Summer is the perfect season to let creativity run wild, especially when it comes to keeping kids entertained. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, having a few go-to DIY craft ideas up your sleeve can be a game-changer. These projects aren’t just a way to keep kids busy—they’re also thoughtful, screen-free ways to foster imagination, build fine motor skills, and create lasting memories. From paint-filled fun to nature-inspired keepsakes, every idea here is easy enough for younger kids but still exciting for older ones. Many even make excellent handmade gifts, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply to say “I made this for you.” Below, you’ll find 15 creative crafts that will help you turn ordinary summer days into unforgettable ones—with a few helpful Amazon picks to make crafting smoother. Dive in and get inspired!
1. Painted Rock Pets
source@_gigglesandjiggles
Kids of all ages will love turning ordinary garden rocks into colorful, quirky rock pets. All you need are smooth stones, acrylic paint, and some googly eyes to bring these mini creatures to life. Let children choose whether their pet is a ladybug, frog, cat, or even a wild-eyed monster—the sky’s the limit. This craft works well both indoors and outdoors and doubles as a decorative garden piece or paperweight. The fun part is that no two rock pets will look the same, encouraging kids to use their imagination. Rock pets also make adorable handmade gifts for grandparents, teachers, or friends. Grab a multi-color acrylic paint set and some washable brushes on Amazon to get started.
2. Popsicle Stick Picture Frames
source@gluedtomycrafts
Popsicle stick crafts are timeless for a reason—they’re easy, affordable, and endlessly customizable. For this summer project, kids can create simple picture frames by gluing popsicle sticks into squares or rectangles and decorating them with glitter, stickers, and paint. Add a printed photo or a small drawing inside the frame to give it a personal touch. These make wonderful keepsakes and heartfelt gifts, especially when gifted with a photo from a family outing or summer vacation. For older kids, try adding magnetic strips to the back so the frames can go right on the fridge. A jumbo pack of colored popsicle sticks and mini glue guns from Amazon will help you stock up for multiple crafting sessions.
3. DIY Bird Feeders
source@theleafyearth
Connecting with nature is even more fun when you can attract birds to your backyard with a handmade feeder. One easy method is to cover a toilet paper roll in peanut butter, then roll it in bird seed and hang it with string. For a more advanced version, try using pinecones or mason jars. Kids get excited seeing the birds come to enjoy their creations, and it’s a hands-on way to teach compassion and care for wildlife. Bird feeders also make thoughtful eco-friendly gifts for friends and neighbors who love gardening. Pick up a bag of wild bird seed and safe crafting peanut butter alternatives from Amazon to make this a summer-long activity.
4. Tie-Dye T-Shirts
source@so.maldives
Tie-dye is a summer staple that never goes out of style—and it’s the perfect craft for older kids or supervised little ones. Start with plain white cotton T-shirts and let kids twist, fold, and rubber-band them before applying bold colors. Watching the patterns unfold after washing is half the fun! Tie-dye shirts make excellent personalized gifts, especially when kids design them with someone in mind. Consider using kits that come with squeeze bottles, gloves, and dyes so the process stays fun and mess-free. Amazon offers complete tie-dye kits with enough supplies to host a tie-dye party for a group.
5. Handprint Garden Stepping Stones
source@shannwoodworth
Capture your child’s tiny hands forever in a garden stepping stone. Using a stepping stone kit or air-dry clay, kids can press their handprints into the surface and decorate with beads, stones, or paint. These make excellent Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or grandparent gifts and add a sentimental touch to any garden. The process also encourages sensory play and storytelling as kids explain their decorations. For safety and convenience, look for stepping stone kits on Amazon that come with non-toxic materials and molds designed for young children.
6. Paper Plate Sun Masks
source@goombaprints
Bring a bit of sunshine indoors with paper plate sun masks that are equal parts silly and cheerful. Kids can paint or color a plate yellow and orange, cut out eye holes, and glue on sun rays made from construction paper or craft sticks. Add elastic string so they can wear their creations around the house or during a backyard playdate. This simple activity promotes imaginative play and is perfect for themed parties or performances. Pair with a pack of paper plates, washable paints, and stick-on decorations available on Amazon for an easy crafting win.
7. Mason Jar Lanterns
source@mann.artstudio
Nothing says summer magic like glowing lanterns lighting up the evening. With just a few mason jars, LED tea lights, and tissue paper, kids can create stunning lanterns to use during outdoor dinners, camping nights, or as room décor. Let them glue colored tissue or pressed flowers onto the jar, then seal with a Mod Podge-like finish. These lanterns are beautiful enough to give as gifts and safe for kids to make using battery-powered lights. Look for battery-operated tea lights and bulk mason jars on Amazon to make this an easy project to repeat throughout the season.
8. Nature Collage Art
source@artsymirveras
Take your kids on a nature walk to collect leaves, flowers, twigs, and feathers, then turn those treasures into collage art. Use a sturdy piece of cardstock or canvas, and have them glue their finds into shapes like hearts, animals, or abstract patterns. It’s a great way to combine crafting with outdoor exploration and talk about nature while you work. Nature collages make great wall art and personalized gifts for anyone who loves the outdoors. You can find kid-safe glue and canvas panels on Amazon to make this activity both simple and lasting.
9. DIY Wind Chimes
source@sandysewin
Crafting wind chimes is a wonderful way for kids to experiment with sound, color, and movement. Use items like metal washers, beads, shells, or old keys hung from a painted stick or embroidery hoop. Not only are these chimes pretty to look at, but they also encourage problem-solving as kids figure out how to balance and hang each piece. Hang the finished project on the porch or gift it to a music-loving friend or relative. Amazon has excellent kits or standalone materials like twine, beads, and bells to get you started.
10. Bubble Art Paintings
source@aestuckey
Bubble art turns an ordinary day into a sensory-rich creative adventure. Mix a bit of washable paint or food coloring into bubble solution, have kids blow bubbles onto thick paper, and watch the patterns emerge as they pop. This form of painting is visually captivating and ideal for younger children who love tactile activities. Frame the finished artwork as a colorful summer gift or greeting card. For best results, grab non-toxic bubble solution and plastic bubble wands on Amazon that are sized for kids’ hands.
11. DIY Slime Creations
source@slumberrteepee
Slime remains a favorite among kids for good reason—it’s fun, squishy, and easy to customize. Use basic ingredients like white glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution to make your base, then let kids add food coloring, glitter, or small toys for extra flair. Slime can be stored in jars and makes a fun gift for sleepovers or birthday parties. It also provides hours of tactile play and stress relief. Pick up an all-in-one slime kit from Amazon, or stock up on individual components for unlimited slime variations.
12. Painted Flower Pots
source@unikos_art
Give plain terracotta pots a makeover with bright paint, stickers, and stencils. Kids can decorate pots for their own plants or as gifts for teachers, neighbors, or family members. It’s a hands-on way to teach them about gardening and responsibility while also sparking their artistic side. These decorated pots make adorable Mother’s Day or summer hostess gifts. Look for a set of mini terracotta pots and outdoor-safe paint kits on Amazon that hold up well under sun and watering.
13. Friendship Bracelets
source@mpmthewriter
This nostalgic craft never gets old, and it’s ideal for older kids and tweens. With just embroidery thread or colorful string, kids can weave different patterns of bracelets for themselves or their friends. It’s a calming activity that improves focus and fine motor coordination, plus the result is wearable and giftable. Teach them a few basic patterns to start, and soon they’ll be designing their own. Amazon offers bracelet-making kits complete with threads, clasps, and storage boxes that make great gifts too.
14. Egg Carton Critters
source@nylah.khan
Recycle old egg cartons into adorable critters like caterpillars, frogs, and turtles. Kids can cut the cartons, paint them, and glue on bits like pipe cleaners and googly eyes to bring their animals to life. It’s a budget-friendly craft that encourages imaginative play and creativity. These critters are fun to collect, use in storytime, or give away as mini gifts. You can find kid-friendly scissors, glue dots, and googly eyes in multi-packs on Amazon for endless crafting potential.
15. Seashell Memory Jars
source@keesellsshells
After a beach trip, collect seashells and sand to preserve the memories in a decorative memory jar. Kids can layer their finds in a mason jar and add labels, photos, or small notes to remember their favorite moments. This project is especially meaningful for family vacations and can even become a yearly tradition. It doubles as décor and a keepsake, making it a thoughtful DIY gift for relatives or friends who shared the trip. Mason jars and label kits from Amazon make this an easy and beautiful project to complete.
Conclusion
DIY summer crafts are more than just a way to pass the time—they’re opportunities to connect, create, and celebrate the season. With projects that range from sentimental keepsakes to wild and messy fun, there’s truly something here for every age and interest. These crafts also serve a deeper purpose: they encourage thoughtfulness, allow for self-expression, and can even become meaningful gifts for loved ones. Whether you’re planning a backyard crafting day, prepping for a rainy afternoon, or simply looking for a break from screens, this list has you covered. Stock up on a few supplies from Amazon, gather your little artists, and let the summer crafting magic begin.
