Summer is here, which means it’s time for sun, fun and free time spent with your kids. To fill those days when you don’t have plans and sending them outside isn’t an option, do some crafts. They are a great way to connect with your kids—and keep them off of their devices. Make one of these easy crafts to capture the spirit of summer.
1. Giant Paper Flowers
A beautiful idea for floral room decor or adorning a kid’s birthday party, these oversized flowers are made from tissue paper and string or wire. Experiment with combining several colors to create a bouquet of blooms.
2. Bubble Wands
Who doesn’t love blowing bubbles? Making customized bubble wands is a great way to let kids get creative at summer birthday parties. All you need is pipe cleaners, scissors, colorful beads, and cookie cutters of different shapes. Gift a jar of bubbles in a goodie bag for a festive gift to go.
3. Painted Rock Fish
These whimsical fish are made from rocks, making them a great excuse to collect some on your next walk or hike with your kids. After washing and drying them, give your kids paint, markers, glitter and stick-on eyes and let them design their own colorful school.
4. Garden Suncatcher
A great way to display wildflowers you find on nature walks or petals from flowers in your garden, these suncatchers are made with fresh flowers, Mason jar lids and clear contact paper. To create a set of windchimes, create several and hang them on a branch.
5. Unpoppable Bubbles
Want all the fun of bubbles but none of the mess? These are made with dish soap, sugar and water. The sugar allows each bubble to hold its shape longer so you can make a mound of shimmery orbs. Perfect for indoor as well as outdoor crafting.
6. Beaded Sunglasses
Looking for a craft that’s appropriate for older kids and teens? Grab a pair of regular plastic sunglasses, and adorn them with rhinestones and beads—all you need is a hot glue gun. We recommend lettered beads to personalize them or spell out extra-festive occasions.
7. Paper Windmills
A classic summer craft, these pinwheels are easy to make and spin—all you need is construction paper, scissors, straw, pushpin and tape. You can use decorated paper or design your own with markers. Blowing them into a fun accessory, but they also make great favors for birthday parties or showers.
