Summer Crafts to Do With Kids

While we’re in these last few weeks of summer before school starts back, things can get a little tough. The days are long and hot, the kids are (probably) going stir crazy, and I’m sure you’re feeling it. This is usually when I start questioning my decision to live in Texas and dream of cooler weather. Anyone with me?

The problem I usually face this time of the year is what to do with the kids. While it’s easy to just turn on a show to keep them occupied, I try to avoid that as much as possible. Some days the kids can play happily together with their toys, but other days require me to be more hands on with them. Which is where things like sensory bins and crafts come into play!

Today I am sharing some of my favorite summer crafts to do with kids. This year my goal was to do one special craft a week. It not only gave us something to look forward to each week, but also provided multiple chances to learn through play, practice fine motor skills and make items that will always remind us of this summer.

Shop all the craft supplies here!

Jump to a craft:
Tie Dye Shirts
Button Bracelets
Pressed Flower Bookmarks
Air Dry Clay Flower Frogs
Shell Picture Frame

Summer Crafts to Do With Kids

Tie Dye Shirts

I don’t know about you, but when I think of summer, I think of tie dye shirts. I used to make them every year for church camp, and now it’s fun to continue that summer tradition with my kids. As I’m sure you’re aware, this is a very messy summer craft project. However the end result is SO fun, and I love seeing the kids’ reactions when we do the shirt reveal.

Supplies Needed:
Tie dye kit (powders, bottles, rubber bands, gloves)
White t-shirts (prewashed)
Washer and Dryer

This year I purchased this color mixing kit, and we loved it. The kit comes with a pamphlet that shows how to make 50 different shades of color depending on how much of the powders you use. Each kid got to choose their own color, and then we followed the instructions for mixing the colors. Set the prepared bottles aside.
Now it’s time to fold your shirts! Our favorite ways are the accordian and sunburst! Once folded, secure with rubber bands.
Bring your shirts outside, put on the gloves and begin dyeing! Please note that the more you saturate the shirt, the less white you’ll see which may effect the fold pattern you did. Sometimes less is more!
When you’re happy with the dyeing, leave the shirts in the sun to dry completely. Then rinse out all the dye in the sink under cold water until the water runs clear.
Wash and dry like normal, and admire your one of a kind masterpieces!

*Mom tip: wear. the. gloves. Unless you want purple and orange fingers for the rest of the day.

Button Bracelets

We all enjoyed this craft so much! One of my friends joined us when we made these, and it was definitely nice to have a second pair of *adult* hands to help out. This was one of the more hands on crafts we did this summer, and not great for young children, but they are SO proud of their bracelets. It’s adorable.

Supplies Needed:
Lots of buttons (I used ones I’ve collected at antique stores over the years)
Nylon string or jute
Scissors

First lay out all the buttons you want to use. Once you’re happy with the order, cut a long piece of string – longer than you think you may need.
Fold the string in half and tie a knot at the folded end, making a loop about 1/2-1″ long. This will be used to secure the bracelet closed when you’re finished.
Begin threading on the buttons. Thread through opposite sides and cross in the middle so the button lays flat when being worn. If you are using the jute string, I recommend only using 4-hole buttons because it’s impossible to get the jute back through the hole twice.
Continue threading the buttons until your bracelet is the desired length. Then tie a strong knot under the last button and cut off the excess.

Pressed Flower Bookmarks

Every spring/summer we do some sort of summer craft involving pressed flowers. These bookmarks are super easy and turn out really cool, which is a win win in my book! I’m using my bookmark in my Bible and it makes me smile every time I see it. And if you’re looking for a fun, homemade gift to make, these are perfect for that!

Supplies Needed:
Fresh flowers and a Nature Press
OR pre-pressed flowers
Contact Paper or packing tape
Tweezers (optional)

If pressing your own flowers, trim the stems or cut them off all together. Place a flower on a piece of paper from the press and gently fan out the petals so they are laying nicely. Fill the paper with a few more flowers, then top with another piece of paper and a piece of cardboard from the press.
Continue these steps until all the flowers are in the press.
Place the lid on the press and tightly screw each corner down. Leave the flowers for about 5-7 days to fully dry out.
If you’re using pre-pressed flowers, then you can skip to the next step!
Cut a 5×4″ rectangle out of contact paper. Remove the backing and place it sticky side up. Alternatively, cut a 6″ long piece of packing tape and place it sticky side up on the table.
Using your fingers or tweezers, place the pressed flowers on one long half of the contact paper. Continue filling it with flowers until you’re happy with how it looks. Then carefully fold the contact paper in half (hot dog style) and firmly press it closed. Make sure all the edges are sealed up and trim any excess sticky paper. Alternatively, cut another strip of packing tape and carefully place it exactly on top of the other piece of tape. Trim the ends and cut off any tape that may have been exposed along the long sides of the bookmark.
And voila! You’re ready to read some books.

Air Dry Clay Flower Frogs

If you follow me on Instagram, then you know we have quite the flower garden in our backyard this year. Flower frogs have become a staple for our flower arrangements, and no they are not real frogs (which came as a disappointment to my kids). They are actually stem holders florist use to hold flowers in place, which is especially useful when using a shallow or wide vase.

Supplies Needed:
Air dry clay
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters or knife
Straw
Acrylic paint and paintbrush
Clay glaze

Get a chunk of clay and roll it to about 1/2″ thick. I have found that anything thinner than that can result in creating a frog that is too fragile. Using either a cookie cutter or knife, cut out your desired shape, making sure it is big enough to fit on your desired vase/jar.
Add holes for the stems using the straw. Make sure they are not too close together, which can cause weak spots in the frog.
Let the frogs dry for 48 hours, and then paint them however you want. Dry for another 24 hours. Apply a good coat of glaze on both sides of the frog and inside each of the holes. I found that it was best to glaze one side, let it dry and then flip it over and glaze the bottom.
Allow the frogs to dry at least 24 hours and then they are ready to be used!

Shell Picture Frame

This was the most sentimental summer craft we made this year. When we visited the beach in May, the kids collected dozens of shells that I brought home with us. I wanted a fun way to commemorate our time at the beach, and this frame ended up being the perfect way to do so.

Supplies Needed:
Lots of shells
Picture frame (I used this one)
Hot glue gun

When selecting a frame, I recommend looking for one that is wide with no bevels or lips.
Lay all the shells out on the frame so you can decide where each should go. Once you’re happy with how they look, you can begin to glue the shells to the frame.
When gluing, make sure to focus on the edges that are going to touch the frame so as not to waste glue and to keep the frame looking neat.
After the shells are attached, wait for the glue to cool and then add your picture to the frame!

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Do you have any crafts you’ve made with kids? Leave the ideas in the comments. I know we’d LOVE to give them a try!