Keep your kids entertained all summer with fun crafts for any weather. On sunny beach days, create seashell picture frames, sand art bottles, or beach-themed wind chimes. For rainy afternoons, let them make nature collages, painted rock pets, or homemade rain sticks. Get them excited about weather with puppets and dioramas, or explore their creativity with watercolor postcards, tie-dye T-shirts, and paper plate fans. These easy projects will keep their hands busy and imaginations soaring. Stick around to discover more delightful summer crafting ideas.
Seashell Picture Frames
Creating seashell picture frames is a fun and easy summer craft that lets kids showcase their beach treasures. You likely have a collection of seashells your kids have gathered from beach sandcastles and shoreline strolls. Now, it’s time to put those lovely finds to good use.
Start by gathering a plain wooden picture frame, some glue, and those beautiful shells. Lay out the shells first to plan your design. You can mix different shapes, sizes, and colors to create a unique look. Once you’ve got a design in mind, help the kids glue the shells onto the frame. It’s a great way to reminisce about your beach adventures and make something beautiful at the same time.
While working on your seashell picture frame, you might also think about other fun crafts like seashell jewelry or even making shell mobiles. These crafts can be a wonderful extension of your beach-themed activities.
For a bigger project, consider creating ocean dioramas with your kids. These dioramas can include miniature beach scenes with tiny sandcastles and shells, bringing a bit of the beach back home.
Sand Art Bottles
With just a few simple materials, you and your kids can make colorful sand art bottles that capture the essence of summer. Start by gathering clear bottles or jars, colored sand, and a funnel. You can even use sand collected from a beach scavenger hunt for an authentic touch.
Layering the sand in different colors creates a mesmerizing effect that mimics the beautiful layers of sandcastle sculptures. First, let your kids choose their favorite colors of sand. They can pour each layer slowly through the funnel, allowing them to see the vibrant bands forming. Encourage them to experiment with patterns, creating waves or zigzags that remind them of ocean-themed slime. The process isn’t only fun but also helps develop their fine motor skills.
Once the bottles are filled, seal them tightly to keep the sand in place. These sand art bottles make great decorations for your home or thoughtful gifts for friends and family. Pair them with other beach-themed crafts like seashell jewelry to create a cohesive summer collection.
This activity is perfect for a rainy afternoon when you can’t be outside but still want to feel connected to the beach.
Beach-Themed Wind Chimes
Creating beach-themed wind chimes is a fun and simple summer craft.
First, gather your materials like seashells, driftwood, and string.
Then, assemble the pieces and add personal touches to make it uniquely yours.
Gathering Your Materials
To get started on your beach-themed wind chimes, gather some seashells, driftwood, string, and a few beads. You’ll want to make sure your supplies are organized and easy to find. Using a craft storage box can keep everything in place and ready for use. If you don’t have all the supplies at home, consider these shopping tips: head to a craft store for any missing items or check out local beach shops for unique finds.
Recycling materials is another excellent way to gather what you need. For example, you can use old jewelry for beads or repurpose string from other projects. Driftwood and seashells can often be found during a beach trip, making this craft both budget-friendly and environmentally conscious.
Here’s a deeper look at how you can gather your materials effectively:
- Organize: Keep your supplies sorted in labeled containers for easy access.
- Recycle: Use old or unused items from around the house.
- Shop Smart: Look for sales and discounts at craft stores.
- Beachcombing: Collect natural items like driftwood and seashells during your beach visits.
Assembling the Wind Chime
Now that you’ve gathered all your materials, let’s start assembling your beach-themed wind chime. First, lay out your items: seashells, driftwood, string, and any beads or charms you want to include.
Begin by deciding on your wind chime design. Arrange your seashells and driftwood pieces in the order you want them to hang. This helps you visualize the final product and guarantees a balanced look.
Next, cut the string into various lengths, considering how low you want each piece to dangle. Tie one end of a string securely around a seashell or driftwood piece, making sure it’s tight enough to hold. Repeat this for each item, leaving the other end of the string free.
Attach each string to a central piece of driftwood or a sturdy ring. Space them out evenly to create a harmonious wind chime design. Once all pieces are attached, knot the strings firmly to avoid any slipping.

Adding Personal Touches
Why not give your beach-themed wind chime a unique touch by adding some colorful beads or personalized charms? This simple addition can make your craft truly one-of-a-kind and special.
Let your kids choose their favorite beads, seashells, or even small trinkets they’ve collected from past beach trips. You can also add personalized bookmarks or unique gift tags to the wind chime to make it even more meaningful.
Here are some ideas to help you add those personal touches:
- Personalized Beads: Use alphabet beads to spell out your child’s name or a fun beach-related phrase. This not only makes the wind chime unique but also helps with letter recognition.
- Seashells: Drill small holes in seashells and string them alongside the beads. Each shell can represent a memory or a special trip to the beach.
- Painted Charms: Let your kids paint small wooden or ceramic charms. They can create sea creatures, boats, or anything that reminds them of summer.
- Unique Gift Tags: Add tags with special messages or dates that commemorate the day you made the wind chime together.
These personal touches make your beach-themed wind chime not just a craft project but a keepsake filled with memories.
Nature Collage Creations
Gather leaves, twigs, and flowers from your backyard to create a vibrant nature collage. Start with leaf rubbings by placing a leaf under a piece of paper and gently rubbing a crayon over it. This will reveal the intricate patterns of the leaf veins, adding texture to your collage.
You can also try flower pressing. Place flowers between two sheets of wax paper, then press them inside a heavy book for a few days. Once they’re flat and dry, they’ll make beautiful additions to your nature collage.
For an extra dimension, incorporate twig sculptures. Collect small twigs and arrange them into shapes or even simple structures. Glue them onto your collage base for a 3D effect.
Rock painting also adds a unique touch. Gather some smooth stones and paint them with bright colors and patterns. Once dry, they can be glued onto your collage to serve as focal points or borders.
As you piece these elements together, let your creativity flow. Encourage your kids to arrange the items in ways that tell a story or create a scene. This activity not only sparks imagination but also connects them with nature.
Painted Rock Pets
Creating painted rock pets is a fun and simple activity.
Start by selecting smooth, flat rocks, then choose vibrant colors to bring your designs to life.
Selecting Ideal Rocks
Choosing the perfect rocks for your painted rock pets is essential for achieving the best results. Start by considering the size of the rocks. Smaller rocks might be easier for little hands to manage, but larger rocks offer a bigger canvas for more detailed painting techniques.
Think about the shapes of the rocks as well. Smooth, round rocks are great for creating simple pet shapes, while more irregular ones can inspire unique designs. Rocks with flat surfaces are ideal for detailed artwork and can also be displayed more easily in outdoor settings.
When you’re on a hunt for rocks, keep these tips in mind:
- Smoothness: Smooth rocks are easier to paint and require less prep work.
- Surface Area: Larger surface areas allow for more intricate designs.
- Weight: Heavier rocks are less likely to be knocked over if displayed outdoors.
- Shape Variety: Different shapes can inspire creativity and unique designs.
Take a walk on the beach or through a local park to find your rocks. Make it a fun scavenger hunt for the kids, and soon you’ll have a collection of perfect canvases for your painted rock pets.
Choosing Vibrant Colors
For your painted rock pets, vibrant colors can bring your designs to life and make them visually enchanting. Start by tapping into color psychology; bright hues like yellow and orange can evoke happiness and energy, perfect for summer-themed creations. Think about how these colors play into summer fashion trends, where bold and lively palettes dominate. These same colors can make your rock pets stand out and feel fresh.
When choosing your color scheme, consider how these painted rocks might be displayed indoors. Interior design often benefits from pops of color, so using vibrant shades can turn a simple rock into a striking decorative piece. Imagine a bright red ladybug or a teal turtle adding a fun touch to a child’s bedroom or even a living room shelf.
Additionally, painting these rock pets can serve as a form of art therapy. The act of selecting and applying colors can be relaxing and therapeutic. Engaging in this creative process helps kids express themselves and unwind, turning a rainy afternoon into a productive and enjoyable time.
Adding Creative Details
Give your painted rock pets unique personalities by adding creative details like eyes, patterns, and accessories. Start by using small craft embellishments to enhance the look. Googly eyes can make your rock pet come to life, while sequins or beads can add sparkle and texture. Customize your designs to reflect different animals or imaginary creatures.
Adding unique additions doesn’t stop at just eyes and sparkles. Think about personal touches that can set your painted rock apart. Tiny felt ears or fabric wings can transform a simple rock into an adorable pet. Use markers or paint to draw intricate patterns like polka dots, stripes, or even tiny flowers.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Googly Eyes and Sequins: Attach googly eyes and sequins to create an animated expression.
- Fabric and Felt: Use scraps of fabric for wings, ears, or even tiny capes.
- Markers and Paint: Draw detailed patterns to give your rock pet a custom design.
- Mini Accessories: Add tiny hats, scarves, or glasses for extra charm.
These personal touches and unique additions will make each painted rock pet a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that your kids will be proud of.

DIY Sun Catchers
With just a few simple materials, you and your kids can create beautiful DIY sun catchers that brighten up any window. Start by making glass bead sun catchers. You’ll need some clear plastic lids, colorful glass beads, and clear glue. Arrange the beads in the lid, pour the glue over them, and let it dry. Once it’s set, pop the sun catcher out of the lid and hang it using a piece of string.
Another idea is to make hanging seashell crafts. Gather some small seashells from your last beach trip, and attach them to a clear piece of contact paper. You can even add some glitter or small beads for extra sparkle. Cut the contact paper into fun shapes and hang them in a sunny spot.
For a twist, try creating painted rock animals. Find flat rocks, paint them as your favorite animals, and glue a piece of string to hang them.
You can also make nature-inspired collages by pressing flowers and leaves between two pieces of clear contact paper. These natural elements catch the light beautifully and add a touch of the outdoors to your home.
Homemade Rain Sticks
Creating homemade rain sticks is a fun and easy summer craft that your kids will love.
First, gather all the materials you’ll need.
Then follow our step-by-step instructions.
Materials You’ll Need
To make homemade rain sticks, you’ll need a few simple materials like cardboard tubes, rice, and aluminum foil. These items are easy to find and perfect for a rainy afternoon or an engaging summer craft session with the kids.
The beauty of DIY projects like this is that they offer hours of crafting fun while sparking creativity and imagination.
Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:
- Cardboard tubes: You can use tubes from paper towels or wrapping paper.
- Rice or small beans: These will create the soothing rain sound.
- Aluminum foil: This helps to create the internal structure that makes the rain-like noise.
- Decorative materials: Think paint, markers, stickers, or even ocean treasures like small shells and pebbles.
Summer crafts are a fantastic way to keep kids engaged and entertained, even when the weather isn’t cooperating. By using simple household items, you can turn a rainy day into an opportunity for some hands-on learning and crafting fun.
Not only will they enjoy the process, but they’ll also have a beautiful, handmade rain stick to show for it.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get started on creating your very own homemade rain stick with these easy-to-follow steps.
First, gather your craft supplies: a cardboard tube, aluminum foil, rice or small beans, tape, and some paper. These simple items will transform into a delightful indoor activity that will create lasting summer memories.
Begin by cutting a piece of aluminum foil about one and a half times the length of your cardboard tube. Crumple the foil into a long, thin coil and insert it into the tube. This will help create the distinctive rain sound.
Next, cover one end of the tube with a piece of paper and secure it tightly with tape to make sure no beans or rice can escape.
Now, pour a handful of rice or small beans into the tube. Adjust the amount based on how loud you want your rain stick to be. Once filled, seal the other end with another piece of paper and tape it securely.
Shake your rain stick and enjoy the soothing sound reminiscent of rainy afternoons. This creative project is a perfect way to keep kids engaged and entertained, making it a fantastic addition to your list of indoor activities for the summer.
Creative Decorating Ideas
While the basic rain stick is already fun and functional, adding your personal touch with creative decorations can make it a truly unique piece. Start by gathering materials that reflect your child’s interests or the summer season. Think about incorporating elements like a shell garland or pieces of driftwood art to give your rain stick an oceanic vibe.
To make it even more special, consider these decorating ideas:
- Shell Garland: Wrap a string of tiny shells around the rain stick. It not only adds a beachy touch but also a tactile element for kids to explore.
- Driftwood Art: Attach small pieces of driftwood to the exterior. This gives the rain stick a rustic, natural look and connects it to the seaside.
- Ocean Themed Wreaths: Add miniature ocean-themed wreaths at each end of the rain stick. You can use small shells, starfish, and even bits of sea glass.
- DIY Mobiles: Create a small mobile to hang from the rain stick. Use lightweight items like feathers, beads, or even more shells to keep with the theme.
These creative decorating ideas not only personalize your rain stick but also make for a fun and engaging summer project.
Weather-Themed Puppets
Create whimsical weather-themed puppets that will spark your child’s imagination and make storytelling sessions even more fun. Start by gathering some basic crafting supplies like colored paper, markers, glue, and popsicle sticks. Encourage your child to create puppets representing different weather elements—think sunny suns, fluffy clouds, raindrops, and even snowy snowmen.
Once you have your collection of weather-themed puppets, you can enhance the fun by creating weather-themed dioramas. Use a shoebox to set the scene for a bright sunny day, a rainy afternoon, or even a snowy winter landscape. These dioramas will serve as fantastic backdrops for an engaging puppet show that your child can put on for the family.
Transform your living room into an indoor puppet theater. Use a simple cardboard box or a table draped with a cloth to create a stage. This setup is perfect for rainy day crafts when outdoor play isn’t an option.
Your child will love the opportunity to narrate weather stories and bring their puppets to life. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to spend quality time together while fostering creativity and storytelling skills.
Watercolor Postcards
Brighten someone’s day by helping your child paint vibrant watercolor postcards. This kid-friendly craft lets them capture summer memories while honing their artistic skills.
Start by gathering some watercolor paper cut into postcard sizes, watercolor paints, and brushes. Teach your child basic watercolor techniques like wet-on-wet and dry brush to create different effects.
Encourage them to think of postcard designs that remind them of their favorite summer activities. Maybe they paint a sunny beach scene or a blooming garden. The possibilities are endless and will keep their creativity flowing.
Once the paintings dry, let your child add personal messages on the back, ready to send to friends and family.
Here are some ideas to get started:
- Sunset Silhouettes: Use dark paint to create tree or mountain silhouettes against a colorful sunset background.
- Underwater World: Experiment with shades of blue and green to depict an enchanting underwater scene.
- Abstract Art: Let your child explore their creativity with freeform shapes and colors.
- Nature Prints: Press leaves or flowers against the wet paint to leave delicate imprints.
Tie-Dye T-Shirts
Transform plain white t-shirts into vibrant works of art with an easy and fun tie-dye project. It’s a fantastic way to engage your kids and introduce them to various fabric dyeing techniques. Start by gathering plain white t-shirts, rubber bands, gloves, and fabric dyes in your favorite colors.
First, soak the t-shirts in a solution of water and soda ash, which helps the dye adhere better to the fabric. Then, twist, fold, or crumple the shirts, securing them with rubber bands. This part is where your kids can get creative, deciding how they want their patterns to look.
Next, apply the fabric dyes to the t-shirts, ensuring each section gets a generous amount of color. Let the dye sit for at least six to eight hours to set properly.
Once the dyeing process is complete, rinse the shirts under cold water until the water runs clear. Remove the rubber bands and admire the unique designs. Wash the shirts separately in a washing machine to remove any excess dye.
Voila! You’ve created personalized, colorful t-shirts that align perfectly with summer fashion trends. Your kids will love showing off their handmade, stylish creations all season long.
Paper Plate Fans
Keep your kids cool and entertained this summer by making delightful paper plate fans together. This simple craft is perfect for summer fanatics and requires only a few materials you likely already have at home. Your crafty kids will love customizing their fans, and they’ll have a functional piece of art to show off when they’re done.
To begin, gather the necessary supplies: paper plates, craft sticks, glue, markers, and any other decorative items you prefer. Let your kids design their paper plates with bright colors, fun patterns, or even their favorite characters.
Once decorated, fold the paper plates in half and glue a craft stick to the inside as a handle. Press the sides together until the glue dries completely.
These paper plate fans aren’t just fun to make; they’re also practical for those hot summer days. Plus, they’re a fantastic way for your kids to express their creativity while staying cool.
- Cost-effective: Uses materials you probably already have.
- Engaging: Keeps kids busy and away from screens.
- Customizable: Each fan is a unique creation.
- Functional: Provides relief from the summer heat.
Enjoy making these with your little ones!