These 10 easy summer crafts were inspired by my kids’ love for ice cream and my “mom sanity”. As a mom of three, I’ve learned that doing simple crafts, especially during summer, calms a long, hot day. I still remember one afternoon when the kids were hyperactive for me to handle, and it was too hot for them to run around outside. I had to put together craft activities to shift the mood, and it worked, for a few minutes.
Which is exactly why I put together these 10 easy summer crafts—to help other moms find that same magic when the day feels long and the kids need something fun to focus on.
Want to try these with your kids? I’ve linked a few of our favourite supplies throughout the post—things like washable paint markers, toddler-safe scissors, and colourful craft paper. These are Amazon affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to buy through them (at no extra cost to you!).
Thank you for supporting my little craft corner!
1. Rainbow Cloud: Easy Summer Craft
This easy summer craft is a great way for preschoolers to learn about the weather and the correct order of the rainbow colours. We used crepe paper and construction paper for this one to achieve a textured look. I love it because it’s another smart way to sneak in colour recognition.
Step-by-step tutorial here
2. Cotton Wool Ice Cream Craft
Why don’t you cool down with a sweet ice cream when it’s too hot to play outside? We turned soft cotton wools into pretend ice scoops, and my kids loved choosing their “flavours.”
3. Cuddly Blue Octopus
I love how versatile paper plates are. Look how we turned a simple paper plate into this cute octopus. You know what else is amazing? You can use the wiggly legs as a counting activity or talk about ocean animals with your littles.
4. Paper Plate Jellyfish
Wouldn’t you just love to hang this up in the playroom? This jellyfish craft is great for working those fine motor skills. We used crepe paper, paper plates, and some scissors that my 5-year-old can safely use.
5. Popsicle Ice–Craft
I love this easy summer craft, inspired by Crafting a Fun Life. It’s as sweet as it sounds and easy enough to do together with your toddler.
6. Waffle Ice Cream with Sprinkles
Carton waffles + Q-tip sprinkles + coloured paper scoops = total toddler joy. This easy summer craft is a good sensory and motor skill experience, and the best part is the Q-tip sprinkles; it’s almost what dreams are made of. This craft was strongly inspired by a fun activity I found on Crafting a Fun Life.
7. Handprint Pineapple Craft
This one melts my heart every time. You use your child’s handprint for the top of the pineapple, which makes it not only adorable but also a sweet keepsake. It’s one of the easy summer crafts I recommend.
8. Footprint Flip-flops
We made these, and I have them sitting pretty on my fridge. We turned little footprints into summer flip-flops – such an easy summer craft. It’s also a great way to talk about weather clothes. So easy and no mess at all. If you’re a lover of print activities like I am, you’ll find plenty of them on Easy Peasy and Fun.
9. Toilet Paper Roll Flower Stamps
You literally can’t go wrong with this one. It’s one of the quickest ways to get little hands busy. All you need is an empty toilet roll and paint; suddenly, your preschooler is a floral artist. It’s also a great introduction to stamping!
10. Paper Plate Sun Craft
Because what’s summer without a happy sun? This is a cheerful and amazing summer craft your preschooler will love. It’s easy and is perfect for even the littlest crafters, plus it brightens up any playroom or fridge.
Mom Tip: Your kids won’t always be interested in crafting or doing activities with you, and that’s totally normal. If they’re not into it, don’t fret, mama. Don’t pressure them. Just breathe, relax, and give it time. They’ll come running when they’re ready.
Always supervise activities and make sure the craft materials are age-appropriate and safe.
SHOP THIS POST: OUR FAVOURITE SUMMER CRAFT SUPPLIES
Want to have everything on hand for summer craft time? These are the staples we always keep stocked (and they’re all available on Amazon):
- ✅ Washable glue sticks
- ✅ Kid-friendly safety scissors
- ✅ Cotton balls
- ✅ Googly eyes
- ✅ Paper plates
- ✅ Washable Paint markers
Conclusion
Before You Go…
Remember, crafting with kids isn’t about perfection; it’s more about just having fun and making messy, glue-stained moments together, because in the end, those are the ones your kids will remember.
And if you ever need ideas or want to share your little one’s creations, I’m right here with you.
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