50 Fun Summer Craft Ideas for Kids and Adults | Ultimate DIY Guide

Craft 1: Paper Plate Sun

Materials: Paper plates, yellow paint, tissue paper strips, glue stick

Hand your toddler a paper plate and a cup of yellow washable paint. Let them cover the plate entirely -- fingerpainting encouraged. While the paint dries, help them tear strips of yellow and orange tissue paper. Glue the strips around the plate's edge to create sun rays. Add a simple smiley face with a marker, and you have a cheerful summer wall decoration that took less time than an episode of their favorite show. Hang it in a window where the light catches the tissue paper for a warm glow.

Craft 2: Contact Paper Suncatcher

Materials: Clear contact paper, tissue paper squares, construction paper frame

Cut a frame from construction paper -- a circle, star, or butterfly outline works well. Peel the backing off a sheet of clear contact paper and tape it sticky-side-up on the table. Let your child press colorful tissue paper squares onto the sticky surface, filling the entire frame area. When they are finished, place a second sheet of contact paper on top to seal it. Trim around the frame, punch a hole at the top, and hang it in a sunny window. The light shining through creates a stained-glass effect that toddlers are genuinely proud of, and there is zero paint cleanup involved.

Craft 3: Paper Plate Ocean Animals

Materials: Paper plates, washable paint, googly eyes, construction paper

Turn a paper plate into a sea turtle by painting it green and adding construction-paper flippers and a head. Or fold a plate in half, paint it bright colors, and glue on a googly eye for a tropical fish. Jellyfish? Paint the plate pink or purple, flip it upside down, and attach curly ribbon or yarn tentacles from the bottom edge. This is one of the easiest summer arts and crafts projects for preschoolers because you can make a whole ocean scene across multiple plates and string them together as a mobile.

Craft 4: Foam Sticker Scenes

Materials: Pre-cut foam stickers, cardstock sheets, markers

Draw a simple background on cardstock -- a beach, a garden, a campfire scene -- and let your child build the picture by peeling and sticking foam shapes. Palm trees, fish, flowers, suns, and stars are all widely available in foam sticker packs at dollar stores. This project is ideal for restaurants, car trips, or any situation where you need a quiet, mess-free craft that keeps small hands occupied. No glue, no paint, no drying time.

Craft 5: Cotton Ball Cloud Painting

Materials: Cotton balls, blue paint, white paper, clothespins

Clip a cotton ball into a wooden clothespin to create a handheld stamping tool. Pour a thin layer of white paint onto a paper plate palette. Your child dips the cotton ball into the paint and dabs fluffy cloud shapes across a sheet of blue paper or cardstock. The clothespin keeps fingers clean, and the cotton ball texture produces cloud-like puffs automatically. Add a yellow circle sun and some green grass at the bottom for a complete summer sky scene. This is one of those quick and easy summer crafts for preschoolers that looks impressive on the fridge despite taking barely any effort.

Craft 6: Watermelon Paper Fan

Materials: Green and red construction paper, glue stick, black marker

Glue a red sheet of paper onto a green sheet, then accordion-fold the combined piece lengthwise. Pinch one end together and secure with tape or a rubber band to form a fan shape. Use a black marker to draw watermelon seeds across the red surface. Now your child has a functional hand fan that doubles as a cute summer prop. Kids love the surprise of unfolding their creation and actually using it to cool off on a warm day. Make several in different fruit themes -- kiwi, orange, lemon -- for a whole fruit stand of fans.

Craft 7: Ice Cream Cone Collage

Materials: Brown paper or cardstock cones, pom-poms, glue, sprinkle stickers or glitter

Cut a triangle from brown paper to form the cone shape and glue it to a backing sheet. Let your child stack colorful pom-poms on top as ice cream scoops -- the bigger and more ridiculous the stack, the better. Add foam stickers, sequins, or drawn-on sprinkles for toppings. This 3D collage is tactile and satisfying for small children who love the texture of pom-poms. Display the finished creations on a bulletin board or string them into a summer garland for the playroom.

Craft 8: Popsicle Stick Birdhouse

Materials: Popsicle sticks, wood glue, paint, string

Layer popsicle sticks to build four walls, gluing each layer in an alternating log-cabin pattern. Create a simple peaked roof from two flat panels of sticks angled together. Paint the whole structure in bright summer colors, let it dry, and thread a string through the top for hanging. While this birdhouse is more decorative than functional for actual nesting, kids love watching birds investigate it in the yard. The project teaches basic structural concepts -- how stacking and gluing creates strength -- while producing something tangible they can show off. This is one of the most popular summer crafts with popsicle sticks for a reason: the materials are cheap and the results look great.

Craft 9: Seashell Wind Chimes

Materials: Collected seashells, string or fishing line, driftwood or a sturdy branch, drill (adult-assisted)

If you have shells from a beach trip, this craft turns souvenirs into something functional. An adult drills a small hole in each shell (or use shells that already have natural holes). Kids thread shells onto lengths of string, spacing them out with knots. Tie each strand to a piece of driftwood at varying heights. Hang the finished wind chime on a porch or from a tree branch. When the breeze picks up, the shells tap together with a gentle, beachy clatter. No beach trip planned? Craft stores sell bags of shells with pre-drilled holes for a few dollars.

Craft 10: Painted Rock Garden Markers

Materials: Smooth river rocks, acrylic paint, paint pens, clear sealant spray

Gather smooth, flat rocks from the yard or a riverbed. Paint each one with an herb or vegetable illustration and name -- basil, tomato, mint, sunflower -- and seal with a clear spray to make them weatherproof. Place the finished markers in the family garden next to the corresponding plant. This craft connects art to outdoor learning, and kids get a real sense of accomplishment when they see their handmade markers sitting proudly among growing plants all summer long. Bonus: these also make thoughtful gifts for gardening grandparents.

Craft 11: Butterfly Handprint Art

Materials: Washable paint, white cardstock, markers

Paint your child's hands in different colors -- one hand per wing color. Press both hands onto cardstock with fingers spread and thumbs overlapping at the center to form butterfly wings. Once the paint dries, add a body, antennae, and decorative dots with markers or paint pens. The result is both a beautiful piece of art and a sweet keepsake that captures their current hand size. Date the back of each one -- years from now, these summer handprints become surprisingly sentimental.

Craft 12: DIY Kaleidoscope

Materials: Cardboard tube, small mirrors or reflective Mylar sheets, beads, clear plastic disc, tape

Cut three narrow strips of reflective material and tape them together into a triangular prism shape that fits inside a cardboard tube (a paper towel roll works perfectly). Insert the prism, add a clear plastic disc at one end, and drop in a handful of colorful beads. Seal the end with another disc and secure it with tape, leaving a small peephole at the opposite end. When kids rotate the tube and look through the peephole, the beads shift and the mirrors multiply the pattern into a kaleidoscope effect. This STEM-meets-art summer project teaches basic optics principles while producing a toy they will actually use. It is one of the more rewarding summer craft projects for curious kids.

Craft 13: Nature Collage Journal

Materials: Blank journal or sketchbook, pressed leaves and petals, glue stick, markers

This is not a single-session craft -- it is a summer-long project. Give your child a blank journal at the start of summer and encourage them to collect interesting natural materials on walks: leaves, flower petals, feathers, small pieces of bark. They press the items between book pages, then arrange and glue them into collage spreads alongside written observations or drawings. By August, they will have a handmade nature journal documenting their entire summer. It is a wonderful exercise in observation, patience, and creativity that builds over weeks rather than minutes.

Craft 14: Rainbow Suncatcher Mobile

Materials: Wooden embroidery hoop, crystal or faceted beads, fishing line

Cut several lengths of clear fishing line and thread crystal beads onto each strand. Tie the strands to a wooden embroidery hoop at even intervals. Hang the finished mobile in a sunny window. When direct sunlight hits the faceted beads, they cast tiny rainbows across the walls and ceiling -- an effect that genuinely delights kids (and adults). This craft introduces basic concepts of light refraction while producing mesmerizing summer decor that transforms any room on a bright day.

Craft 15: Friendship Bracelet Station

Materials: Embroidery floss in multiple colors, safety pins, clipboard or tape

Set up a dedicated bracelet-making station with color-sorted floss, printed pattern guides (chevron, diagonal stripe, diamond), and a clipboard for anchoring work in progress. Tweens can sit for hours making stacks of bracelets to trade with friends before school starts. The repetitive knotting motion is meditative and satisfying, and there are endless pattern variations to master. Friendship bracelets remain one of the most enduring summer crafts for teens and tweens -- they have been around for decades and show no sign of fading, especially with the ongoing bead bracelet trend fueled by concert culture.

Craft 16: Tie-Dye Pillowcases

Materials: White cotton pillowcases, fabric dye kit, rubber bands, squeeze bottles, plastic bags

Tie-dye is not just for t-shirts. White pillowcases are the perfect canvas for tweens who want to personalize their bedroom. Twist and rubber-band the fabric into patterns -- spiral, bullseye, crumple -- then apply dye with squeeze bottles. Wrap each pillowcase in a plastic bag and let the dye set for 24 hours. Rinse, wash, and dry. Every single one turns out completely unique, and the results are genuinely impressive. This project works especially well as a sleepover activity where everyone goes home with custom bedding they made themselves.

Craft 17: Air Dry Clay Trinket Dishes

Materials: Air dry clay, rolling pin, cookie cutters or a bowl for shaping, acrylic paint, sealant

Roll out a slab of air dry clay to about a quarter-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter for a shaped dish or drape the slab over an inverted bowl for a smooth curve. Press texture into the surface with stamps, lace, or leaf imprints while the clay is still soft. Let it dry for 24-48 hours, then paint and seal. The finished dishes are perfect for holding jewelry, desk supplies, or keys. This craft teaches patience (waiting for drying) and finishing technique (sanding rough edges, applying even paint coats), making it a real skill-builder.

Craft 18: Woven Wall Hanging

Materials: Yarn in several colors, wooden dowel, cardboard loom (DIY or purchased)

Create a simple loom from a piece of cardboard by cutting notches along the top and bottom edges and threading warp strings vertically. Weave yarn horizontally through the warp in alternating over-under passes, switching colors to create stripes or geometric patterns. When the weaving is complete, carefully remove it from the cardboard loom and tie it to a wooden dowel. Add fringe at the bottom by cutting extra yarn and looping it through the final row. The result is a boho-style wall hanging that looks like it came from a boutique. Tweens who enjoy this often progress to larger weaving projects throughout the summer.

Craft 19: Decoupage Storage Boxes

Materials: Cardboard boxes (shoe boxes work great), Mod Podge, magazine cutouts or decorative paper, foam brush

Cut out images, patterns, and text from magazines, wrapping paper, or printed pages. Brush a layer of Mod Podge onto the box surface, arrange the cutouts in an overlapping collage, then seal the entire surface with another layer of Mod Podge. Repeat for all sides. Once dry, the result is a glossy, custom-decorated storage box for art supplies, makeup, letters, or keepsakes. This craft is easy enough for beginners but allows for serious artistic expression through collage composition. It also teaches upcycling -- transforming something destined for recycling into functional decor.

Craft 20: Solar Print Art Notebook Covers

Materials: Sun print paper (cyanotype), found objects (keys, leaves, lace, ferns), shallow water tray, notebook, glue

Place interesting objects on a sheet of sun-sensitive paper, carry it into direct sunlight for 2-5 minutes, then rinse the paper in a tray of water. Where the objects blocked the light, white silhouettes appear against a deep blue background. Once the prints dry, trim them to size and glue them onto notebook covers. Each print is one-of-a-kind, and the science behind the process (UV light and photochemical reactions) makes this a genuine STEAM summer craft that sparks conversations about photography history.

Craft 21: Resin Beach Coasters

Materials: Epoxy resin, silicone coaster molds, fine sand, blue and white pigment, small shells

Pour resin in layers to mimic ocean waves. Start with a sandy base, add tinted blue resin for the water, then swirl in white pigment for foam. Embed tiny shells along the "shoreline." Each coaster cures into a miniature beach scene that is both functional and genuinely beautiful. The key to success is working in thin layers and allowing partial curing between pours so the colors stay distinct rather than muddying together. Work in a well-ventilated space and wear gloves -- resin is sticky business. The finished product looks like something from a coastal boutique, which is why resin coasters remain one of the top summer crafts for adults.

Craft 22: Pressed Wildflower Frame Art

Materials: Freshly picked wildflowers, heavy books, parchment paper, floating glass frames

Collect wildflowers during a summer walk -- daisies, Queen Anne's lace, clover, and black-eyed Susans all press beautifully. Place them between sheets of parchment paper inside a heavy book and stack more books on top. Wait one to two weeks. Once flat and dry, arrange the pressed flowers between the glass panels of a floating frame. The transparency of the glass lets light pass through the petals, creating an ethereal botanical display. Hang several frames in a grouping for a gallery wall effect. This is the kind of summer DIY home decor that looks expensive but costs almost nothing.

Craft 23: Citronella Candle Jars

Materials: Mason jars, soy wax flakes, citronella essential oil, candle wicks, dried rosemary or lavender

Melt soy wax in a double boiler, stir in citronella oil (about 1 ounce per pound of wax), and pour into mason jars with pre-tabbed wicks centered inside. Before the wax sets completely, drop in sprigs of dried rosemary or lavender for a decorative botanical touch. These candles serve double duty: they look beautiful on a patio table and they help repel mosquitoes during summer evening gatherings. Make a batch of six and you have instant handmade gifts for neighbors, hosts, or teachers.

Craft 24: Driftwood Wall Mirror

Materials: Round mirror (8-12 inch), collected driftwood pieces, hot glue gun, backing board (plywood or heavy cardboard)

Glue the mirror to the center of a round backing board. Arrange driftwood pieces radiating outward from the mirror like rays of a sun, layering pieces for depth and texture. Hot glue each piece firmly in place. Add a sawtooth hanger to the back. The natural irregularity of driftwood means every mirror looks different. If you do not live near a beach, check craft stores for bags of driftwood or collect interesting sticks and bark from local trails. This coastal-chic accent piece transforms a bathroom, entryway, or bedroom wall in a single afternoon of crafting.

Craft 25: Linen Block-Print Table Runner

Materials: Linen fabric cut to table runner size, carving block (Speedball or similar), linoleum cutter, fabric ink, brayer roller

Sketch a summer motif onto a carving block -- a lemon slice, a monstera leaf, or an ocean wave work beautifully. Carve away the negative space with a linoleum cutter. Roll fabric ink onto the raised surface with a brayer, then press the block firmly onto the linen at regular intervals down the length of the runner. Let the ink dry completely, then heat-set with an iron. The finished runner is washable, professional-looking, and completely original. Block printing is addictive once you get the hang of it -- many crafters go on to print napkins, pillow covers, and tote bags with the same block.

Craft 26: DIY Concrete Stepping Stones

Materials: Quick-set concrete mix, plastic molds or pie tins, decorative stones, large leaves for impressions, mixing bucket

Mix concrete according to package directions and pour it into greased molds. While the surface is still wet, press in decorative stones, glass beads, or large leaves (leaf-vein-side down) to create botanical impressions. Let the stones cure for 48 hours before removing from molds. Place them along a garden path for a personalized walkway. Each stone weighs several pounds, so they stay in place without any anchoring. Making stepping stones is a satisfying weekend project that permanently improves your outdoor space -- and it is one of the most practical DIY summer projects for homeowners.

Craft 27: Mosaic Terra Cotta Planters

Materials: Terra cotta pots, broken tiles or glass mosaic pieces, tile adhesive, grout, sponge

Apply tile adhesive to a section of a terra cotta pot and press mosaic pieces into it, leaving small gaps between pieces. Work in sections around the pot. Once the adhesive has set (usually one hour), mix grout and press it into the gaps with a gloved finger or spatula. Wipe away excess grout with a damp sponge. After the grout dries, the pot is transformed into a vibrant mosaic planter that brightens any patio or front porch. Use broken plates, sea glass, or colored tiles -- each material creates a different aesthetic. This outdoor craft idea is surprisingly forgiving for beginners because small imperfections become part of the mosaic charm.

Craft 28: Painted Bamboo Wind Chimes

Materials: Bamboo poles or garden stakes, acrylic paint, twine, wooden ring or small embroidery hoop

Cut bamboo into varying lengths (6-12 inches) for different tones. Paint each piece in bold summer colors or a gradient pattern. Drill a small hole near the top of each bamboo section and thread twine through it. Tie all the pieces at staggered heights to a wooden ring. When hung from a porch or tree branch, the bamboo pieces tap together in the breeze, producing a mellow, tropical sound. The paint adds visual interest while the different bamboo lengths create tonal variety. This is a relaxing, low-pressure summer garden craft that requires minimal skill and materials.

Craft 29: Herb Garden Markers (Ceramic)

Materials: Air dry or oven-bake clay, letter stamps, rolling pin, acrylic sealant

Roll out clay into a sheet about a quarter-inch thick. Cut stake shapes (rectangles with pointed bottoms) or paddle shapes. Press letter stamps into the clay to spell herb names: basil, thyme, rosemary, mint. Allow to dry fully (air dry clay takes 24-48 hours; oven-bake clay cures in 30 minutes at low heat). Seal with acrylic spray for weather resistance. These markers look polished enough for a garden boutique but cost a fraction of the price. Push the pointed ends into the soil next to each herb for an organized, attractive garden that impresses visitors.

Craft 30: Upcycled Pallet Planter Box

Materials: Wooden pallet boards, screws, drill, landscape fabric, exterior paint or stain

Disassemble a wooden pallet (available free from many warehouses and hardware stores) and cut the boards to size. Assemble them into a rectangular box using screws. Line the inside with landscape fabric for drainage, paint or stain the exterior, and fill with soil and plants. Use it horizontally on a patio or mount it vertically on a fence for a living wall effect. This project requires basic power tool use but no advanced carpentry. The rustic, reclaimed wood aesthetic works with any outdoor decor style, and you are keeping a pallet out of the landfill in the process. It is eco-friendly summer crafting at its most practical.

Craft 31: Beaded Daisy Chain Necklaces

Materials: Seed beads in multiple colors, beading wire or stretch cord, clasps

Thread seed beads onto wire, periodically forming small daisy-shaped clusters by looping beads into a circle with a contrasting center bead. Continue alternating daisies and spacer beads until the necklace reaches the desired length. Add a clasp and you have a delicate, flower-child accessory perfect for summer. These necklaces are everywhere right now -- simple, colorful, and nostalgic. Make a matching set of necklace and bracelet, or create several in different color palettes for layering. The technique is straightforward enough for beginners but the results look polished and intentional.

Craft 32: Macrame Plant Hangers

Materials: Macrame cotton cord (3-4mm), wooden ring, measuring tape, scissors

Cut four lengths of cord, each about eight feet long. Fold them in half through a wooden ring, creating eight working strands. Using square knots and spiral knots, work your way down to form a netted basket shape that cradles a plant pot. Finish with a gathering knot at the bottom. Hang the completed hanger from a ceiling hook or plant stand and nestle a trailing plant inside. Macrame is one of those crafts that looks intimidating but actually relies on just two or three basic knots repeated in patterns. Once you finish one, you will want to make several in different lengths and cord colors.

Craft 33: Fabric Scrunchie Set

Materials: Fabric scraps (cotton, linen, satin), elastic (1/4 inch), sewing machine or needle and thread, safety pin

Cut a strip of fabric (about 22 inches by 4 inches), fold it lengthwise with right sides together, and sew along the long edge to form a tube. Turn the tube right-side out, thread a 9-inch piece of elastic through the center using a safety pin, and sew the elastic ends together. Then stitch the fabric opening closed. The whole process takes about 30 minutes once you get the rhythm. Use leftover summer fabric scraps -- tropical prints, gingham, florals -- to create a coordinated set. These make excellent quick gifts and are a practical introduction to sewing for anyone who has been meaning to learn.

Craft 34: Alcohol Ink Resin Earrings

Materials: Epoxy resin, alcohol inks (2-3 colors), earring bezels, earring hooks, toothpick

Mix a small batch of clear resin and pour it into earring bezels. Drop one or two drops of alcohol ink onto the surface and watch it bloom into organic, marbled patterns. Use a toothpick to gently guide the colors if needed, but the beauty of alcohol ink is in its unpredictability. Let the resin cure for 24 hours, attach earring hooks, and you have one-of-a-kind statement earrings. No two pairs ever look the same. This craft is addictive because each batch surprises you. Keep extra bezels on hand -- you will want to experiment with different color combinations once you see how stunning the results are.

Craft 35: Hand-Stamped Leather Keychains

Materials: Leather strips or blanks, metal letter stamps, hammer, key rings, leather dye or stain (optional)

Place a leather blank on a sturdy surface (a cutting board or concrete floor works best). Position a metal letter stamp and strike it firmly with a hammer to create an impression. Spell out names, coordinates, dates, or short summer phrases ("sunshine," "adventure," "salt life"). Attach a key ring through a pre-punched hole. Optionally, apply leather dye for a richer color. These keychains take minutes to make and look like professional leatherwork. They are one of the best handmade summer gifts because they are personal, practical, and durable -- the leather actually improves with age and use.

Craft 36: Giant Bubble Wand Station

Materials: Wooden dowels, cotton string, dish soap, glycerin (or corn syrup), large bucket

Tie a loop of cotton string between two dowels, leaving a length of slack. Mix a homemade bubble solution: 6 cups water, 1 cup dish soap, and 1 tablespoon glycerin. Dip the string loop into the bucket, then slowly draw the dowels apart while walking backward. Enormous, iridescent bubbles form and float across the yard. Every family member gets a turn. Toddlers chase the bubbles; older kids experiment with different wand sizes and solution ratios. This is less a craft and more a backyard science experiment disguised as pure fun. The setup takes 20 minutes but the entertainment lasts hours.

Craft 37: Nature Print Tote Bags

Materials: Plain canvas tote bags, fabric paint, large leaves or ferns, foam brush

Collect large, flat leaves from the yard -- ferns, maple leaves, and hostas work particularly well. Use a foam brush to coat the textured side of a leaf with fabric paint, then press it paint-side-down onto the tote bag. Apply even pressure with your hand across the entire leaf, then carefully peel it away. The leaf's veins and shape transfer onto the fabric in beautiful botanical detail. Each family member decorates their own bag, and the results are unique every time. Once the paint dries (and is heat-set with an iron), these totes are fully washable and functional. Use them for farmer's market trips, library runs, or beach days all summer.

Craft 38: Painted Kindness Rocks

Materials: Smooth rocks, acrylic paint, paint pens, clear sealant spray

Gather smooth, palm-sized rocks and paint encouraging words, cheerful designs, or tiny scenes on them. "You are enough," "Keep going," a smiling sun, a ladybug, a rainbow. Seal the finished rocks with clear spray to protect the paint from weather. Then take a family walk around the neighborhood and hide the rocks in places others will discover them -- park benches, trail edges, community garden borders. The kindness rocks movement connects art with community generosity, and small acts of kindness have measurable effects on well-being. Kids especially love the idea that a stranger might find their rock and smile.

Craft 39: Bird Feeder Pine Cones

Materials: Large pine cones, peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter for allergies), birdseed, string

Tie a length of string around the top of a pine cone for hanging. Spread peanut butter into the crevices of the cone using a butter knife or spoon. Roll the coated pine cone in a tray of birdseed, pressing gently so the seeds stick. Hang the finished feeder from a tree branch where you can watch from a window. This classic nature craft connects kids with wildlife and encourages daily observation -- "Did any birds come today? What kind?" Use sunflower seed butter as a nut-free alternative. The pine cones biodegrade naturally, so there is no waste to collect later.

Craft 40: Tie-Dye T-Shirt Party

Materials: White cotton t-shirts, fabric dye kit with squeeze bottles, rubber bands, plastic bags, plastic tablecloth

Set up an outdoor dye station on a folding table covered with a plastic tablecloth. Lay out pre-mixed squeeze bottles of dye in multiple colors. Each family member twists, folds, and rubber-bands their white shirt into a pattern, then applies dye. Wrap the finished shirts in plastic bags and let them sit for 24 hours. The next-day reveal is genuinely exciting -- nobody knows exactly how their shirt will turn out. Rinse in cold water, wash once separately, and you have wearable art. Tie-dye remains one of the most universally beloved fun summer crafts because it is accessible, unpredictable, and results in something people actually wear for years.

Planning a tie-dye day? Grab a pack of plain white tees for the project, and have everyone change into fresh summer outfits afterward for a group photo with their creations.

Craft 41: Pressed Wildflower Bookmarks

Materials: Freshly picked wildflowers, heavy books, clear contact paper, cardstock strips

Collect wildflowers during a family walk -- small, flat flowers like clover, violets, buttercups, and daisies press best. Tuck them between pages of a heavy book (use parchment paper to protect the pages) and wait one to two weeks. Once flat and dry, arrange the pressed flowers on a strip of cardstock. Cover both sides with clear contact paper to laminate. Trim the edges, punch a hole at the top, and thread a ribbon through for a tassel. These botanical bookmarks are beautiful, functional, and completely free. They make wonderful handmade gifts and serve as a lasting reminder of a specific summer walk.

Craft 42: Leaf Print Sun Banners

Materials: Sun print (cyanotype) paper, collected leaves and ferns, shallow water tray

Arrange collected leaves and ferns on a sheet of sun-sensitive paper. Carry the arrangement into direct sunlight and expose for 2-5 minutes (the paper will visibly lighten around the edges). Quickly bring the paper inside and rinse it in a shallow tray of water for one minute. White silhouettes of the leaves appear against a rich blue background as the print develops. Hang the dried prints as a series of summer banners or frame them individually. This craft introduces real photographic principles -- the cyanotype process was invented in 1842 and is the ancestor of architectural blueprints. Kids are fascinated by the "magic" of the reveal.

Craft 43: Stick and Yarn God's Eye

Materials: Two straight sticks (8-12 inches), colorful yarn

Cross two sticks in the center and wrap them together with yarn to secure the intersection. Then wrap yarn around each stick arm in a rotating pattern -- over one, behind the next, over the next, behind the next -- working outward from the center. Switch yarn colors periodically for a rainbow effect. The traditional Ojo de Dios (God's Eye) pattern emerges as a woven diamond that grows larger with each pass. These are portable, meditative, and perfect for making while sitting on a picnic blanket or park bench. Hang the finished piece in a window, from a backpack, or on a bedroom wall.

Craft 44: Mud Kitchen Creations

Materials: Mud, natural molds (muffin tins, cups), flowers, leaves, seeds, drying rack or sunny spot

This is unstructured, sensory-rich play at its best. Give kids access to a patch of mud, some water, and a collection of molds and tools. They will make "pies," "cakes," "cookies," and "soups" decorated with flower petals, leaf toppings, and seed sprinkles. Set the finished creations on a rack in the sun to dry into solid, nature-made sculptures. There is no right or wrong way to do this, which is exactly the point. Mud play supports sensory development, imaginative thinking, and a healthy comfort with getting dirty. Just accept that everyone and everything will need hosing down afterward -- that is part of the fun.

Craft 45: Fairy Garden Terrarium

Materials: Glass jar, shallow bowl, or wooden box; pebbles, potting soil, moss, small figurines, miniature accessories, tiny sticks

Start with a drainage layer of pebbles, then add potting soil and moss. Create a miniature landscape: a tiny path made from pebble "stepping stones," a stick fence, a moss-covered hill, a small mirror "pond." Add fairy figurines, mushroom picks, or tiny furniture (available in craft stores, or fashion your own from clay and sticks). Every family member can contribute an element -- one person handles landscaping, another builds structures, another populates the scene with characters. The collaborative nature of this project makes it one of the best summer crafts for families. Keep the terrarium watered and watch the moss and any live plants grow throughout the season.

Craft 46: Cardboard Box Fort / Playhouse

Materials: Large cardboard boxes (from deliveries), packing tape, markers, paint (if available)

Open up large delivery boxes and let kids design their own structure: a house with cut-out windows and a working door flap, a rocket ship with a pointy roof, a food truck with a serving window, or a castle with turrets. Adults handle the cutting (box cutters work best), kids handle the decorating. Markers, crayons, stickers, and paint all work on cardboard. The beauty of this craft is its scale -- kids can physically enter their creation, which turns art into immersive play. The structure will last for weeks of summer use if kept out of rain. When it finally falls apart, it goes straight into recycling.

Craft 47: Tin Can Lanterns

Materials: Cleaned tin cans, hammer, nail, tea light candles, paint (optional)

Fill a cleaned tin can with water and freeze it overnight -- the ice supports the walls during the punching step. Use a hammer and nail to punch a pattern of holes into the frozen can: stars, hearts, initials, or random dot clusters. Once the ice melts and the can dries, optionally paint the exterior. Place a tea light candle inside and light it at dusk. The candlelight shines through the punched holes, casting a constellation of light dots on surrounding surfaces. Line several lanterns along a patio railing or garden path for a magical summer evening ambiance. This is a simple summer craft that produces genuinely elegant results from trash.

Craft 48: Magazine Collage Vision Boards

Materials: Old magazines, scissors, glue stick, poster board or large cardstock

Flip through old magazines and cut out images, words, colors, and textures that represent summer goals, dreams, or things that bring joy. Arrange everything onto poster board in a collage -- there are no rules for layout. Some people go thematic (a travel vision board, a fitness goals board, a creativity board), others go purely aesthetic (color-blocked or mood-driven). This craft is as meaningful for adults as it is for kids, and it sparks interesting conversations about what each family member values. Hang the finished boards in bedrooms or common areas as summer inspiration. Vision boards are one of the most versatile cheap summer crafts because the materials are already in your house.

Craft 49: Plastic Bottle Planters

Materials: Plastic bottles (any size), paint, soil, small plants or herb seeds

Cut a plastic bottle in half horizontally. Paint the bottom half with a character face -- a cat with pointed ear flaps cut from the bottle, a pig with a bottle-cap nose, or a simple smiley face. Fill the painted planter with soil and plant herbs (basil and mint grow quickly) or small succulents. Poke drainage holes in the bottom with a heated nail (adult step). Set the planters on a windowsill or outdoor table. Kids love watching their painted characters "grow hair" as the plants sprout. This project combines eco-friendly upcycling with gardening, teaching kids that trash can become something useful and beautiful.

Craft 50: Egg Carton Caterpillars

Materials: Egg cartons, paint, pipe cleaners, googly eyes

Cut the bottom of an egg carton into strips of four or five connected cups. Each strip becomes a caterpillar body. Let kids paint each bump a different color and add googly eyes and pipe cleaner antennae to the front cup. Poke the pipe cleaners through the top of the carton section and twist the ends into spirals from the inside. For extra personality, draw tiny mouths with markers and glue on pom-pom noses. These egg carton caterpillars are an enduring preschool favorite because the segmented carton naturally looks like a caterpillar body, so the craft is intuitive even for very young children. Line up several on a shelf for a colorful caterpillar parade.