality. This craft introduces kids to tie-dye techniques while teaching them about turtles.
It’s easy, colorful, and a fun way to celebrate summer wildlife.
15. Ice Cream Collage
Design a sweet “Ice Cream Collage” using cut-out magazine pieces in various colors. Arrange the scraps to form a cone and scoops of ice cream.
This project encourages recycling and develops fine motor skills through cutting and pasting.
Display the colorful cone as a cheerful summer art piece on walls or refrigerators.
16. Sight Word Pool
Combine learning and crafting with the “Sight Word Pool.” Draw a small inflatable pool on paper and add flamingo float cutouts labeled with sight words.
Kids can practice reading while placing the flamingos into the pool. This interactive craft is perfect for young learners and makes summer phonics fun and engaging.
17. Painted Hats
Turn plain straw hats into “Painted Hats” with vibrant colors and summer-themed decorations. Use paint, seashells, and glitter to customize each hat.
This activity allows kids to explore their creativity while creating a functional, wearable piece of art. Perfect for a group project or summer camp activity.
18. Sunshine Face
Bring summer smiles with a “Sunshine Face.” Use a yellow paper plate for the base and add colorful paper rays around it.
Decorate the plate with a happy face using construction paper shapes. This cheerful craft brightens any room and reminds kids of the joy of sunny days.
19. Beaded Butterflies
Create dazzling “Beaded Butterflies” with pipe cleaners and beads. Twist the pipe cleaners into wing shapes and thread colorful beads onto them.
Add a clothespin for the body and sprinkle glitter for a touch of magic. This quick and simple craft is perfect for younger kids and makes a beautiful summer decoration or toy.
20. Paper Chain Octopus
Craft a lively “Paper Chain Octopus” by making colorful paper loops for the tentacles. Attach them to a round paper head with a smiling face.
This fun and interactive craft helps kids learn about marine life while creating a cute and playful decoration. Perfect for summer-themed activities or classroom art projects.
21. Wool Butterflies
Make soft and colorful “Wool Butterflies” with bits of dyed wool or yarn. Shape the wool into two bundles to form wings, securing them with thread in the center.
Use sticks or small wires for the body and antennae. These delicate creations are perfect for summer-themed crafts or decorations.
Arrange them in baskets or hang them for a whimsical touch to your child’s room or party décor.
22. Blue God’s Eye
Weave a stunning “Blue God’s Eye” using different shades of blue yarn. Cross two sticks to form an X and wrap yarn around the arms to create a layered diamond pattern.
Alternate light and dark blues for a vibrant, ocean-inspired design.
Perfect for hanging outdoors or gifting, this craft encourages kids to practice their motor skills and explore the art of weaving.
23. Leaf Fairies
Create enchanting “Leaf Fairies” using pressed flowers and leaves.
Arrange natural elements to form a fairy shape on paper, with leaves as wings and flowers as the dress and hair. Add small heart-shaped leaves for whimsical accents.
This nature-inspired craft encourages kids to explore their creativity while connecting with the outdoors. Frame the finished fairy for a unique piece of summer art.
24. Popsicle Art
Turn cardboard into sweet “Popsicle Art” for a summer treat theme. Cut out popsicle shapes, paint them in fun colors, and decorate with sequins, pom-poms, and glitter.
Attach wooden sticks as handles and add lace or ribbons for an extra flair. This craft is ideal for imaginative play or as vibrant decorations for summer parties.
25. Mermaid Tail
Make a magical “Mermaid Tail” using a paper plate. Cut the plate into a tail shape, paint it with shimmering pastels, and outline the fins with glitter for extra sparkle.
Pair it with mermaid dolls or use it as a decoration for an under-the-sea summer theme. This simple craft lets kids dream of ocean adventures and unleash their creativity.
26. Paper Plate Ice Cream
Craft a cheerful “Paper Plate Ice Cream” by turning a plate into an ice cream cone.
Paint the top to resemble a scoop of ice cream and add colorful beads or stickers as sprinkles.
Attach a corrugated cone-shaped base to complete the look. This fun and simple craft is perfect for kids of all ages and makes a great classroom or party decoration.
27. Summer Math Drink
Combine math practice and crafting with the “Summer Math Drink.” Draw a tall glass on paper and fill it with numbered ice cubes, each featuring a math equation.
Kids can solve the problems to “drink” the juice. This interactive craft is perfect for helping young learners sharpen their math skills while enjoying a fun and engaging activity.
