Top 20 Art and Craft Ideas for Kids During Summer Vacation

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.
Let kids play with colors by painting simple landscapes, animals, or abstract designs. Watercolor painting helps build color recognition and brush control.
Materials: Watercolor paints, brushes, paper, water cup, cloth/tissue.
Layer colored sand in glass or plastic jars to make mesmerizing patterns. Kids enjoy the tactile experience while learning about layering.
Materials: Colored sand, jars, funnel, spoon or scoop.
Paint smooth stones with fun characters, animals, or quotes. They can be used as décor, paperweights, or even part of a scavenger hunt.
Materials: Smooth rocks, acrylic paint, paintbrushes, sealant spray.
Give plain white T-shirts or fabric bags a new look using bright dyes and tie-dye techniques.
Materials: Fabric dye, gloves, rubber bands, white cotton items, plastic cover for work surface.
Use contact paper and colorful tissue to create see-through art for windows.
Materials: Clear contact paper, tissue paper, scissors, black paper for framing.
Roll and shape thin paper strips into intricate patterns like flowers, butterflies, or hearts.
Materials: Quilling paper, slotted tool, glue, cardstock.
Stamp painted hands on paper and add details to turn them into cute animals.
Materials: Washable paint, paper, markers, googly eyes.
Glue broken crayons to a canvas and melt them with a hairdryer to create bold abstract art.
Materials: Crayons, canvas or heavy paper, glue, hairdryer, apron.
Let kids document their summer stories and adventures in a personalized journal.
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.
Materials: Tissue paper, glue, clean bottle/jar, LED candle or string lights.
Turn a painted paper plate into a floating jellyfish with ribbon tentacles.
Materials: Paper plates, ribbons or crepe paper, paint, stapler or tape.
Combine air-dry clay and beach shells to make fridge magnets, ornaments, or mini sculptures.
Materials: Air-dry clay, seashells, magnets, paint, toothpicks.
Paint cut sponges to look like scoops of ice cream and glue onto paper cones.
Materials: Sponges, craft paint, construction paper, scissors, glue.
Use colorful yarn to create wall hangings, pom-poms, or wrap decorative objects.
Materials: Yarn, cardboard, glue, plastic needle (for weaving).
Mix basic household items to create stretchy, squishy putty for sensory fun.
Materials: White glue, liquid starch or borax, food coloring, mixing bowl, glitter.
Introduce kids to traditional Indian art by designing paper fans with Phulkari-inspired embroidery patterns.
Materials: Thick paper, bright markers, popsicle sticks, glue, reference designs.
Shape small clay balls into planets, paint them, and attach magnets for a space-themed set.
Materials: Modeling clay, magnets, acrylic paint, glue, solar system guide.
Draw circular mandalas using stencils or freehand, then color them with bright shades.
Materials: Paper, pencil, compass, markers, stencils (optional).
Use papier-mâché over a balloon to form a beach ball, then paint and fill it with treats.
Materials: Balloon, newspaper strips, flour-water paste, paint, candies.
Turn cereal boxes, tin cans, or scrap paper into useful creations like pencil holders or photo frames.
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!
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!
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 Techniques | Include skills like embroidery, resin pouring, origami, or beading. |
Let Them Personalize | Encourage them to use their own designs, themes, and favorite colors. |
Make It Useful | Help them create things they can use, like bookmarks, phone holders, or desk decor. |
Do Team Projects | Let them work in pairs or small groups to build larger projects like murals or collages. |
Add Eco-Friendly Crafts | Use old clothes, containers, or paper for creative upcycling. It’s fun and eco-conscious! |
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!
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.