21 Creative Outdoor Summer Crafts That’ll Make Family Time Extra Special!

Nothing screams summer like the sound of laughter echoing in the backyard and the joy of creating something special together. Outdoor crafts not only engage creativity but also bring families closer as they enjoy the sun and nature.

From painting rocks to building birdhouses, there’s a world of possibilities waiting for you outside. These crafts encourage kids and adults to work hand-in-hand while learning about nature and expressing themselves. Gather your supplies, step into the fresh air, and let’s make some memories!

Whether you’re looking for something simple or a bit more challenging, this list has got you covered. These creative ideas are here to inspire quality family time, spark creativity, and celebrate the beauty of the great outdoors.

1. Painted Rock Animals

Start your crafting adventure with painted rock animals! This delightful and simple craft transforms ordinary stones into charming critters that can decorate your garden or patio.

Gather some smooth, flat stones like the smooth flat stones for painting, along with a set of non-toxic acrylic paint set and brushes. Encourage the kids to think about their favorite animals or use their imagination to create unique creatures. Once the rocks are painted, they can be sealed with a clear coat for protection against the elements.

For success:
– Choose a variety of rock shapes to inspire different animals.
– Use googly eyes assortment for a fun touch!
– Display your painted rocks in a creative garden arrangement.

Not only does this craft promote artistic expression, but it also gets everyone outside and enjoying the beauty of nature, making it a lovely family project for summer days.

Product Recommendations:
• smooth flat stones for painting
• non-toxic acrylic paint set
• googly eyes assortment

2. Nature Collage Art

Turn your next family hike into an art supply hunt with nature collage art! This craft invites everyone to explore, collect, and create. Start by gathering leaves, flowers, twigs, and any interesting natural materials you can find.

Once you’re back home, lay out your collected items on a large piece of cardstock or canvas. A great option is to use large canvas for painting, which provides ample space for your artistic expression. Use glue to arrange the items into stunning patterns or scenes. You can even incorporate some of your own drawings or doodles to enhance the collage, and an art supply set for kids will ensure you have plenty of materials to work with.

To make the adventure even more fun, consider equipping your family with a nature exploration kit. This kit includes binoculars, a flashlight, and a magnifying glass, perfect for examining your surroundings as you collect items for your collage.

Creative Ideas:
– Make seasonal collages to reflect the different times of year.
– Label the items with their names and learn about them together!
– Create themed collages, like a garden or woodland scene.

This activity promotes creativity and learning while connecting with nature, making it a perfect choice for family bonding during summer.

Product Recommendations:
• large canvas for painting
• art supply set for kids
• nature exploration kit

3. DIY Outdoor Musical Instruments

Why not bring music into your outdoor crafting? Creating DIY musical instruments is a fantastic way to combine crafting with rhythmic fun. Gather materials like empty cans, water bottles, and wooden sticks, and let the musical creativity flow!

For example, you can fill cans with different amounts of rice or beans to create shakers or decorate water bottles to make a fun wind instrument. To enhance the experience, consider using the DIY musical instrument kit, which includes a drum and xylophone for some additional musical inspiration. Children can personalize their instruments with markers and stickers, and you can complement this with the art supplies for kids to decorate their creations.

Fun ideas to enhance the experience:
– Organize a family concert in the backyard!
– Explore sounds made by different materials used in each instrument.
– Combine music creation with a dance party to celebrate your crafts!

Don’t forget to lay down a comfortable surface to enjoy your family concert; the outdoor concert blanket is perfect for this, providing a cozy spot for everyone to sit and enjoy the show.

This engaging project allows families to work together while discovering the joy of sound and rhythm in nature.

Product Recommendations:
• DIY musical instrument kit
• art supplies for kids
• outdoor concert blanket

4. Flower Pressing

Capture the beauty of summer blooms forever with flower pressing! This enchanting craft not only teaches about plant life but also results in beautiful keepsakes. Start by selecting fresh flowers and leaves from your garden or during a nature walk.

To get started, you’ll need some quality materials. Consider using a flower pressing kit like the Sanlebi large flower press, which offers 10 layers to effectively press your flowers while providing a storage bag for safekeeping.

Arrange your selected blossoms between sheets of parchment paper sheets, such as the heavy-duty baking paper from Katbite, which are perfect for ensuring that your flowers are pressed flat without sticking. Once your flowers are set, place heavy books on top to complete the pressing process. After a week or two, you’ll have stunning dried flowers ready for a variety of projects.

Cool craft ideas with pressed flowers include creating greeting cards where the flowers serve as decorative elements, or making bookmarks to enjoy the beauty of flowers every time you read. For preserving your art, you could also frame the dried flowers using decorative frames for art like the YqsIbth picture frame craft kit, which allows you to customize it with glitter stickers and color pens for a unique touch.

This simple yet meaningful craft brings nature’s beauty into your home, creating lasting memories for your family.

Product Recommendations:
• Sanlebi large flower press
• Katbite heavy-duty parchment paper
• YqsIbth picture frame craft kit

5. DIY Birdhouses

Invite nature into your backyard by building DIY birdhouses together! This rewarding project not only encourages teamwork but also teaches kids about local wildlife.

You can use materials like wood, recycled plastic containers, or even gourds to create your birdhouses. For a great starting point, consider the Wood Birdhouse Kit, which includes everything you need to build and paint a charming birdhouse. Customize your creation with vibrant colors using non-toxic outdoor paint set, ensuring a safe environment for the birds.

Make sure to include proper drainage holes and ventilation for the birds’ comfort. To build a birdhouse that suits the local avian residents, consider using a specialized kit like the birdhouse building tools set, which comes complete with all parts needed for a bluebird house.

Creating birdhouses can spark a love for nature and wildlife while fostering creativity during those long summer days. Plus, remember to place the birdhouses in safe locations, away from predators, to ensure a cozy home for your feathered friends.

Product Recommendations:
• Wood Birdhouse Kit
• non-toxic outdoor paint set
• birdhouse building tools set

6. Friendly Garden Gnomes

Make your garden more whimsical by crafting friendly garden gnomes! This fun project allows everyone to use their creativity and can be done with simple materials like clay, stones, or even recycled plastic bottles. To start, consider using DAS white air-dry clay, which is easy to mold and perfect for creating your gnome’s shape. Once your gnome is formed, add charm with colors using an acrylic paint set. This non-toxic, waterproof paint will let you bring your gnome to life with vibrant designs.

For hats and accessories, gather some fabric scraps, which can be used to create unique and playful touches. Once completed, place them in your garden as charming decorations.

Fun Variations:
– Host a gnome-making contest to see who can create the most unique gnome!
– Incorporate themes, like favorite hobbies or sports for each gnome.
– Create a whole family of gnomes to watch over your garden.

This craft sparks imagination and adds a delightful touch to your outdoor space, making it a summertime favorite.

Product Recommendations:
• DAS white air-dry clay
• acrylic paint set
• fabric scraps

7. Tie-Dye T-Shirts

Get groovy this summer with tie-dye t-shirts! This popular craft is a blast for the whole family and a great way to express individuality. Start by gathering some plain white cotton t-shirts, like the plain white cotton t-shirts available in a pack of five. You’ll also need fabric dye and rubber bands to kick off the fun.

Choose a folding technique (like spirals or stripes) and secure it with rubber bands, such as these rubber bands that come in various sizes, perfect for creating different designs. Then, apply different dye colors for a vibrant effect. Once you’ve dyed the shirts, rinse them, let them dry, and enjoy wearing your colorful creations!

For tie-dye success:
– Work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors.
– Experiment with different folding techniques for varied designs.
– Use gloves to prevent dye stains on your hands.

This craft not only yields unique clothing but also creates lasting memories of togetherness during those lively summer days. To make your tie-dye experience even better, consider using the tie-dye kit, which includes multiple colors and even bonus tie dye powder refill packs to keep the fun going!

Product Recommendations:
• plain white cotton t-shirts
• rubber bands
• tie-dye kit

8. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Turn outdoor time into an adventure with a nature scavenger hunt! This activity encourages exploration and observation while having tons of fun. To enhance your experience, consider using a nature scavenger hunt kit, which provides a structured way to engage kids with creative challenges and educational activities.

Create a list of items commonly found in your area, like different types of leaves, pinecones, or flowers, and head out into your backyard or a local park together as a family to see who can find the most items on the list. You can even take photos of the things you find to document your scavenger hunt.

For an added layer of fun, grab a pair of kids’ binoculars. These are perfect for spotting birds, insects, and other wildlife from a distance, making the hunt even more exciting.

If you want to keep a record of your discoveries, consider using a nature journal for kids. This fun journaling workbook encourages children to draw and write about their findings, nurturing their love for nature while enhancing their observational skills.

Scavenger Hunt Ideas:
– Create different difficulty levels for younger and older kids.
– Add fun challenges, like finding something smooth or something that smells good.
– Consider a themed hunt, like colors or shapes.

This interactive experience nurtures a love for nature while making family bonding more exciting and memorable.

Product Recommendations:
• nature scavenger hunt kit
• kids’ binoculars

9. DIY Wind Chimes

Craft beautiful DIY wind chimes that not only look good but also create soothing sounds in your garden! Gather materials such as sticks, bells, beads, and natural elements like shells or bamboo. For your base, consider using natural bamboo sticks, which are perfect for crafting as they are sturdy and come in a variety of lengths.

Next, tie strings at various lengths to hang your decorative elements. A great option here is crafting string, such as the biodegradable jute twine. This twine is not only eco-friendly but also provides the strength needed to support your wind chime’s components.

Customize your wind chime with embellishments! You can use assorted craft beads to add color and personality to your design. These beads are perfect for both adults and kids, making them a fantastic choice for a family crafting session.

Once completed, hang your wind chime in a breezy spot and enjoy the melodic sounds.

Creative Tips:
– Use items found during nature hikes, like seashells or stones, for uniqueness.
– Experiment with different lengths of strings for varied sounds.
– Personalize the wind chimes by adding family names or dates.

This project encourages creativity while enhancing your outdoor space with beauty and sound.

10. Garden Painting

Unleash your inner artist with garden painting! This outdoor craft allows the family to tap into creativity in a beautiful setting. Use large canvases, like the large canvas panels, or even old bedsheets to create vibrant, nature-inspired artworks.

Set up your painting station outside with acrylic paints, brushes, and water containers. A good set of paint brushes will help everyone express their creativity, whether they’re painting landscapes, flowers, or abstract designs inspired by the surroundings. Don’t forget to enjoy some snacks while you paint!

For a great painting experience:
– Choose a sunny day for bright colors.
– Play some background music to elevate the atmosphere.
– Have an art show at the end of the session to celebrate everyone’s work.

This artistic endeavor brings everyone together while celebrating the beauty of summer and nature.

11. Create a Fairy Garden

Create a bit of magic in your backyard with a fairy garden! This enchanting craft encourages creativity and storytelling, making it a perfect summer project for families. Start with a shallow container or a designated spot in your garden as your fairy garden base.

Collect small plants, flowers, and natural elements like stones and twigs to create a magical landscape. For a delightful touch, consider adding some miniature fairy garden accessories set, which includes tiny animals and decorative pieces that can bring your garden to life. You can also enhance the scene with dollhouse furniture miniature set, featuring charming miniature items that add an enchanting touch to your design.

Don’t forget to incorporate greenery; using assorted succulent plants for fairy garden can provide a lifelike element that complements your decorative pieces beautifully. Get creative and have fun designing!

To keep your fairy garden magical:
– Change decorations seasonally to keep it fresh.
– Encourage children to write stories about their fairies.

This delightful project inspires imagination and family teamwork while creating a charming little world filled with joy.

12. DIY Outdoor Games

Bring fun and laughter to your backyard by creating DIY outdoor games! This craft lets the family bond while enjoying friendly competition. Whether it’s cornhole, giant Jenga, or homemade ring toss, the possibilities are endless!

To get started, gather materials like wood for building. A great option is the woodworking tool set, which includes essential chisels and a honing guide to help you carve and shape your game pieces with ease. You’ll also want some paint to decorate your creations, and the paint set for crafts offers 18 vibrant colors to personalize your games with family themes or colors for extra flair.

Once your games are complete, consider hosting a family game day to enjoy your creations! Here are some fun game ideas to build:

– Giant tic-tac-toe using painted stones.
– Yard darts made with lightweight materials. You can even enhance your outdoor experience with the outdoor game supplies kit, which includes catch balls and paddles for added fun.
– A homemade obstacle course with exciting challenges.

Creating outdoor games not only promotes creativity but also brings joy to those summer evenings spent with family.

13. Sun Prints

Discover the magic of sun prints with this unique craft! Sun printing uses sunlight to create beautiful designs using light-sensitive paper and natural elements. Gather leaves, flowers, or any flat objects you’d like to use for your prints. To make this process even easier, consider using the Sun Print Paper Kit, which includes 30 sheets of high-sensitive sun art drawing paper, perfect for capturing vibrant prints.

Place your selected objects on the special sun print paper and expose them to sunlight for several minutes. Once done, rinse them in water to reveal the stunning blue prints left behind. It’s a fascinating way to combine art with natural science! For added creativity, you can use the Natural Elements Craft Kit, which features 300 autumn maple leaves, allowing you to experiment with different shapes and textures for your prints.

For best results:
– Use various objects from the Natural Elements Craft Kit to experiment with different shapes and textures.
– Try to time the exposure based on the intensity of the sun.
– Create a theme for your prints, like seasonal colors or shapes.

This craft is not only exciting but also educational, making it perfect for summer family activities together.

14. Outdoor Chalk Art

Let the kids unleash their creativity with outdoor chalk art! This simple yet fun activity encourages self-expression and can turn your driveway or sidewalk into a vibrant canvas. Stock up on colorful sidewalk chalk with a set like the 24 PCS Sidewalk Chalk Set, perfect for outdoor use. Choose a sunny day to set up the fun!

Encourage children to draw their favorite scenes, doodles, or even collaborate on a giant mural. You can make it even more interactive by organizing theme days, like ocean scenes or rainbows. To keep their beautiful creations looking fresh, consider using a product such as the Winsor and Newton Artists Fixative Spray to seal the chalk art. This will help ensure that their masterpieces last a bit longer, even after some playtime.

Chalk art tips:
– Use wet chalk for brighter colors.
– Seal the chalk art with a spray of water for temporary designs.
– Take photos of the creations to remember the fun!

Outdoor chalk art is perfect for summer, offering endless opportunities for creativity and play.

15. Create Your Own Butterflies

Celebrate nature by crafting your own butterflies using colorful paper or fabric! This fun and simple craft can be accomplished with just a few materials and will add a splash of color to your garden. Start by cutting out butterfly shapes from your chosen material, like the colorful craft paper, which features an assortment of bright colors perfect for this project. Once you’ve cut out your shapes, decorate them with paints, markers, or any embellishments you have on hand.

To add an artistic touch, consider using an acrylic paint set that includes a variety of colors. This non-toxic paint is great for working on different materials, ensuring your butterflies stand out with vibrant and creative designs.

After decorating, attach your butterflies to sticks, like wooden craft sticks, or hang them from trees for a whimsical touch. You can make a whole collection or a butterfly wall in your backyard!

Here are some creative ideas to enhance your butterfly crafting experience:
– Organize a butterfly party where each family member creates their unique designs.
– Combine it with a butterfly garden to attract real butterflies.
– Paint positive messages or quotes on the butterflies for inspiration.

This craft connects creativity with nature, encouraging families to spend quality time together while beautifying their outdoor spaces.

16. DIY Garden Markers

Enhance your garden with personalized DIY garden markers! This crafty project allows families to get creative while learning about plants and gardening. Gather materials like wooden spoons, stones, or popsicle sticks as your base. For a great choice in crafting, consider using wooden craft sticks that are perfect for labeling plants.

Use paint or markers to label your plants, adding vibrant colors and designs. To ensure your markers last through the elements, opt for waterproof paint markers, which work on various surfaces including wood and stones. You can even decorate them with stickers or stamps for a unique touch. If you prefer stones as your markers, garden stones for painting are a fantastic option, allowing for a natural look with smooth surfaces to customize.

Once they’re ready, place them in your garden to keep track of what’s growing. Get the kids involved in choosing the plants to label, and consider incorporating fun facts about each plant on the markers for an educational twist.

Creating garden markers not only beautifies your garden but also provides educational opportunities, fostering a love for nature.

17. DIY Solar Lanterns

Light up your summer nights with DIY solar lanterns! This engaging craft not only provides a fun way to recycle but also allows you to create something beautiful for your outdoor space. Start by gathering mason jars, which serve as the perfect base for your lanterns. You can also pick up some solar garden lights to ensure your lanterns shine brightly at night.

Begin by decorating the jars with your chosen materials—consider using an acrylic paint set to add vibrant colors to your designs. Once your jars are ready, insert the solar light into the lid. Place them around your patio or garden to create a cozy ambiance. Feel free to experiment with different colors and textures for a unique touch.

Creative decor ideas for your lanterns include using glass marbles or stones for added charm, or creating a themed display, like a tropical or rustic design. You can even set up the lanterns for a family outdoor movie night to make those summer evenings extra special!

These lanterns not only serve a practical purpose but also enhance the beauty of your summer evenings spent outdoors.

18. DIY Garden Trellis

Add some charm to your backyard with a DIY garden trellis! This creative project is perfect for growing climbing plants while providing a stunning visual element. To build your trellis, consider using wooden garden stakes. These sturdy 12” square wooden fencing stakes are ideal for creating a robust frame that can support your plants as they grow.

Once built, encourage the kids to help decorate it with flowers, climbing vines, or even hanging decorations. For plants, choose climbing plant seeds like mixed climbing annuals, which will flourish on your trellis and bring bursts of color to your garden.

Don’t forget to have some garden twine on hand. This biodegradable jute twine is perfect for training your plants to climb and can also be used for decorative touches.

Here are a few tips for creating a garden trellis:
– Make sure it’s sturdy enough to support growing plants.
– Incorporate different shapes or levels for visual interest.
– Allow children to choose their favorite plants to train on the trellis.

Crafting a garden trellis encourages teamwork and a connection to nature while beautifying your outdoor space. Enjoy watching your garden thrive!

19. Nature Journaling

Encourage observation and creativity with nature journaling! This peaceful outdoor craft invites families to document their adventures while appreciating the beauty of nature. Each family member can get their own journal, like the Nature Journal for Little Explorers, to write about their findings, draw plants or animals, or even collect small treasures like leaves or feathers.

Set aside time each week to explore your backyard or a local park and fill your journal with sketches, notes, and observations. You can even organize themed journaling days, focusing on specific topics like birds, flowers, or insects.

To enhance your illustrations, consider using the Melifluo 72 colouring pencils set, perfect for adding vibrant colors to your drawings. Alternatively, the Artecho watercolor paint set offers a great way to create beautiful watercolor artwork, complete with tools to help you get started.

Journaling Tips:
– Use colored pencils or watercolors for stunning illustrations.
– Include fun facts or stories about what you see.
– Reflect on changes in nature over time.

Nature journaling fosters creativity, learning, and a deeper appreciation for the environment.

Product Recommendations:
• Melifluo 72 colouring pencils set
• Artecho watercolor paint set

20. Chalkboard Garden

Create a chalkboard garden to mix art and gardening! This innovative project turns your garden into a canvas where kids can express their creativity while learning about plant care. Start by painting sections of wood or outdoor furniture with Rustins Blackboard Black Paint, creating a unique planting area.

Once it’s set up, plant herbs or flowers in the designated sections and encourage children to draw, label, or even write fun messages on the chalkboard areas. This interactive space not only promotes care for plants but also allows for artistic expression.

To enhance the fun of your chalkboard garden, consider using CRAYOLA Anti-Dust Coloured Chalk for a vibrant display. The assorted colors will inspire creativity as kids experiment with different drawings and messages. You can even change these messages or drawings with the seasons for a fresh look throughout the year.

Additionally, equip your little gardeners with tools from the Atorcher Kids Gardening Tool Set, which includes everything they need to dig in and help with planting. This set makes gardening easy and fun, allowing kids to engage with nature while developing their skills.

This craft infuses fun into gardening while inspiring creativity, making your outdoor space lively and engaging!

Product Recommendations:
• Rustins Blackboard Black Paint
• CRAYOLA Anti-Dust Coloured Chalk
• Atorcher Kids Gardening Tool Set

21. Bug Hotels

Help your garden thrive by crafting bug hotels! This fun and educational project invites families to create habitats for beneficial insects like ladybugs and bees. Start by using a wooden pallet to create the structure of your hotel, or consider using bamboo sticks for a more eco-friendly option. You can also incorporate hollow logs to provide dark, cozy spaces for the bugs to rest.

Fill your hotel with various natural elements, such as leaves, straw, and pinecones, to create inviting spots for the insects. Encourage kids to decorate the exterior of the bug hotel to make it visually appealing and engaging.

For building bug hotels, remember to:
– Place the hotel in a sunny, sheltered spot.
– Teach children about the importance of beneficial insects.
– Monitor the hotel together to see who moves in!

Creating bug hotels promotes awareness of nature while nurturing healthy gardens, making it a quirky and worthwhile summer project.

Product Recommendations:
• wooden pallet
• bamboo sticks
• hollow logs

Conclusion

These 21 creative outdoor crafts provide the perfect excuse to spend quality time with family this summer. Embracing the joys of nature and creativity can lead to unforgettable memories and cherished moments.

From painted rocks to bug hotels, each project offers opportunities for learning and connection, making your family time truly special. So grab your supplies, head outside, and let the summer crafting adventures begin!



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