22 Summer Themed Crafts for Kids That Will Make Your Days Bright and Colorful!

Summer is the perfect time for kids to unleash their creativity and make vibrant, fun crafts that capture the spirit of the season. From colorful decorations to imaginative outdoor projects, these crafts not only provide hours of entertainment but also encourage creativity and exploration. Whether you’re looking for something simple to do on a sunny afternoon or an exciting project for a summer party, there’s something in this list for every budding artist. Gather your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to craft your way through a sun-kissed summer filled with laughter and joy!

1. Colorful Painted Rocks

Painted rocks are not just for garden decoration; they can be a vibrant art project for kids too! Simply gather some smooth stones from your yard or a nearby park, or you can get smooth river rocks for painting, which come in a convenient pack of 25 large flat stones, perfect for little hands to paint. Provide your little ones with non-toxic acrylic paint set featuring 36 vibrant colors. This ensures they have plenty of options to transform each stone into a miniature masterpiece with bright colors and fun designs.

To make the project even more engaging, encourage kids to create themes, such as animals or flowers. After they finish their artwork, using clear acrylic sealant spray will help protect their creations from the rain, ensuring they last longer in your garden. Finally, consider creating a rock garden together to display their art, allowing them to connect with nature and their surroundings while boosting their creativity. This craft is a fantastic way for kids to express themselves artistically while enjoying the outdoors!

Product Recommendations:
• smooth river rocks for painting
• non-toxic acrylic paint set
• clear acrylic sealant spray

2. DIY Tie-Dye T-Shirts

What’s more fun than wearing your own unique tie-dye t-shirt? This classic summer craft is a guaranteed hit! All you need are plain cotton shirts, like the Gildan Adult Cotton T-Shirt, tie-dye kits such as the Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Kit, or fabric dye, and some rubber bands. Kids can create swirls, stripes, and other funky patterns, making their shirts one-of-a-kind.

A few pro tips:
– Use nitrile disposable gloves to keep hands clean while dyeing.
– Pre-soak shirts in water for better dye absorption.
– Hang the shirts in the sun to dry for a fun afternoon activity.

Tie-dyeing not only allows kids to express their creativity but also gives them a sense of pride when they wear something they made themselves!

Product Recommendations:
• Gildan Adult Cotton T-Shirt
• Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Kit
• nitrile disposable gloves

3. Popsicle Stick Photo Frames

Capture summer memories with charming popsicle stick photo frames! Using basic supplies like craft glue, popsicle sticks, and paints, kids can assemble their very own frames to display their favorite summer snapshots. For the popsicle sticks, consider the Popsicle Sticks Craft Pack, which includes 200 natural wood craft sticks, perfect for creating fun and vibrant frames.

Personalization is key; kids can add embellishments like beads, stickers, or even natural elements like leaves and flowers. To help with this, you can use assorted craft embellishments which feature 600 acrylic flatback rhinestones in various shapes and sizes, adding a delightful sparkle to their creations.

To make it extra special:
– Have a family photo shoot and print some pictures to frame afterward.
– Create themed frames for different occasions: beach day, camping, or picnics.
– Use these frames as gifts for grandparents or friends.

Don’t forget to use non-toxic craft glue to ensure easy assembly and a safe crafting experience. This craft is perfect for developing fine motor skills and encourages kids to get creative while showcasing their favorite memories.

Product Recommendations:
• Popsicle Sticks Craft Pack
• assorted craft embellishments
• non-toxic craft glue

4. Summer Themed Sun Catchers

Let the sunshine in with beautiful summer-themed sun catchers! These can be made with clear plastic lids for crafts, colorful tissue paper, or even melted beads. Kids can cut their chosen materials into shapes like suns, flowers, or butterflies and then assemble them onto the plastic base. Using colorful tissue paper pack will add a vibrant touch to their creations, making the sun catchers truly eye-catching. Once finished, hang them in windows to create a rainbow of colors as the sun shines through.

Why sun catchers are awesome:
– They’re perfect for teaching about light and colors.
– Kids can make a collection with different shapes and themes.
– They add instant cheer to any room!

For those interested in adding an extra fun element, consider using melted beads for crafts to create unique designs that can also be used to make sun catchers. This craft is a fantastic way to brighten up your home while engaging kids in a fun and creative project.

Product Recommendations:
• clear plastic lids for crafts
• colorful tissue paper pack
• melted beads for crafts

5. DIY Water Balloon Painting

Imagine painting with water balloons! This exciting craft combines a refreshing summer activity with artistry. Fill water balloons with liquid watercolors or diluted paint, like the Washable Liquid Watercolors. These non-toxic paints are perfect for kids, allowing for vibrant colors and easy cleanup. Once your balloons are ready, head outside for a creative explosion! Kids can throw, splat, or drip the balloons onto large sheets of paper. Using large sheets of art paper ensures plenty of space for their dazzling artwork.

For the best experience, consider the Water Balloons that fill rapidly, making it easier to get back to the fun of painting! Just remember to protect the area from paint splatters, use washable paints for easy cleanup, and always supervise younger kids during the activity.

This fun project invites kids to experiment with color and movement while enjoying a warm summer day in a unique and playful way!

Product Recommendations:
• Washable Liquid Watercolors
• Large Sheets of Art Paper
• Water Balloons

6. Nature Collage Art

Encourage your kids to explore the outdoors with a nature collage art project! They can gather leaves, flowers, and other natural elements during a walk in the park or backyard. Once back home, provide them with glue from a comprehensive craft kit, like kids’ craft glue, to arrange and stick their findings into beautiful collages.

To enhance this craft, discuss different types of leaves and flowers while collecting them. A great addition to this activity is using a magnifying glass for kids to examine interesting textures closely. It adds an element of learning and discovery, making the outdoor experience even more engaging.

Once their masterpieces are complete, consider framing their collages for a special display in the house with an art frame set. This not only protects their artwork but also encourages pride in their creative expressions.

This activity fosters an appreciation for nature and promotes creativity as kids learn to express themselves through art.

Product Recommendations:
• kids’ craft glue
• magnifying glass for kids
• art frame set

7. DIY Bubble Wands

What’s summer fun without bubbles? Making DIY bubble wands is a fantastic craft that kids will love. All you need are some pipe cleaners and a shallow dish filled with bubble solution. Form the pipe cleaners into different shapes—think hearts, stars, or even letters—and dip them into the solution for bubble-blowing fun.

To enhance the experience, experiment with different shapes and sizes for unique bubbles. For even more excitement, you can add some color to your bubbles by using a food coloring set to tint the bubble solution. This will create vibrant bubbles that catch the sunlight beautifully. Additionally, consider hosting a bubble-blowing contest to see who can make the biggest bubbles using Gazillion Bubbles bubble solution, known for its giant, vibrant, and safe bubbles.

Creating bubble wands is a simple yet enjoyable craft that encourages outdoor play and creativity.

Product Recommendations:
• pipe cleaners
• Gazillion Bubbles bubble solution

8. Seashell Art Projects

Bring the beach home with seashell art projects! After a fun day at the beach collecting seashells, children can use them to make unique crafts. They can create beautiful mosaics, decorate picture frames, or even make seashell jewelry. The possibilities are endless!

To elevate this activity, consider incorporating a seashell craft kit to provide all the essential materials for painting and decorating the shells. This kit makes it easy for kids to unleash their creativity while ensuring they have everything they need to get started.

Discuss the different types of shells and their origins, and enhance the crafting experience with an acrylic paint set. With 24 vibrant colors and brushes included, children can paint their seashells for added flair, turning ordinary shells into colorful masterpieces.

Additionally, you can use shells to teach about ocean conservation and respect for nature. To take it a step further, kids can decorate their creations and display them in a picture frame craft kit, turning their artwork into cherished keepsakes that remind them of their beach adventures.

This craft is a wonderful way for kids to remember their beach adventures while sparking their creativity.

Product Recommendations:
• seashell craft kit
• acrylic paint set
• picture frame craft kit

9. DIY Kite Making

Flying kites on a breezy summer day is a classic pastime! Why not make your own kites? Start with a DIY Kite Making Kit, which includes everything you need to get started, including lightweight materials like paper and string. Kids can decorate their kites with washable markers that are easy to clean and perfect for adding vibrant colors and designs. This way, they can personalize their kites with their names or favorite colors, making them special.

To support the structure of the kites, use wooden dowels for crafts, which are sturdy yet lightweight. These dowels will help kids experiment with different shapes like diamonds or rectangles to see what flies best.

This craft fosters problem-solving skills as kids figure out how to assemble and fly their creations, all while experiencing the joy of outdoor play!

Product Recommendations:
• DIY Kite Making Kit
• washable markers
• wooden dowels for crafts

10. Sunflower Seed Mosaics

Create beautiful flower designs using sunflower seeds! This unique craft combines art and snack time, as kids can glue sunflower seeds (raw and unsalted) onto paper to form stunning mosaics of sunflowers or other designs. This not only keeps them engaged in a creative process but also allows for some delicious snacking.

To enhance the experience, consider using various colored seeds to add more detail. You can also involve kids in learning about sunflowers and their benefits, making it an educational adventure as well. Once the mosaics are complete, display the finished pieces as cheerful summer decor.

For this activity, having the right supplies is key. You’ll need craft glue (non-toxic) to secure the seeds to the paper, ensuring that the artwork lasts. Using colored craft paper can provide a vibrant background that really makes the sunflower mosaics pop.

This activity is a wonderful way to build fine motor skills while having fun, and the end result is a vibrant piece of art!

Product Recommendations:
• craft glue (non-toxic)
• colored craft paper
• raw and unsalted sunflower seeds

11. DIY Friendship Bracelets

Friendship bracelets are a fun and meaningful craft that kids will cherish. Using colorful embroidery thread, children can learn different knotting techniques to create beautiful patterns that represent their friendships. This craft is perfect for summer camps or playdates and can be gifted to friends or family.

To get started, consider using an embroidery thread set featuring 50 skeins of rainbow colors. This variety makes it easy for kids to experiment with different designs and combinations, ensuring each bracelet is unique.

Enhance the friendship bracelets with added flair by incorporating a bead and charm kit. This kit includes 6000 clay beads in 24 colors and fun charms, allowing for personalization that reflects each child’s style and preferences.

To help them master the craft, a friendship bracelet making guide can provide step-by-step instructions for creating colorful knotted designs and more. This guide serves as a great resource for kids, whether they’re new to bracelet making or looking to expand their skills.

Organize a bracelet-making party where kids can craft together! Crafting friendship bracelets is not just about creativity; it’s also about building bonds and memories that last a lifetime!

Product Recommendations:
• embroidery thread set
• bead and charm kit
• friendship bracelet making guide

12. DIY Lanterns from Recycled Materials

Transform old jars or tin cans into beautiful lanterns for summer evenings! Kids can paint, decorate, and even add LED tea lights to create glowing decorations for their rooms or backyard. These tea lights not only provide a safe, flameless glow but also last for a long time, making them perfect for extended summer nights. This craft is a fantastic way to reuse materials and spark creativity.

To enhance the experience, consider using different materials like tissue paper for unique designs; its variety of colors can really brighten up the lanterns. You can also incorporate a glitter craft set to add some sparkle and make the lanterns stand out even more. Organize a lantern-making night and light them up for a magical effect.

While crafting, it’s a great opportunity to discuss the importance of recycling and creativity in art. Making lanterns is a hands-on project that encourages kids to think outside the box while making their environment more beautiful!

Product Recommendations:
• LED tea lights
• tissue paper
• glitter craft set

13. Painted Flower Pots

Add some color to your garden with painted flower pots! Kids can personalize terracotta pots using acrylic paint set, markers, or even stickers. The vibrant colors from the acrylic paint set will make their creations pop! After decorating, plant some flowers or herbs to watch their art come to life throughout the summer.

Here’s how to make it special:
– Host a pot painting party where everyone can create together.
– Use chalkboard paint for pots that can be labeled with chalk, adding an interactive element to their creations.
– Talk about the plants they’re using and teach them how to care for them.

For the perfect canvas, consider terracotta flower pots, which provide a classic and durable option for planting. This craft promotes responsibility while encouraging creativity, making it the perfect summer project!

Product Recommendations:
• acrylic paint set
• chalkboard paint
• terracotta flower pots

14. DIY Bird Feeders

Get crafty while helping nature with DIY bird feeders! Using simple materials like pine cones, peanut butter, and birdseed, kids can create feeders that attract colorful birds to their backyards. For a great start, consider using a premium wooden bird feeder kit, which provides everything needed to build beautiful feeders that can be hung outdoors. Not only is it a fun project, but it also teaches kids about wildlife and caring for the environment.

To make the crafting experience even more enjoyable, kids can spread natural peanut butter onto their feeders as a sticky base for birdseed. This peanut butter is perfect for creating a tasty treat for the birds and is easy to work with. Then, add some birdseed mix to complete the feeders, ensuring a variety of birds will come to visit.

For added fun, use different shapes and sizes to create various feeders and decorate them with natural elements like twigs or leaves. Keep a journal of the birds that visit—it’s a wonderful learning opportunity! Creating bird feeders is a meaningful way to connect with nature and foster a sense of responsibility in kids.

Product Recommendations:
• premium wooden bird feeder kit
• natural peanut butter
• birdseed mix

15. DIY Summer Scrapbook

Capture the memories of summer with a DIY scrapbook! Kids can collect pictures, ticket stubs, and little treasures from their summer adventures to create a personalized keepsake. This craft allows for creativity through layout design and embellishments.

To make this project extra special, encourage kids to write captions or stories for each page. Using decorative stickers set can add a fun touch to their designs, giving each page a unique flair. Additionally, they can enhance their scrapbooks with colorful details using colored pens and markers set, making their captions and illustrations pop.

For the scrapbook itself, consider using a comprehensive collection like the scrapbook kit, which includes a variety of decorative papers and stickers to inspire creativity. Sharing these scrapbooks with family during gatherings can bring added joy and foster a sense of reflection.

This project not only encourages creativity but also preserves precious memories for years to come!

Product Recommendations:
• decorative stickers set
• colored pens and markers set
• scrapbook kit

16. DIY Flower Crowns

Nothing says summer like a beautiful flower crown! Using fresh flowers, ribbons, and floral wire, kids can create their own stunning headpieces. To get started, consider using FloraCraft 26 Gauge Floral Wire which is perfect for shaping and securing the flowers in place, ensuring that the crown holds its form while kids wear it during summer parties, picnics, or while playing outside.

For those looking to add a splash of color, incorporating colorful ribbons can enhance the overall look of the crown. The vibrant assortment of satin ribbons not only adds flair but also helps to tie the flower crown together beautifully.

If you want a crown that lasts beyond a single day, using artificial flowers is a great option. These flowers look stunning and can endure the summer heat, making them a fantastic choice for creating lasting memories.

How to make it even better:
– Choose flowers that are available locally for a fun scavenger hunt.
– Incorporate artificial flowers for a longer-lasting crown.
– Host a flower crown-making party for a group activity.

Making flower crowns is not only a fun and creative craft but also a wonderful way for kids to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of summer.

Product Recommendations:
• FloraCraft 26 Gauge Floral Wire
• colorful ribbons
• artificial flowers

17. DIY Hand-Painted Banners

Brighten up your backyard or porch with DIY hand-painted banners! Kids can use fabric paint set, paint, and their creativity to design unique banners for summer celebrations or just for fun. This craft allows for free expression and can be customized for any occasion.

To enhance the experience, consider using stencils for kids, which include 25 plastic drawing stencils with over 400 shapes, making it easier for children to create intricate designs. Hang the finished banners in a designated spot for summer gatherings, and challenge kids to create banners with special themes like holidays or birthdays using outdoor banner fabric, which comes in large sizes perfect for display.

This project not only sparks creativity but also serves as a lovely decoration to welcome summer festivities!

Product Recommendations:
• fabric paint set
• stencils for kids
• outdoor banner fabric

18. DIY Ice Cream Cone Slime

Mix up some fun with DIY ice cream cone slime! Kids love playing with slime, and the process of making it adds an extra layer of excitement. Using basic slime ingredients like Elmer’s clear school glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution, kids can create colorful slime that looks just like ice cream in cones.

Pro tips:
– Use scents to make it smell like real ice cream!
– Add fun toppings like glitter or foam beads.
– Create an ice cream party where kids can showcase their unique flavors.

These ingredients not only help in crafting the perfect texture for the slime but also ensure that it’s easy to make at home. This craft combines sensory play with creativity and provides hours of entertainment, making it a summer favorite!

Product Recommendations:
• Elmer’s clear school glue
• baking soda
• contact lens solution

19. DIY Summer Memory Jars

Create a summer memory jar to capture all the fun moments! Kids can decorate a jar, like the Mason Jars, and fill it with notes, small items, and souvenirs from their summer adventures. Using these jars encourages kids to reflect on their experiences and cherish memories.

Make it special:
– Encourage them to write a note each week summarizing their favorite moments. They can use washable markers to add color and creativity to their notes.
– Include little drawings or photos on colorful craft paper, like the colorful craft paper, to personalize the jar.
– Share the memories with family during summer gatherings.

This craft not only promotes creativity but also helps kids develop a sense of gratitude for their summer experiences!

Product Recommendations:
• Mason Jars
• washable markers
• colorful craft paper

20. DIY Summer-Themed Tote Bags

Make summer adventures even better with DIY summer-themed tote bags! Kids can use fun designs like crabs, suns, or beach balls to decorate plain canvas bags with fabric paints or markers. These bags are perfect for carrying snacks, toys, or beach essentials.

To make it awesome:
– Organize a tote bag decorating party with friends!
– Teach kids about eco-friendly practices by using reusable bags like the Canvas Tote Bags that can hold up to 55 lbs.
– Have them create matching bags for their friends.

Using products like the Fabric Paint Set featuring 18 vibrant colors, kids can unleash their creativity on their tote bags. This non-toxic textile paint is ideal for a variety of materials and will keep the crafting fun safe and enjoyable.

Additionally, consider the Eco-Friendly Craft Supplies kit, which includes over 1170 pieces perfect for enhancing their projects. This extensive collection encourages creativity while promoting a sustainable mindset.

This craft not only promotes creativity but also teaches kids about sustainability and being eco-conscious while having a blast!

Product Recommendations:
• Canvas Tote Bags
• Fabric Paint Set
• Eco-Friendly Craft Supplies

21. DIY Rainbow Scratch Art

Engage kids in a creative and sensory-rich activity with DIY rainbow scratch art! Using black crayons or paint on top of colorful layers (created with crayons like watercolor crayons), kids can scratch designs to reveal the vibrant colors beneath. The heavyweight drawing paper is perfect for this project, providing a sturdy base for their artistic expressions.

To add variety, experiment with different scratching tools from a scratch art tools set, which includes various styluses and brushes that create unique textures. Encourage kids to explore themes, such as animals or patterns, to inspire their creativity. This project is not just a sensory experience; it also allows young artists to express their creativity in a unique way!

Product Recommendations:
• watercolor crayons
• heavyweight drawing paper
• scratch art tools set

22. DIY Summer Greeting Cards

Wrap up the summer season with DIY greeting cards! Kids can create personalized cards using colored paper from the Astrobrights Color Paper pack, which offers a vibrant assortment of 25 colors, perfect for making their creations stand out. Add some fun with a sticker variety pack that includes 850 cute stickers across 16 different themes like sea creatures, animals, and desserts, allowing them to enhance their cards with delightful designs.

Encourage kids to use washable markers for drawing and writing, as these markers are easy to clean and perfect for colorful messages. This craft provides an excellent opportunity for kids to express their feelings and keep in touch while nurturing relationships.

Make it special by:
– Creating cards for different occasions, like birthdays or thank-yous.
– Including hand-written messages to personalize each card.
– Organizing a card exchange with friends for added fun!

This project is a meaningful way to show appreciation and creativity while making connections with loved ones.

Product Recommendations:
• Astrobrights Color Paper pack
• sticker variety pack
• washable markers

Conclusion

Summer is an incredible time for kids to spark their creativity with a plethora of fun and colorful crafts. From painted rocks to DIY tie-dye shirts, these projects not only entertain but also promote learning and connection with nature. Encourage your children to let their imaginations soar by trying out these crafts, making this summer memorable and bright!

Crafting together strengthens family bonds and creates lasting memories, so gather materials and enjoy these vibrant summer-themed activities!



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