The Best Summer Crafts for Kids (Simple & Fun Ideas)
If you’re looking for easy ways to keep your kids busy, creative, and off screens this summer, you’ve come to the right place. These summer crafts for kids are simple, fun, and perfect for those long summer days when you need an activity that doesn’t require a lot of planning.
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Why we love summer crafts for kids
My boys are 8 years old, and one of our favorite summer traditions is heading to Hobby Lobby and letting them pick out a few crafts or activities to bring home. It reminds me so much of my own summers growing up in the ’90s when days felt slower and we spent hours creating, building, and using our imaginations. I love that crafts give kids a break from screens while helping them develop creativity, patience, and problem-solving skills. More than anything, they give us a chance to spend quality time together and make memories that will last long after summer is over.
Loom Bracelet Making
Loom bracelets were one of the first summer crafts I bought for my boys, and they have been such a hit. Last summer, they needed a little help getting started, but now they can make them completely on their own.
They love creating colorful bracelets or little animals for their friends, and even their stuffed animals! It’s a simple activity that keeps their hands busy, encourages creativity, and gives them a sense of accomplishment when they finish a new design. Plus, it’s one of those crafts they can pull out and do independently whenever they need something fun to do.
Rock Painting
Rock painting is probably my favorite craft on this list because it’s something we enjoy all year long, not just during the summer. Our neighborhood started a fun rock snake where everyone paints rocks and adds them to the growing line, so my boys are always excited to create new ones.
When we first started, I bought regular paint, but it was messy and a little frustrating for the kids to use. Then I discovered acrylic paint markers, and they completely changed the game! They’re so much easier to use, less messy, and allow kids to add details without waiting for paint to dry.
This is also one of my favorite camping activities because it’s easy to pack a few paint markers and rocks, and the kids can stay entertained while creating something fun outdoors. If you’ve never tried rock painting with paint markers, I highly recommend it!
Paracord Bracelets
Paracord bracelets have been a surprisingly big hit with my boys. At first, they needed a little help learning the pattern, but once they got the hang of it, they were hooked. I love that it’s a craft that feels a little more challenging than coloring or painting, so it keeps them engaged for longer periods of time.
They enjoy picking out different colors and creating bracelets to wear themselves or give away to friends. It’s also a great activity for road trips, camping, or quiet afternoons at home because the supplies are easy to pack and don’t make a mess. Plus, they’re learning patience and following directions while having fun, which is always a win in my book.
Wooden Crafts and Painting
Wooden crafts are another one of our favorite summer activities because there are so many different options to choose from. You can paint a birdhouse and add it to your yard, decorate a treasure box, or find all kinds of fun wooden shapes and projects.
My boys recently found these wooden sharks at the craft store that they thought were the coolest thing ever, and they had so much fun painting and personalizing them. I love that wooden crafts let kids be creative while also creating something they can display in their room or around the house long after the paint has dried.
Bead Pets
Bead pets are one of those classic summer crafts for kids that never seem to go out of style. I remember making them growing up, and now it’s so much fun teaching my boys how to make them too. With just a handful of colorful beads and some string, kids can create all kinds of animals and fun designs.
My boys love turning theirs into keychains and clipping them onto their backpacks so they can show them off to their friends. It’s an easy, inexpensive craft that brings back so many childhood memories while creating new ones together.
Crochet
Crochet is one of those summer crafts for kids that teaches a skill they can use for years to come. While it can take a little patience to learn at first, kids are always so proud when they create something with their own hands.
There are beginner-friendly crochet kits that make it easy to get started, and once they learn the basics, they can make everything from simple squares to cute animals and keychains. I love that crochet encourages creativity while also helping kids slow down, focus, and work through challenges.
Weaving Loom
If crochet feels a little too challenging for your child, a weaving loom is a great alternative. This summer craft for kids is easy to learn, keeps little hands busy, and still gives them the satisfaction of creating something from start to finish. Kids can use colorful yarn to make small wall hangings, coasters, or other fun projects without needing to learn crochet stitches. It’s a relaxing activity that encourages creativity and patience while being simple enough for younger kids to enjoy.
Fuse Beads
Fuse beads are one of our favorite summer crafts for kids because they’re easy to set up and keep kids busy for a long time. My boys love following patterns or creating their own designs. Once finished, an adult can iron the beads together to create a fun keepsake, magnet, or keychain. It’s a simple craft that helps build creativity and fine motor skills while keeping kids entertained.
