100 Best Summer Crafts for Kids

Celebrate the sunny season with these fun and easy summer crafts for kids of all ages.

From rainbow art to ice cream crafts, there are plenty of fun summer crafts to choose from. These DIY projects make great summer activities for kids to keep them entertained all summer long!

There’s a wide variety of summer craft ideas for children of all ages. You will find craft projects for toddlers, preschoolers, elementary school children, older kids, and even teens, so there’s something for every child’s interest and skill level. These crafts provide hours of fun and help kids develop their artistic and fine motor skills.

Whether you’re looking to make a rainy day brighter or add some flair to a sunny afternoon, this collection of craft projects has got you covered. There’s no end to the creative possibilities!

To make it easier to read, the ideas are broken down into categories for girls, boys, and teens for organizational purposes only, which means that there is overlap between the various categories.

So gather your paints, paper, and scissors and make this summer truly unforgettable for your kids!

Jump to:

• Summer Crafts for Girls
• Boys Crafts
• Crafts for Teens
• More Summer Crafts

Summer Crafts for Girls

Rainbow Paper Dahlia Flowers from Craftaholics Anonymous

Brighten up any room with these vibrant, easy-to-make paper flowers. Kids can create a stunning flower with colorful paper and some folding skills.

Thumbprint Dandelion with Free Printable from Glued to My Crafts

This project combines painting and printables to make a delightful dandelion art using thumbprints. Perfect for little hands and a keepsake for parents!

Paper Plate Flower Craft from The Resourceful Mama

Transform a simple paper plate into a beautiful flower with this fun and easy one. Kids can paint and decorate to their heart’s content, making each flower unique.

Spinning 3D Hot Air Balloon from Crafty Morning

Create a whimsical, spinning hot air balloon using paper, string and a toilet paper roll. Hang it in the classroom or kids’ room to add a touch of adventure and magic to the space.

Simple Paper Flower from Easy Peasy and Fun

These easy-to-make paper flowers are perfect for young crafters. Kids can create lovely blooms in various colors with just a few folds and cuts.

Melted Bead Suncatcher from Artful Parent

Using plastic beads and an oven, kids can make beautiful suncatchers that catch the summer sun’s rays and cast colorful patterns around the room.

Rainbow Paper Flowers from Twitchetts

A fun twist on the traditional paper flower, these rainbow blooms are made from construction paper and make a vibrant summertime decoration.

Summer Fruit Fans from The Idea Room

Keep cool this summer with these adorable DIY fruit fans. Shaped like watermelons, oranges, and other fruits, they are fun to make and practical.

Flower Crown from Paper and Glue

Little girls will love making and wearing these charming flower crowns. They are perfect for pretend play and dress-up.

Craft Stick Flower Pots from Typically Simple

Transform plain craft sticks into colorful flower pots perfect for planting small flowers. It’s a great way to teach kids about gardening.

Bottle Print Button Flowers from Crafty Morning

Create unique floral art by using the bottoms of bottles as stamps and adding button centers. It’s a simple yet creative way to make beautiful flower prints.

Fairy House from Living Well Mom

Build a magical fairy house using natural materials and a touch of imagination. This enchanting craft lets kids create a tiny fairy garden.

Ribbon Wands from Somewhat Simple

Perfect for twirling and dancing, these ribbon wands are easy to make and provide endless fun. Customize with different colors, types, and lengths of ribbon for a creative touch.

Paper Rainbow Kids Craft from Easy Peasy and Fun

Create a cheerful rainbow with just some paper. It will brighten up any space and add a splash of color to rainy summer days.

Clothespin Birds from Angelika Booher

Turn ordinary clothespins into adorable birds with paint, feathers, and googly eyes. They can perch on any surface and make cute decorations.

Thumbprint Flower Pots from Upstate Ramblings

Add a personal touch to flower pots with thumbprint butterflies and flowers. This is a fun and easy way to personalize garden decor or make a gift for someone special.

Bow-Tie Noodle Butterfly Kids Craft from Crafty Morning

Use bow-tie pasta to create cute and colorful butterfly decorations. A simple craft that combines painting and pasta for a fun project.

Hyacinth Flower Art from I Heart Crafty Things

Using thumbprints and paint, kids can create a beautiful hyacinth flower on paper. It’s a lovely art project that makes for a great gift or keepsake.

Paper Plate Dreamcatchers from The Suburban Mom

Craft beautiful dreamcatchers with paper plates and string. It is perfect for kids who love to decorate their bedrooms with handmade creations.

Summer Pencil Holders from Red Ted Art

Keep your child’s desk tidy with these DIY pencil holders decorated with fruit themes. It’s a practical and creative way to organize art and school supplies.

Puffy Paint Ice Cream Cones from Crafty Morning

Create delicious-looking ice cream cones using puffy paint. This one combines texture and color for a fun and engaging kids’ activity.

Hawaiian Leis from The Crafting Chick

Make your own Hawaiian leis with paper flowers and plastic straws. Perfect for summer parties or just a fun day at home pretending to be in the tropics.

Cupcake Liner Flowers from One Little Project

Use colorful cupcake liners to make beautiful flowers. This low-mess project is fun and easy for kids to customize.

Birdhouse Kids Craft from Craft Create Love

Transform empty cartons into birdhouses with paint and other materials. It’s a fun upcycling project that combines crafting and nature.

Watermelon Kids Craft from The Best Ideas for Kids

Create a cute watermelon card using colored paper and a free printable. It’s a sweet and simple craft perfect for summertime greetings.

Boys Crafts

Fish in a Bag Slime from My Frugal Adventures

Combine the fun of slime with a cute fish-in-a-bag theme. This sensory activity is great for kids who love getting their hands a little messy.

Easy Origami Fish from Easy Peasy and Fun

Learn the art of origami by folding paper into charming little fish. This one is perfect for developing fine motor skills.

Paper Plate Turtle from Fireflies and Mudpies

Turn a paper plate into a colorful turtle with tissue paper and a printable. This is a fun activity that brings the underwater world to life.

Suncatcher Jellyfish Kids Craft from I Heart Arts n Crafts

Make colorful jellyfish suncatchers with tissue paper and ribbons. These suncatchers brighten up any window and add a touch of ocean magic.

Paper Plate Jellyfish from Arty Crafty Kids

Create a cute jellyfish using a paper plate, paint, and ribbons. It makes a great choice for ocean-themed activities and lessons.

Marshmallow and Toothpick Buildings from The Idea Room

Challenge your architectural skills by constructing buildings with marshmallows and toothpicks. A fun and edible way to learn about structures.

Popsicle Kids Craft from Live Craft Love

Make colorful popsicle art using felt, pom poms, and other craft materials. This simple project is perfect for a hot day.

Paper Plate Bee Craft from  Non Toy Gifts

Create a buzzing bee using a paper plate, paint, and a few crafting supplies. It’s a perfect choice for little ones.

Caterpillar Pom Pom Kids Craft from Easy Peasy and Fun

Make a cute caterpillar using pom poms and googly eyes. Another one that is great for younger children.

Egg Carton Turtles from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

Recycle egg cartons into an adorable turtle with paint, pipe cleaners, and pom poms. It’s a great way to teach kids about the importance of recycling.

DIY Bubble Wands from Natural Beach Living

Make your own bubble wand using wire and beads. These custom wands make blowing bubbles even more fun.

Clothespin Airplanes from Create Craft Love

You can turn clothespins into mini airplanes with popsicle sticks, clothespins, and a little imagination. This is a fun activity for little aviator fans.

Paper Roll Dragon from One Little Project

Create a fierce dragon using a toilet paper roll, pom poms, and tissue paper!

Dinosaur Hat from Paper and Glue

Make a fun dinosaur hat using green paper and tape. Perfect for pretend play and dinosaur enthusiasts.

Cereal Box Aquarium from The Best Ideas for Kids

Turn an empty cereal box into a colorful aquarium. It’s a creative way to recycle while creating a fun display.

Pipe Cleaner Monkey from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

Make a cute monkey using pipe cleaners and beads. It’s a good one for kids who love animals.

Egg Carton Bee Craft from Buggy and Buddy

Transform an egg carton into a buzzing bee with yarn and basic supplies. It’s a great option for young children.

Fireworks Painting from Happiness is Homemade

Create beautiful fireworks art using paint and paper. It makes a great 4th of July craft for kids.

Pop Bottle Firefly from One Little Project

Recycle a soda bottle into a glowing firefly!

Pool Noodle Rocket Flinger from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

Make a fun rocket flinger using a pool noodle and rubber bands. It’s a great activity for a birthday party or a STEM class.

Fireworks Salt Painting from Busy Mommy Media

Use salt and paint to create stunning fireworks art. It is fun and easy one that’s perfect for kids of all ages.

Paper Spinner DIY from Make and Takes

Craft your own paper spinner using just a few supplies. It will provide hours of entertainment!

Recycled Boat from Nalle’s House

Turn a plastic bottle into a fun, floating boat that’s perfect for summer water play.

Sponge Sailboat from Easy Peasy Fun

Make a floating sailboat using a sponge, skewer, and paper. It’s another great water play activity for children.

Squirt Gun Painting from Fireflies and Mudpies

Combine art and outdoor play with this fun squirt gun painting activity. Perfect for kids who want to have some creative fun.

Sensory Activity: Ice Cream in a Bag from Growing a Jeweled Rose

Make your own ice cream in a bag with this fun and delicious sensory activity. It makes a wonderful treat for a hot summer day.

Paper Pinwheels from One Little Project

Create colorful pinwheels using paper, tacks, and skewers. These pinwheels are fun to make and would look great in the yard.

Pineapple Thumbprint Summer Craft for Kids (source unknown)

Use thumbprints and paint to create a cute pineapple designed art work.

DIY Fireflies from Apartment Therapy

Make glowing fireflies using plastic easter eggs and pipe cleaners that is perfect for summer nights.

Glow in the Dark Jellyfish from Craftiments

Create glowing jellyfish with paper bowls, yarn, and glow-in-the-dark paint. It is a magical project that lights up the night.

Crafts for Teens

Summer Painted Planters from Crafted Sparrow

Decorate planters with fruit designs and bright colors to add a personal touch to your garden or indoor plants.

Rock Photo Holders from One Little Project

Create unique photo holders using painted rocks and wire that are perfect for displaying memories.

Ribbon Bookmark from My Busy Beehives

Make a stylish and functional bookmark using ribbons and buttons. It’s a great choice for book lovers, and makes a good gift idea.

Footprints in the Sand from Crafty Morning

Create a beautiful beach-themed canvas with footprints and sand. It is a perfect keepsake that captures the essence of the ocean.

Back to School Mason Jar from A Pumpkin and A Princess

Decorate a mason jar for a fun and practical back-to-school craft for kids. Great for organizing or as a teacher gift.

Ocean View Shadow Box from The Southern Couture

Make a stunning ocean view using a shadow box and beach-themed items. It’s a beautiful decoration that brings the beach to your home.

Hand-Painted Mini Cactus from Salt and Pepper Moms via The Crafted Sparrow

Paint mini cactus designs on rocks for a cute and trendy craft that is perfect for decorating desks or shelves.

Beaded Wind Chime from Garden Therapy

Create a beautiful wind chime using beads and string. It’s a great way to add some musical charm to your outdoor space.

Heart String Art from Sugar Bee Crafts

Make a lovely heart design using string art. This project requires some patience but results in a stunning piece of art. Have an adult hammer the nails in, though!

DIY Pop Sockets Tutorial from DIY Projects for Teens

Customize your phone with these DIY pop sockets. A fun and practical craft that lets you express your style.

Easy DIY Macrame Friendship Bracelets from Crafts Unleashed

Make beautiful macrame friendship bracelets and share them with your friends!

Citrus Perler Bead Coasters from My Frugal Adventures

Create colorful fruit coasters using Perler beads to use for summer drinks.

Emoji Mason Jars from Our Messy Table

Decorate mason jars with fun emoji faces. Great for organizing or as a fun gift idea.

Pineapple Mason Jar from Yesterday on Tuesday

Turn a mason jar into a cute pineapple container that is great for storing treats or as a fun DIY summer decoration.

Summer Sunflower Balls (source unknown)
Make beautiful sunflower balls using foam balls, twine, and faux flowers.

Fairy Lanterns from Mason Jars from Adventure in a Box

Create magical fairy lanterns using mason jars, printable templates, green spray paint, and LED candles.

DIY Washer Stamped Necklace from 36th Avenue

Make personalized stamped necklaces using washers and stamps. They make unique accessories and great gifts.

Canvas String Art Graffiti from Juggling Act Mama

Create a graffiti-style string art piece on canvas. It’s a creative way to express yourself and decorate your room.

Sharpie Dot Flower Pot from DIY Candy

Decorate flower pots with Sharpie dot designs. It makes a good DIY gift idea for plant lovers.

Mason Jar Fairy Lights from DIY Joy

Make enchanting fairy lights to add a magical touch to any space.

DIY Dreamcatchers from Art Bar

Craft your own dreamcatchers to hang in your room.

Tie Dye T-shirt from Skip to My Lou

Make simple tie-dye t-shirts to add some color to your summer style.

Mason Jar Fairy House from The Decorated Cookie

Turn a mason jar into a whimsical fairy house. A creative project that’s perfect for summer crafting.

DIY Salt Dough Starfish from My Pintervenures

Make starfish using salt dough. It’s a fun way to add some coastal art to your space on a budget.

Summer Mason Jars (source unknown)

Paint mason jars with fruit themes. It makes a great summer centerpiece or gift idea.

More Summer Crafts