Crafts to the rescue! When summer break chaos hits and the snack requests won’t stop, these easy DIYs are perfect for keeping the kids busy while you tackle your to-do list (or sneak a moment of peace).
Good news: we’ve rounded up 5 fun, low-mess summer crafts that will keep the kids busy AND spark their creativity. Perfect for a variety of ages, these projects use items you probably already have at home. Let’s dive in!
1. Nature Collage Art Send the kids on a backyard scavenger hunt to collect leaves, flowers, twigs, and even small rocks. Then give them glue sticks and construction paper to create their own nature masterpiece!
Why it’s awesome: Combines outdoor time with quiet crafting. Bonus points for creativity!
2. Painted Pasta Necklaces Grab some dry pasta (penne or rigatoni work great), food coloring or paint, and string. Let the kids dye or paint the pasta, then string them into fun and funky jewelry.
Why it’s awesome: Fine motor skills + fashion = win-win.
3. Paper Plate Animals With just paper plates, markers, googly eyes, and a few scrap materials, kids can create lions, turtles, butterflies—whatever their imaginations dream up!
Why it’s awesome: Endless animal options and minimal cleanup.
4. DIY Bubble Foam Mix 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup bubble bath, and a few drops of food coloring. Blend it on high for a few minutes until it turns into fluffy foam. Put it in a bin and let the kids scoop, squish, and swirl away!
Why it’s awesome: Sensory fun that feels like a science experiment.
5. Cereal Box Puzzles Cut the front off an old cereal box, draw puzzle shapes on the back, and cut it into pieces. Have the kids put it back together—or even swap puzzles with a sibling.
Why it’s awesome: Recycled fun and a mini brain challenge.
Mom Hack Bonus: Set up a “Craft Cart” with basic supplies like scissors, glue, markers, paper, and tape so the kids can grab and go when creativity strikes!
Looking for ways to keep the kids busy this summer? Check out our Facebook page for fun finds and awesome deals!
