Easy and affordable Summer Craft ideas for Kids
In need of a way to keep the Kids entertained this summer without overspending? Look no further! Crafts are a brilliant way to keep the kids creative minds buzzing, preventing the 'im bored' moments during the holidays that no parent wants to hear!
With sunny days ahead, why not try out these brilliant crafting ideas! Get your glue stick and pens and lets get cracking!
If you're looking for more affordable ideas, such as recipes, entertainment guides and more, why not head to our seasonal hub?
Crafting essentials
To give yourself the best range of crafting activities, its best to buy an affordable crafting kit. Top shops for crafting such as hobbycraft make affordable essentials, as well as amazon for full affordable kits with quick next day delivery!
Paper Plate Sun Craft
A bright and easy summer craft perfect for toddlers and younger ones. Why not spend a warm afternoon painting and crafting and leave your craft to dry in the sun?
What You'll Need:
- Paper plate
- Yellow and orange paint
- Glue
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Paint the paper plate yellow and let it dry.
- Cut triangle shapes around the edge to create sun rays, then decorate with a smiley face.
Nature Collage Art
A fun outdoor activity using leaves, flowers, and sticks. Why not make a day out of it by taking the kids for a walk to collect whatever they'd like. It's a great way to encourage being outside and enjoying nature! Why not go to a national trust spot?
What You'll Need:
- Leaves, flowers or shells
- Glue
- Crafting essentials such as glitter glue, pens.
- Paper or cardboard
Instructions:
- Collect nature items during a walk.
- Glue them onto card to create colourful collage artwork.
- Decorate with glitter, pens and more!
- Pop in a frame or on the fridge!
DIY Ice Painting
A colourful sensory activity perfect for hot summer afternoons. Make sure to take it outside to prevent too much mess! If you have lolly stick lying around, why not check out our guide to easy ice lollies to make this summer?
What You'll Need:
- Ice cube tray
- Food colouring
- lolly sticks
- Paper or cardboard
Instructions:
- Fill several cups with water.
- Add in colours of choice.
- Transfer to an ice mould, adding in Lolly sticks.
- Freeze overnight.
- Let kids paint as the ice melts onto paper.
Toilet Roll Binoculars
Turn old toilet rolls into fun binoculars for pretend adventures. This is the perfect idea if you have adventurous kids! Why not check out our must-do days out guide for action loving kids!
What You'll Need:
- 2 toilet rolls
- Paint or crayons
- String
- Glue or tape
Instructions:
- Get the kids to decorate toilet rolls with any design that they like.
- Stick the 2 rolls together with glue or tape.
- Attach a string and let their imaginations run wild!
Handprint Fish Art
Create fun underwater scenes using painted handprints. This is a great sensory activity for all ages, but a word of caution- it could get messy! This could be an activity for the beach, keep a water bucket nearby to wash your hands; pick up seaweed and use sand to create a beautiful scene!
What You'll Need:
- Paint
- Paper or card
- Water Bucket (for cleaning)
- Marker pens
- PVA glue
Instructions:
- Draw an outline of a fish on a piece of Cardboard or paper.
- Paint fingers different colours, using fingerprints to create scales!
- Allow to dry!
- Add bubbles, seaweed or sand using glue!
Painted Rock Animals
Transform ordinary garden rocks into cute painted animals. This activity is perfect for leaving the kids to it, if your a busy parent in need of 5 minutes!
What You'll Need:
- Smooth rocks
- Acrylic paint or paint pens
- Paint Brushes
- Markers
Instructions:
- Paint rocks as ladybirds, bees, frogs, or funny faces and leave them to dry before displaying them outside.
- You could even put painted rocks on the doorstep or at places in your local area!
Final Thoughts
Summer crafting doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated to keep kids entertained. Simple activities like painting, gluing, and creating together can spark imagination, encourage creativity, and make lasting family memories.
Whether you try one craft or all six, these easy summer craft ideas are perfect for keeping little hands busy during the holidays. The best part is that many of these crafts use everyday items you already have at home, making them ideal for busy parents looking for quick and affordable activities.
So grab the paints, paper, and glue, and enjoy a summer full of creativity, laughter, and screen-free fun with the kids.
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