Summer Vacation

Top 20 Art and Craft Ideas for Kids During Summer Vacation

  • April 12, 2025
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Encourage Creativity with Fun Summer Crafts

Summer vacation is a fantastic time for kids to unleash their creativity, develop new hobbies, and stay productively engaged. Instead of screen time, why not encourage hands-on activities that build skills and develop imagination? 

Art and craft activities are not only fun and stimulating but also help improve fine motor coordination, improve problem-solving abilities, and offer emotional expression. 

Here are 20 exciting arts and crafts ideas that are perfect for kids of all ages during the sunny break.

1. Watercolor Painting

Let kids play with colors by painting simple landscapes, animals, or abstract designs. Watercolor painting helps build color recognition and brush control.

  • Great for beginners and toddlers
  • Helps with emotional expression and creative freedom
  • Can introduce concepts like primary and secondary colors

Materials: Watercolor paints, brushes, paper, water cup, cloth/tissue.

2. Sand Art

Layer colored sand in glass or plastic jars to make mesmerizing patterns. Kids enjoy the tactile experience while learning about layering.

  • Sensory-rich activity perfect for calming exercises
  • Teaches patience and fine motor precision
  • Encourages choice-making through color selection

Materials: Colored sand, jars, funnel, spoon or scoop.

3. Rock Painting

Paint smooth stones with fun characters, animals, or quotes. They can be used as décor, paperweights, or even part of a scavenger hunt.

  • Great for garden decor
  • Encourages storytelling through imagery
  • Develops hand-eye coordination

Materials: Smooth rocks, acrylic paint, paintbrushes, sealant spray.

4. DIY Tie-Dye

Give plain white T-shirts or fabric bags a new look using bright dyes and tie-dye techniques.

  • Teaches color blending and diffusion
  • Offers surprise results every time
  • Encourages recycling old clothing

Materials: Fabric dye, gloves, rubber bands, white cotton items, plastic cover for work surface.

5. Sticky Suncatchers

Use contact paper and colorful tissue to create see-through art for windows.

  • Enhances creativity with color layering
  • Makes stunning light reflections
  • Quick setup and cleanup

Materials: Clear contact paper, tissue paper, scissors, black paper for framing.

6. Paper Quilling

Roll and shape thin paper strips into intricate patterns like flowers, butterflies, or hearts.

  • Introduces 3D art concepts
  • Strengthens fingers and hand muscles
  • Ideal for card making and framed art

Materials: Quilling paper, slotted tool, glue, cardstock.

7. Handprint Animals

Stamp painted hands on paper and add details to turn them into cute animals.

  • Fantastic for keepsakes and memory albums
  • Helps young children recognize shapes
  • Can be themed for holidays or seasons

Materials: Washable paint, paper, markers, googly eyes.

8. Melted Crayon Art

Glue broken crayons to a canvas and melt them with a hairdryer to create bold abstract art.

  • Explores heat and texture
  • Excellent recycling idea
  • Kids love the process and results

Materials: Crayons, canvas or heavy paper, glue, hairdryer, apron.

9. DIY Travel Journal

Let kids document their summer stories and adventures in a personalized journal.

  • Develops storytelling and self-reflection
  • Boosts writing, drawing, and collage skills
  • Great to track growth and memories

Materials: Notebook, colored pens, stickers, glue, travel photos.

10. Tissue Paper Lamp
Cover a bottle or jar with tissue paper and add LED lights for a colorful, glowing effect.

  • Safe DIY nightlight
  • Promotes eco-friendly reuse
  • Adds to room décor

Materials: Tissue paper, glue, clean bottle/jar, LED candle or string lights.

11. Jellyfish Windsock

Turn a painted paper plate into a floating jellyfish with ribbon tentacles.

  • Combines painting, cutting, and assembling
  • Inspires ocean-themed learning
  • Beautiful kinetic art in the wind

Materials: Paper plates, ribbons or crepe paper, paint, stapler or tape.

12. Clay Seashell Craft

Combine air-dry clay and beach shells to make fridge magnets, ornaments, or mini sculptures.

  • Explores texture and sculpting
  • Connects kids with nature through collected items
  • Makes for excellent handmade gifts

Materials: Air-dry clay, seashells, magnets, paint, toothpicks.

13. Ice Cream Cone Craft

Paint cut sponges to look like scoops of ice cream and glue onto paper cones.

  • Great for dramatic and pretend play
  • Perfect theme for summer
  • Easy and safe for preschoolers

Materials: Sponges, craft paint, construction paper, scissors, glue.

14. Yarn Art

Use colorful yarn to create wall hangings, pom-poms, or wrap decorative objects.

  • Promotes sensory development
  • Introduces basic weaving and threading
  • Versatile: make bracelets, animals, or décor

Materials: Yarn, cardboard, glue, plastic needle (for weaving).

15. DIY Putty

Mix basic household items to create stretchy, squishy putty for sensory fun.

  • Teaches cause and effect
  • Involves a fun science lesson
  • Keeps kids entertained for hours

Materials: White glue, liquid starch or borax, food coloring, mixing bowl, glitter.

16. Phulkari Hand Fan Craft

Introduce kids to traditional Indian art by designing paper fans with Phulkari-inspired embroidery patterns.

  • Encourages cultural appreciation
  • Offers both design and function
  • Great for ethnic-themed classrooms or events

Materials: Thick paper, bright markers, popsicle sticks, glue, reference designs.

17. Planet Fridge Magnets

Shape small clay balls into planets, paint them, and attach magnets for a space-themed set.

  • Combines art and science
  • Great as a part of solar system lessons
  • Can be used for fun fridge games

Materials: Modeling clay, magnets, acrylic paint, glue, solar system guide.

18. Paper Mandalas

Draw circular mandalas using stencils or freehand, then color them with bright shades.

  • Enhances patience and mindfulness
  • Helps with symmetry and pattern creation
  • Doubles as wall art or cards

Materials: Paper, pencil, compass, markers, stencils (optional).

19. Beach Ball Piñata

Use papier-mâché over a balloon to form a beach ball, then paint and fill it with treats.

  • Fun party decoration or activity
  • Strengthens group collaboration if done together
  • Final product adds to celebration

Materials: Balloon, newspaper strips, flour-water paste, paint, candies.

20. Recycled Crafts

Turn cereal boxes, tin cans, or scrap paper into useful creations like pencil holders or photo frames.

  • Eco-conscious activity with impact
  • Encourages problem-solving with materials
  • Introduces kids to sustainable habits

Materials: Old packaging, tape/glue, scissors, paint, embellishments.

These art and craft ideas are perfect for kids of all age groups and skill levels. They not only keep children engaged and away from screens but also promote creativity, critical thinking, sustainability, and fun learning experiences!

5 Simple and Fun DIY Projects for Kids to Spark Creativity

Quick and easy DIY projects that will keep your kids entertained and spark their creativity? These five fun ideas require minimal supplies and can be done in no time, making them perfect for a summer vacation.

Whether it's crafting with household items or just having fun with paint and glue, these projects are sure to bring out the artist in your little ones!

  1. DIY Slime – All you need is glue and cornstarch to create stretchy, gooey slime. Kids can get creative by adding glitter, food coloring, or even small toys to make their slime unique.
  2. Pompom Ice Pops – Grab some colorful pom-poms and sticks, then let the kids use their imagination to create pretend ice pops. This simple craft is a great way for little hands to practice their fine motor skills.
  3. Dinosaur Feet – Cut out oversized dinosaur feet shapes from cardboard and let kids decorate them with markers, stickers, or paint. Once they’re finished, they can stomp around and pretend to be dinosaurs!
  4. Paper Plate Spin Art – Take a paper plate, add some paint, and let kids spin it on a flat surface to create beautiful, wild designs. It’s a messy, fun way to explore color and motion!
  5. Toy Camera from Matchboxes – Collect a few matchboxes, glue them together, and decorate them to create a pretend camera. Perfect for a kids' photoshoot or just playing pretend photographer!

Crafting Fun for Older Kids: Creative Ideas to Keep Them Engaged

Crafts don't have to be just for younger children! If you're working with older kids, you can make crafting more challenging and engaging by adding new techniques, more intricate materials, and creative twists. Here’s how to make craft time more exciting:

Strategy

What You Can Do

Try Advanced TechniquesInclude skills like embroidery, resin pouring, origami, or beading.
Let Them PersonalizeEncourage them to use their own designs, themes, and favorite colors.
Make It UsefulHelp them create things they can use, like bookmarks, phone holders, or desk decor.
Do Team ProjectsLet them work in pairs or small groups to build larger projects like murals or collages.
Add Eco-Friendly CraftsUse old clothes, containers, or paper for creative upcycling. It’s fun and eco-conscious!

 

Build Creativity with Interval Learning's Non-Academic Courses

Looking for more than just crafts? At Interval Learning, we offer non-academic courses like Crafter Kid, Drawing, STEM, public speaking, and more! These sessions help kids discover new interests, improve creativity, and have fun, especially during holidays.

Explore our non-academic course for kids today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Art and craft help improve fine motor skills, encourage creative thinking, and develop confidence.

Most crafts need basic supplies like paper, glue, scissors, paint, crayons, and old household items.

Yes! From toddlers to teens, there’s something for every age. You can modify based on their skills

Absolutely. Most ideas are budget-friendly and use things you already have at home.

Keep switching up activities, introduce new tools or materials, and let them choose what they want to make.

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