Easy Summer Crafts for Kids to Make

In my house we have always relied on craft projects to get us through the summer (or any other time, let’s be honest). My daughter is 13 now and the projects have changed from making rainbow loom bracelets and perler bead projects to digital art and closet cosplay, but it’s still making and I still love it.

Here are a few ideas for easy kids crafts to give your kids something to do during the summer or whenever you need a little project.

I feel like we still have an excess of pipe cleaners even though it’s been years since I’ve bought any. Maybe we need to make some of these three-strand pipe cleaner bracelets from One Little Project. They’re so cute and easy for little kids to make and will also use some of your limitless supply of pony beads.

I recently shared a post full of ideas for weaving with kids, and here’s another one. These cute little turtles are made in a God’s eye style, which is a summer camp classic and easy for kids to do. Get the tutorial from Pink Stripey Socks.

A dreamcatcher is another classic craft that will use up some of the random craft supplies you have lying around the house, such as feathers, yarn and beads. And paper plates. Why are there so many paper plates that are not used for eating? It’s a mystery. These instruction come from One Little Project as well!

And to go along with the ocean activities I shared the other day, why not have your older kids make these amazing watercolor ocean collages? This idea comes from Mr. Amsler’s Art Room, and while there’s not exactly a tutorial for how it was done there are plenty of photos that are sure to inspire you and your kiddos.

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Perler Bead Projects for Kids

My daughter is 16 and one of her favorite things to do on school breaks is watch The Great British Bake Off. It’s such a soothing show, as well as being creative and fun, and it’s low stakes enough that it isn’t stressful, which is just the thing you need when you’re on a break from school.

If you don’t have an oven or want to do your own real Bake Off challenges, this baking show inspired drawing challenge from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls is a great alternative. This works best if you have a group of kids to play, but you could also do it along with a child at home.

The post includes a bunch of different “baking” challenges for kids to draw. As an example: “Draw a dozen delicious doughnuts! Be sure to include at least two different flavors of icing. Challenge yourself to think of as many creative toppings as you can.”

Give them a set amount of time (maybe 10-15 minutes) to draw their creations based on the prompt. Then have each child present their creation, explaining what they chose to draw and why (and what the different flavors are if it’s not obvious).

There doesn’t have to be a winner, but kids can vote on their favorites or you can “award” things like most colorful, tallest creation, etc. Sarah suggests if doing this with little kids you can come up with an award for everyone, but there need not be prizes involved.

With older kids you might do a couple of rounds and pick winners so that you can have a “star baker” just like in the show.

This is a game that would be a lot of fun for kids of different ages, and you can do it multiple times with the different prompts.

Get all the details and the challenge cards from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls.

[Photo: Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls]

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