Summer Kick Off Crafts for Kids are a great way to welcome the warm weather because most seasonal activities online require complex supplies you don’t actually have at home.
If your children are already getting restless on week one of break, these practical projects keep hands busy using basic materials. You will get a simple way to spend a rainy afternoon together while making colorful projects that celebrate the sunny season ahead.
1. Paper Plate Sun Catcher ☀️
When the morning sun starts streaming through the kitchen window, this easy project lets little hands catch those bright rays. It is an excellent choice for toddlers since it uses basic tearing motions instead of complex scissor work.
How to Make
- Cut out the center of a paper plate, leaving just the outer rim.
- Press a piece of clear contact paper across the open circle.
- Let your child stick squares of yellow, orange, and red tissue paper onto the sticky surface.
Supply List
- Standard paper plates
- Clear contact paper
- Colorful tissue paper sheets
- Safety scissors
2. Sponge Painted Ice Cream Cones 🍦
Hot afternoons call for sweet treats, and this messy painting activity brings the ice cream parlor right to your kitchen table. It is ideal for preschoolers who love exploring different textures with their hands.
How to Make
- Cut standard kitchen sponges into triangles for the ice cream scoops.
- Dip the sponges into pastel washable paints and stamp them onto white cardstock.
- Draw a waffle cone pattern underneath using a brown marker.
Supply List
- Household cleaning sponges
- Pastel washable acrylic paints
- Thick white cardstock paper
- Brown felt-tip markers
3. Pool Noodle Boat Racers ⛵
If you have old pool noodles taking up garage space, chopping them up creates the ultimate backyard water toy. Kids love testing these out in a small plastic pool or even the bathtub during evening wind-down time.
How to Make
- Slice a foam pool noodle into two-inch thick rounds using a serrated kitchen knife.
- Poke a plastic drinking straw into the center of the foam circle to act as a mast.
- Tape a triangle cut out of a plastic bag to the top of the straw for a waterproof sail.
Supply List
- Colorful foam pool noodles
- Durable plastic straws
- Recycled plastic bags or foam sheets
- Waterproof duct tape
4. Tie-Dye Firefly Jars 🫙
Warm evening walks often lead to chasing bugs in the backyard, and this jar craft captures that magic without trapping real insects. It serves as a beautiful bedside nightlight for kids who might be a little scared of the dark.
How to Make
- Coat the inside of a clean glass jar with a mix of glow-in-the-dark paint and school glue.
- Swirl two or three contrasting colors together gently to create a marbling effect.
- Let it dry completely, then place a battery-operated tea light inside for an extra boost.
Supply List
- Clear glass jars or plastic mason jars
- Glow-in-the-dark acrylic paint
- Standard clear school glue
- Battery-powered LED tea lights
5. Bubble Wrap Starfish 🌊
Beach trips might still be weeks away, but bringing ocean textures home helps build up the seasonal excitement. This project repurposes packing leftovers into an adorable sea creature with a unique bumpy skin feel.
How to Make
- Draw a simple starfish outline on a large piece of sturdy cardboard and cut it out.
- Cut a matching shape out of leftover bubble wrap sheets.
- Glue the bubble wrap onto the cardboard, then paint it with bright coral or pink shades.
Supply List
- Recycled shipping boxes or cardboard
- Large bubble wrap packaging sheets
- Liquid school glue
- Bright pink or orange tempera paint
6. DIY Fruit Fans 🍉
Staying cool becomes a game when children can build their own handheld cooling tools. These fruit-themed fans look just like juicy watermelons and citrus slices when fully opened.
How to Make
- Paint a standard wooden craft stick solid green or yellow and set it aside to dry.
- Fold a bright red paper circle back and forth like an accordion to create the fan body.
- Use a black marker to add tiny seed dots, then glue the paper onto the stick.
Supply List
- Wide wooden popsicle sticks
- Red, pink, and orange construction paper
- Black permanent markers
- Heavy-duty craft glue
7. Seashell Painting and Glitter Art 🐚
If you have a jar of collected shells from past family vacations, this project gives them a second life. Adding a touch of sparkle turns simple beach finds into treasures kids can display on their bedroom shelves.
How to Make
- Wash and dry your collected seashells thoroughly to remove any leftover sand or salt.
- Paint the smooth inner surfaces with bright blue, purple, or turquoise shades.
- Shake a small amount of fine eco-friendly glitter onto the wet paint before it dries.
Supply List
- Assorted natural seashells
- Washable acrylic craft paints
- Eco-friendly fine glitter
- Small paintbrush set
8. Paper Chain Countdown 🗓️
Anticipating a big family vacation or the start of camp can make the days feel incredibly long for little ones. Visualizing the time left helps kids grasp how close they are to their favorite summer highlights.
How to Make
- Cut bright construction paper into equal strips measuring about one inch wide.
- Loop the first strip into a circle and secure the ends with a staple or glue.
- Thread the next strip through the first loop before fastening, repeating for each day.
Supply List
- Multi-colored construction paper packs
- Handheld paper stapler or glue sticks
- Child-safe cutting shears
- Colorful markers for numbering
9. Chalk Paint Side Walk Art 🎨
Moving the art station outdoors keeps the cleanup simple and gets everyone out into the fresh air. This homemade liquid chalk washes away with the next rainstorm, leaving a blank canvas for tomorrow.
How to Make
- Mix equal parts of cornstarch and warm water in a plastic mixing bowl.
- Stir in several drops of liquid food coloring until you reach the desired brightness.
- Pour the liquid into plastic squeeze bottles or use thick brushes to paint the driveway.
Supply List
- Standard kitchen cornstarch
- Warm tap water
- Assorted liquid food coloring packs
- Plastic squeeze bottles or paint cups
10. Cardboard Tube Binoculars 🦜
Going on a nature safari in the local park becomes much more exciting with the right gear. These simple cardboard binoculars encourage children to look closely at birds, bugs, and leafy trees.
How to Make
- Place two empty toilet paper rolls side by side and secure them with tape.
- Wrap colorful construction paper or patterned duct tape around both tubes to decorate.
- Punch a hole on the outer sides and tie a piece of yarn through for the neck strap.
Supply List
- Clean cardboard toilet paper tubes
- Patterned or solid color duct tape
- Thick colorful yarn or string
- Single hole punch tool
Wrapping Up It All Up
Taking a few minutes to create something with your hands sets a wonderful, relaxed pace for the months ahead. These simple projects prove you don’t need expensive store-bought kits to make great memories right at home.
If you want to keep these ideas handy for the next rainy day or quiet afternoon, remember to pin this post to your favorite parenting or kid’s craft board on Pinterest! 📌
