These 10 easy summer crafts were inspired by my kids’ love for ice cream and the beach. As a mom of three, I’ve learned that doing simple crafts with my kids, especially during summer, actually calms a long, hot day. I still remember one afternoon when my two girls were hyperactive for me to handle, and the weather was so hot for them to run around outside, I had to put together craft activities to shift the mood – it worked, but for a few minutes, because they were back to running around again, hahaha! Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that for those few minutes there was a pause. They were calm, concentrated and busy, which for me was a win, even though they went back to their running around again.Sw
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 to achieve a textured cloud look and construction paper for the rainbow strips. I love it because it’s a fun 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, because with a simple paper plate you can make a cute octopus. You know what else is amazing about this? You can use the wiggly legs as a counting activity or talk about ocean animals with your little ones
4. Paper Plate Jellyfish
Wouldn’t you just love to hang this up in the playroom or in the kids’ bedroom? 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
This waffle Ice cream craft is not only great to make in summer, but can also act as a good sensory and fine motor play for your toddlers.
7. Handprint Pineapple Craft
This one melts my heart every time, because it’s a keepsake. 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 about the easiest summer crafts that I recommend.
8. Footprint Flip-flops
We made these, and I have them sitting pretty on my fridge. I turned my kids little footprints into summer flip-flops, while we also talked about the best footwear for this season. Also, 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, and that’s a fact. It’s one of the messiest ways to get little hands busy and all you need are empty toilet rolls and paint. For some reason, paint activities go well with the summer season – maybe it’s because I think kids would happily rinse off in the warm weather. Anyway, I just know it’s a nice introduction to stamping, most especially for younger toddlers.
10. Paper Plate Sun Craft
You see, there’s no summer without the sun, and the summer season is not complete without creating a cheerful sun craft such as this one. It’s not only super easy to make, it’s also perfect for even the littlest crafters to manage (I’m talking even 12-15 month olds). Apart from that, it’s one happy craft that brightens up any playroom or or even your refrigerator.
Yoo hoo! A little mom tip here: Don’t fret, but your kids won’t always be interested in crafting or doing activities with you – but guess what? That’s totally normal, and if they’re not into it, no problem at all mama, just leave all the supplies and play materials on the table. One thing you shouldn’t do is, pressure them, and 3 things you should do are breathe, relax, give it time and go about doing your own thing ( that’s actually four things), because you know what? They’ll come running when they’re ready (they always do – speaking from experience)
IMPORTANT: Always supervise the activities you do with them and make sure the craft materials are age-appropriate and safe for them to use.
SHOP THIS POST: OUR FAVOURITE SUMMER CRAFT SUPPLIES
If you’d like to have everything on hand for summer craft time, these are the staples I 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 your kids isn’t about perfection, but more about enjoying yourselves and making messy, paint marker-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.
Don’t forget to Pin this post, you just might need it again *wink*
