Yay for summer! The kids are home, and their number one complaint this season is bound to be “we’re bored!” DIY crafts and projects are the perfect way to beat the heat and create something special. We’re all for arts that keep hands busy, and eyes off electronic devices.
Mix things up with these fun summer crafts for kids of all ages, curated from some of our favorite bloggers.
- Squirt Gun Painting
Perfect For: Kids Ages 8+
What you need: squirt gun, watercolor paint, canvas
We love this combination of water guns and creative expression from Fireflies + Mud Pies. Let your child go wild in the backyard or driveway and create a unique work of art all on their own! You can also use plain white tee-shirts and take this craft to birthday parties and more summer get-togethers with the kids.
- DIY Giant Bubbles
Perfect for: Kids Ages 4+ (with parental supervision)
What you need: 6 cups of water, ½ cup of blue Dawn dish detergent, ½ cup cornstarch, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 tablespoon glycerin
This multi-step DIY is the perfect way to play Scientist and spend an afternoon outdoors! Gather the ingredients for the bubbles and the extra-large bubble wand from Spaceships and Laser Beams. The kids will rave about the size of their giant bubbles, and you’ll be able to teach them a thing or two about mixing up a recipe.
- Felt Flower Bookmarks
Perfect for: Kids Ages 8+
What you need: felt in assorted colors, scissors, assorted buttons, felt glue, popsicle sticks.
For kids who love to read, these DIY flower bookmarks are a must-have! All you need is a few supplies to create beautiful custom bookmarks the kids will love. Find the full guide at Happiness is Homemade. For younger kids, parents can cut the flower shapes. Older kids will enjoy creating these bookmarks from scratch—perfect for summer reading or using as artwork in their room.
- Homemade Sidewalk Chalk Paint
Perfect for: Kids Ages 5+
What you need: Water, corn starch, food coloring
Take the joy of sidewalk chalk to an easy-to-use liquid with this recipe from Happiness is Homemade. Let the kids create works of art on the sidewalk just like with chalk—using a paintbrush! With only three ingredients, there are endless ways to imagine and explore through artwork on the street.
Summer with the kids isn’t always about theme parks and camping. Bring the joy of summer to your backyard with these easy DIY crafts. Spend an afternoon creating something new and making summer memories that last forever!
