25 Colorful Summer Crafts for Kids That Will Brighten Up Your Day!
Summer is the perfect time for kids to explore their creativity through vibrant, engaging crafts. These 25 colorful craft ideas will keep children entertained while stimulating their imagination and artistic skills. From sensory experiences to decorative projects, there’s something here for every young creator!
Glitter Slime
Get your hands sticky with glitter slime for a sensory crafting experience! Kids love the squishy texture and sparkly elements of this fun project. Plus, it’s a great opportunity for them to experiment with colors and textures.
You’ll need:
•Clear glue, which provides the perfect base for the slime
•Baking soda
•Contact lens solution (as an activator)
•Glitter in various colors
•Food coloring (optional)
To make glitter slime, mix clear glue with a small amount of baking soda, then add contact lens solution until the mixture begins to form slime. Add glitter and food coloring as desired, then knead until it reaches the perfect consistency. This craft mixes creativity with play and can be enjoyed solo or with friends, resulting in laughter and lots of fun performances.
DIY Tie-Dye Pots
Add a splash of color to flower pots this summer with painted designs! This creativity-filled project not only brightens up the garden but allows kids to express their artistic flair while learning about gardening.
You’ll need:
•Terra cotta pots with saucers
•Acrylic paint in various colors
•Paintbrushes
•Sealant for protection (especially if using the pots outdoors)
Start by cleaning your pots and letting them dry. Then use the paint to create fun designs or patterns on the surface. Let them dry completely, then seal with a protective coat if using outdoor plants. Kids can paint flowers, animals, or abstract designs, resulting in unique pots that showcase their individuality.
Rainbow Tie-Dye
Transform plain white t-shirts into vibrant rainbow creations with this classic summer craft! Tie-dyeing is a fantastic way for kids to experiment with color mixing and pattern creation while making wearable art.
You’ll need:
•White cotton t-shirts or other fabric items
•Fabric dye in various colors
•Rubber bands
•Plastic squeeze bottles
•Plastic gloves
Begin by twisting and binding sections of the fabric with rubber bands to create patterns. Apply different colored dyes to each section, then wrap in plastic and let sit for the recommended time. Rinse until water runs clear, then wash separately before wearing. Kids will love showing off their unique creations all summer long!
Paper Plate Sun Catchers
Create dazzling window decorations that capture sunlight and cast colorful patterns throughout your home. These simple yet beautiful crafts are perfect for brightening up any room during sunny summer days.
You’ll need:
•Paper plates
•Scissors
•Tissue paper in various colors
•Clear contact paper
•String for hanging
Cut out the center of a paper plate, leaving the rim intact. Cut small pieces of colorful tissue paper and arrange them between two pieces of clear contact paper. Attach this to the paper plate rim, then hang in a sunny window. The result is a beautiful display of colors that changes throughout the day as the sun moves.
Colorful Mosaics
Design stunning mosaic art using colorful paper, tiles, or even recycled materials. This craft teaches patience and planning while resulting in beautiful decorative pieces for the home.
You’ll need:
•Cardboard or heavy paper for the base
•Colored paper, foam, or small tiles
•Glue
•Scissors
•Pencil for sketching designs
Start by sketching a simple design on the base. Cut small pieces of colored paper or foam into “tiles.” Arrange and glue these pieces onto the design, leaving small gaps between them. Once dry, display your beautiful mosaic creation! This craft helps develop fine motor skills and spatial awareness.
Bubble Wrap Stamping
Create unique textured artwork using bubble wrap as a stamping tool! This simple yet effective technique produces interesting patterns that kids will love to experiment with.
You’ll need:
•Bubble wrap
•Paint in various colors
•Paper
•Scissors
•Small trays for paint
Cut bubble wrap into manageable pieces or interesting shapes. Pour paint into shallow trays, then dip the bubble side of the wrap into the paint. Press onto paper to create textured prints. Experiment with different colors and patterns for endless creative possibilities!
Nature Collage
Combine outdoor exploration with artistic expression by creating beautiful collages using found natural materials. This craft connects children with nature while encouraging creativity.
You’ll need:
•Heavy paper or cardboard
•Glue
•Natural materials (leaves, flowers, twigs, etc.)
•Markers or paint (optional)
Take a nature walk to collect interesting items like leaves, petals, small twigs, and stones. Arrange these materials on paper to create a scene or pattern, then glue in place. Optional: add details with markers or paint. This craft encourages appreciation for natural beauty and environmental awareness.
DIY Memory Jars
Capture summer memories in colorful, decorative jars that serve as beautiful keepsakes. These personalized containers are perfect for storing small treasures from summer adventures.
You’ll need:
•Glass mason jars
•Colorful craft paper
•Decorative stickers
•Glue
•Scissors
•Small mementos from summer activities
Decorate the outside of the jar with paper, stickers, and other embellishments. Fill with small souvenirs from summer activities like ticket stubs, shells, or photos. Add a label with the date and a brief description of the memories. These jars become treasured keepsakes that preserve summer fun for years to come.
Painted Rocks
Transform ordinary stones into colorful works of art! Rock painting is a versatile craft that can be as simple or detailed as a child’s skill level allows.
You’ll need:
•Smooth rocks in various sizes
•Acrylic paint
•Paintbrushes
•Sealer spray (optional)
•Markers for details (optional)
Clean rocks and let them dry completely. Paint with a base color, then add designs, patterns, or characters. Seal with a clear spray for durability if displaying outdoors. Painted rocks can become paperweights, garden decorations, or even pieces in a storytelling game.
Beaded Bracelets
Create colorful wearable art with beaded bracelets! This craft helps develop fine motor skills while allowing for personal expression through color and pattern choices.
You’ll need:
•String, elastic cord, or wire
•Beads in various colors and shapes
•Scissors
•Clasps (optional)
Measure and cut string to fit the wrist with extra length for tying. Select beads and thread them in patterns or random arrangements. Secure ends with knots or clasps. Kids can make matching sets for friends or design unique pieces to express their personality.
DIY Friendship Flowers
Craft beautiful paper flowers that symbolize friendship and can be exchanged as thoughtful handmade gifts. These long-lasting blooms bring color to any room.
You’ll need:
•Colored construction paper
•Scissors
•Glue or tape
•Pipe cleaners for stems
•Buttons or beads for centers
Cut paper into petal shapes, then curl edges with scissors for dimension. Arrange petals in layers and secure with glue. Attach to pipe cleaner stems and add button centers. These flowers make wonderful gifts that won’t wilt and can brighten someone’s day all summer long.
Summer-Themed Puppets
Turn old socks into fun sock puppets that come to life! This delightful craft lets kids use their imagination and storytelling skills to create characters they can then bring to life with performances.
You’ll need:
•Old socks
•Googly eyes
•Yarn for hair
•Fabric scraps for embellishments
•Glue
Choose a sock and decorate it with googly eyes, yarn for hair, and fabric scraps for fun embellishments. The assorted yarn pack is perfect for adding colorful and textured hair to your puppets, while the fabric scraps bundle can provide a variety of patterns and textures to enhance your puppet designs. Once constructed, take your kites to a park and watch them soar! It’s a fantastic way to combine creativity with physical activity.
Paper Kite Making
Fly high this summer with DIY paper kites that kids can decorate and take outside! This project combines crafting with outdoor fun. Not only will kids learn to create something from scratch, but they’ll also get to see their hard work soar in the sky!
You’ll need:
•Lightweight craft paper for the kite body
•Bamboo skewers to create a sturdy frame
•Outdoor kite string
•Decorative materials (markers, stickers, paint)
To get started, cut the paper into a kite shape and attach it to the frame created by the skewers. Then, let the kids decorate it with markers, stickers, or paint. Finally, attach the kite string securely for flying. Once constructed, take your kites to a park and watch them soar! It’s a fantastic way to combine creativity with physical activity.
Colorful Sand Art
Create stunning layered designs with colored sand in clear containers. This craft teaches children about color theory and pattern creation while resulting in beautiful decorative pieces.
You’ll need:
•Clear glass jars or plastic containers
•Colored craft sand
•Funnel
•Small spoons
Using a funnel, carefully pour layers of different colored sand into a clear container. Create patterns by varying the thickness of layers or adding diagonal designs with a thin tool. Seal containers when finished to preserve the artwork. These make beautiful window decorations that catch the light.
DIY Personal Calendars
Help kids stay organized and express their creativity with personalized calendars! This craft is perfect for teaching time management while allowing for artistic expression.
You’ll need:
•Blank calendar templates (printable)
•Colorful markers
•Washi tape variety pack
•Optional: photos or drawings to personalize each month
Start with a blank calendar template. Decorate each month with their favorite colors and designs using the colorful markers and washi tape. Fill in important dates and events. This project not only encourages organization but also allows for creative expression, making it both functional and fun!
Watercolor Resist Art
Create magical artwork using the resist technique, where wax or white crayon drawings “magically” appear when painted over with watercolors. This craft introduces children to interesting artistic techniques.
You’ll need:
•Watercolor paper
•White crayons or candles
•Watercolor paints
•Paintbrushes
•Water container
Draw designs with white crayon on watercolor paper. The drawings will be barely visible. Then paint over the entire paper with watercolors to reveal the “magic” hidden design. This project teaches about art techniques while creating beautiful, frameable artwork.
Ice Cream Cone Crafts
Craft adorable paper ice cream cones that won’t melt in the summer heat! These decorative treats make perfect room decorations or playful props.
You’ll need:
•Brown construction paper for cones
•Colored paper for “ice cream”
•Cotton balls for texture
•Glue
•Scissors
•Sequins or glitter for sprinkles
Cut cone shapes from brown paper and “scoops” from colored paper. Glue cotton balls to the scoops for texture, then add sequins or glitter as sprinkles. Attach scoops to cones. These can be hung as decorations or used in pretend play.
DIY Greeting Cards
Design personalized greeting cards for summer birthdays, thank-yous, or just to brighten someone’s day. This craft encourages thoughtfulness and personal expression.
You’ll need:
•Cardstock paper
•Craft markers set
•Sticker variety pack
•Scissors
•Glue
Fold cardstock to create card base. Decorate with drawings, stickers, and personal messages. These handmade cards are perfect for teaching children about expressing gratitude and celebrating special occasions with a personal touch.
Paper Mache Creations
Sculpt and paint unique objects using paper mache techniques. This versatile craft allows for three-dimensional creativity and can be adapted to various skill levels.
You’ll need:
•Newspaper strips
•Paper mache paste (flour and water mixture)
•Balloons or other forms as bases
•Acrylic paint
•Paintbrushes
Inflate balloons or prepare forms for the base shape. Dip newspaper strips in paste and layer over the form. Let dry completely between layers. Once dry, paint with colorful designs. Paper mache can be used to create anything from animals to storage containers.
Bubble Blowing Art
Create unique abstract artwork using colored bubbles! This craft combines science and art for a fun, unpredictable creative experience.
You’ll need:
•Dish soap
•Water
•Food coloring
•Straws
•Heavy paper
•Small containers
Mix dish soap, water, and food coloring in small containers. Blow bubbles with straws onto paper and watch them pop, leaving colorful circular patterns. Experiment with different colors and bubble sizes for varied effects. This activity is perfect for outdoor crafting on warm summer days.
Colorful Sock Puppets
Transform old socks into vibrant puppet characters that spark imagination and storytelling! This craft gives new life to outgrown or mismatched socks while encouraging creative play.
You’ll need:
•Old socks in various colors
•Buttons, googly eyes, or felt for eyes
•Yarn for hair
•Fabric scraps for details
•Fabric glue or needle and thread
Turn a sock inside out and decorate with eyes, yarn hair, and fabric details to create a character. Use the sock’s heel as the puppet’s mouth for realistic movement. These puppets are perfect for putting on shows and developing storytelling skills.
Painted Flower Pots
