Top 10 Paper Craft Ideas to Keep Kids Creative This Vacation

Summer vacations are the perfect time for kids to explore their creative side. But keeping them engaged (and off screens) can be a challenge. That’s where paper crafts come in; they’re fun, budget-friendly and help kids build imagination, hand strength, and focus. All you need is some paper, glue, scissors, and a little creativity!

Here are 10 super fun paper craft ideas your child will love trying at home:

1. Paper Plate Aquarium

Let your child create their ocean inside a paper plate.

How to make it:

• Color or paint the inside of a paper plate blue.
• Cut out small fish, seaweed, and starfish from colored paper.
• Glue them onto the plate to make an underwater scene.
• Add glitter for bubbles or cotton for clouds.

2. Rainbow Handprint Wreath

A bright and colorful wreath made using your child’s handprints.

How to make it:

• Trace handprints on different colored papers.
• Cut and arrange them in a circle like flower petals.
• Glue a paper circle or sticker in the center.
• Use a ribbon or tape to hang it up.

3. 3D Animal Masks

Kids can turn paper into fun animal masks they can wear!

How to make it:

• Cut out a mask shape that fits the face.
• Add paper ears, nose, whiskers, or beaks.
• Decorate with crayons, paper strips, or feathers.
• Punch holes on the sides and tie a string to wear.

4. Fold & Flip Paper Creatures

A surprise craft; draw a creature that changes when the paper is unfolded!

How to make it:

• Fold a sheet of paper in half.
• Draw something simple, like an egg or caterpillar, on the front.
• Open it and draw the second version inside (like a chick or butterfly).
• Color and decorate both parts.

5. Paper Cup Crown

Turn an old paper cup into a royal crown!

How to make it:

• Cut zig-zag shapes on the rim of a paper cup.
• Cover the cup with shiny or colored paper.
• Decorate with paper jewels, stars, or glitter.
• Add string if your child wants to wear it.

6. Spinning Paper Tops

Create colorful paper tops that actually spin!

How to make it:

• Cut two paper circles and decorate them with spiral designs.
• Stick them together and poke a pencil through the center.
• Spin and watch the colors swirl!

7. Nature Collage Art

Mix nature with art for a beautiful paper-and-leaf collage.

How to make it:

• Collect leaves, flowers, or twigs from outside.
• Arrange them on a paper to create a scene like a garden or tree.
• Add paper birds, clouds, or sun.

Glue everything down and let it dry.
8. DIY Paper Puppets

Perfect for storytelling and puppet shows.

How to make it:

• Draw or print cartoon or animal faces.
• Cut and stick them onto paper straws or ice cream sticks.
• Add paper arms, hats, or clothes.
• Put on a puppet show with your creations!

9. Silly Paper Sunglasses

Make fun-shaped glasses for dress-up and pretend play.

How to make it:

• Cut out large sunglasses frames from thick paper.
• Decorate with stickers, glitter, or paper cutouts.
• Add funny shapes like stars or flames.
• Tape a straw to hold them up in front of your face.

10. Floating Paper Boat Village

Make a little floating town using origami paper boats.

How to make it:

• Fold paper into boats using simple origami steps.
• Decorate with flags, windows, and colors.
• Place them in a tub of water or on blue paper.
• Add tiny paper dolls or animals to make it a village.

Looking for fun, screen-free activities for your child this summer? Check out our Free Drawing Books for Kids, perfect for vacation fun and creative play! From sketching wild animals to designing dream houses, there’s something exciting for every young artist. Follow the link below

Want more fun and creative activities for your child?

At Interval Learning, we offer non-academic courses that help kids grow their creativity, communication, and confidence. From arts and crafts sessions to storytelling and brain games, our classes are designed to keep learning fun during the holidays and beyond.

Explore our courses today and turn your child’s screen time into skill time! Contact us to know more.