Easy and Fun Summer Arts and Crafts for Kids

Summer has arrived, and since it's now in full swing, it's time to plan out some fun projects for the kids. We've compiled a fantastic list of Summer Arts and Crafts for Kids, so you'll have plenty of options the next time the kids say, "I'm bored!" Work your way through this list over the summer to make crafts that feature campfires, ice cream, bees, flowers, seahorses, fish, sunglasses, and so many other summer themes. You're going to love the creative ideas we've featured!

Summer arts and crafts for kids

There are so many fun art and craft ideas to get stuck into over summer, and we have featured over 25 of our favourite ideas below. You might also want to check out these other lists of fun summer ideas for kids:






Summer Arts & Crafts for Kids from Messy Little Monster

We'll kick things off with some of our favourite summer arts and crafts that we've done here at MLM. Paper crafts, painting, even clay sculpture are among some of the exciting projects you'll find.

Summer arts and crafts

Symmetry Art Bee Craft

Our Squish Art Bee Craft is perfect for summer! You see bees buzzing around every day, so why not make your own? This project emphasises symmetry through a fun process called squish art.

Squish art bee summer craft

Water Pistol Painting

Water pistols and summer go hand-in-hand. Instead of filling them with water, try our Water Pistol Painting activity! Take a canvas outside and spray the paint all over, creating a unique piece of art to hang on your wall.

water pistol painting summer arts and crafts

Stone Fish Craft

Painting rocks is so much fun. You're going to love our Rock Fish that combines painting and felt to make cute little rock fish. Wouldn't it be fun to hide these around your community during your family walks?

Rock fish summer craft

Clay Boat and Underwater Craft

Our Clay Sailing Boat Craft combines lots of different art processes. Clay modelling, stamping, dabbing paint, and painting with sponge brushes are all among the techniques you'll try.

Clay sailing boat summer craft for kids

Easy Shark Craft

Sharks are one of the coolest animals in the ocean! Make our friendly and Easy Shark Ocean Craft to learn more about these fearsome creatures. Keep it simple by using our printable template to make the shark while using your creativity on the ocean background made with tissue paper, seashells, etc.

easy shark summer craft for kids

Paper Plate Rainbow Fish

Here's another fun ocean-themed craft!  Grab your paper plates and cupcake liners for this colourful Rainbow Fish Paper Plate Craft. It's incredibly easy and super fun for kids of all ages. Plus, it's a fun project to make alongside reading The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister.

summer ice cream craft for kids

Ice Cream Craft

Nothing says summer quite like ice cream. Kids can pretend to make their own versions with our Ice Cream Craft. Use large pom-poms, sprinkles, and ice cream cones to serve up some fun!



Wave Painting

There is nothing better than heading down to the sea on a hot summer's day! Be inspired by the sea and famous artist Hokusai and create your own Great Wave Art Project.  

Great wave art project for kids - summer art and crafts


Colourful Bird Craft

Have fun mixing colours as you create your own colourful bird craft. This is a great craft for Spring or Summer. 

colourful bird craft - summer arts and crafts for kids



Summer Painting Ideas

If your kids love painting then you must check out our book - Fun Painting Projects for Kids. Whilst not all the painting ideas are for the summer, lots of them are! There are lots of painting ideas that you can do outside as well as some that can be saved for a rainy day. 

kids arts and crafts - painting ideas




Easy Summer Arts & Crafts for Kids

Are you looking for even more summery art ideas? Try the arts and crafts below. You'll find plenty of inspiration and boredom busters.

Summer craft ideas for kids

Popsicle Stick Bird Feeder

Feed your feathered friends in style! This colourful Popsicle Stick Bird Feeder by Grace, Giggles, & Naptime is a fun project that also helps birds in your area. It would make a terrific summer camp at home craft, too.

summer bird feeder craft for kids

Palm Tree Fork Painting

Ah, the beach and palm trees—can you think of a better place to spend the summer? If you're feeling major beach vibes, try this Palm Tree Fork Painting by Projects with Kids. Little ones may need help with painting the trunk and leaves, but they'll be able to drag the paint with a fork all by themselves.

summer palm tree craft for kids

Black Glue Seahorse

Black glue crafts are absolutely stunning, like this Seahorse Black Glue Craft from I Heart Crafty Things. Not only does it make the colours POP, but it helps younger children stay in the lines with their paint if that's a skill that you're working on.

summer seahorse craft for kids

80s Sunglasses

If you're a fan of the totally tubular 80s, you'll get a kick out of making these 80s Sunglasses from Barley and Birch with the kids. They'd make fun decorations for an 80s theme party!

summer sunglasses craft for kids

Textured Sand Slime

Stretch, squish, and play with this amazing Textured Sand Slime by My Joy-Filled Life. Use it along with your collection of seashells to make your own beachscapes and ocean scenes.

summer sand slime for kids

Confetti Fish

We just love things that sparkle, like this Confetti Fish craft from Dine Dream Discover. Craft foam, lots of sparkly confetti, and big googly eyes make up these cute and simple fish.

summer fish craft for kids

Gelatine Flower Suncatcher

Want to make a suncatcher that's free of plastics? This Gelatine Flower Suncatcher by Thimble and Twig is the perfect craft for you. Not only is it gorgeous, but it preserves the flowers so that you can study them without the worry about wilting. It won't be goopy or messy at all after it dries.

summer gelatine flower suncatcher craft for kids

Jellyfish Paper Craft

Try your hand at this adorable Jellyfish craft by Simple Everyday Mom if you're studying ocean animals this summer. No special materials are required—all you need is coloured paper, scissors, and glue!

summer jellyfish craft for kids

Paper Plate Pirate

Yo, ho, ho! Summer is a wonderful time for pirate crafts, like this fun Paper Plate Pirate by Finding Debra. In addition to paper plates and coloured paper, you'll need a bit of felt and a pom-pom for the nose. How cute!

summer pirate craft for kids

Butterfly Suncatcher

Brighten your windows this summer with these Printable Butterfly Suncatchers by Artsy-Fartsy Mama. They're sure to cheer you up when you're feeling down. Kids of all ages can do this craft. It looks like stained glass when the light shines through!

summer butterfly craft for kids

Popsicle Stick Snake

This mix-and-match snake craft is sssssensational! The Popsicle Stick Snakes by Dine Dream Discover are fantastic because kids can pull them apart and reassemble them, mixing and matching segments to create lots of different looks.

summer snake craft for kids

Popsicle Craft

Popsicles are an essential part of summer. This Popsicle Craft by Simple Everyday Mom is adorable, colourful, and super simple. It's a terrific summer craft for toddlers and preschoolers.

summer popsicle craft for kids

Campfire Nature Craft

This mini Campfire Craft from Box of Ideas is a great way to incorporate items from nature into your art projects. Gather rocks and sticks from your backyard or during a nature walk, and get to work!

summer campfire craft for kids

Campfire Watercolor Art

Here's another campfire craft that your kids will enjoy. The Campfire Watercolor Process Art by 3 Dinosaurs allows kids to mix colours and determine the size of the campfire they want.

summer campfire craft for kids

Printable Paper Dolls

These Printable Paper Dolls from Fun With Mama are an affordable, budget-friendly craft that the kids will play with again and again. The printable includes clothes for all seasons, with cute shorts and dresses for summer.

summer paper doll craft for kids

Birds on a Wire

This beautiful Birds on a Wire project from I Heart Crafty Things is so fitting for summer. It looks like birds in silhouette with a stunning sunset behind them. Layers of torn tissue paper make up the sunset.

summer bird craft for kids

Yarn-Wrapped Clouds

Red Ted Art's Yarn-Wrapped Cloud Rainbows and Pom-Poms are sure to make you smile. They're a great reminder that rainbows come after the rain, which is a much-needed message at times! Wrapping the clouds with yarn is excellent fine motor practice for little ones.

summer cloud craft for kids

Bubble Wrap Pineapple Craft

Use bubble wrap to create fun texture on your artwork. These Bubble Wrap Pineapples from Non-Toy Gifts are completely adorable and so simple. It's a wonderful craft for preschoolers!

summer pineapple craft for kids

Mason Jar Aquarium

Create a beautiful display for your child's room. This Mason Jar Aquarium from Crafts by Amanda will look stunning on a shelf or nightstand, and the kids can help with the design!

summer mason jar aquarium craft for kids

Starfish Texture Art

Experiment with textures and colours with Fireflies and Mud Pies' Starfish Texture Art project. It's a simple paper craft that's made to look 3D by folding the arms of the starfish. Try lots of different surfaces to create unique textures for each starfish!

summer starfish craft for kids


 Pin this list of summer arts and crafts for kids to plan a fun summer for your kids!



Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube or Subscribe for free email updates!

No comments

Back to Top