Summer is finally here, and it’s time to kick off the summer season with sunshine, creativity, and tons of summer fun for kids! Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or camp leader, creating a summer bucket list for kids is a great way to make the most of the long days and warm weather.
In this post, we’re sharing our favorite summer crafts for kids that double as fun and educational summer break activities. These screen-free summer activities are easy to set up, mess-free, and perfect for keeping kids engaged all summer long. Let's make this the most colorful and creative summertime yet!
☀️ 1. Kick Off Summer with DIY Crafts
Celebrate the first day of summer with a fun DIY summer craft! Set up a backyard art station with plenty of supplies like Kwik Stix Paint Sticks, Magic Stix Markers, glue, and recycled materials. Try a popsicle stick craft for summer, like building mini popsicle stick boats or colorful frames.
Try this: Use Kwik Stix paint sticks for bright, mess-free summer crafts that dry in 90 seconds—no brushes or water needed!
Check out this craft on Instagram @playingcreatingeducating
Check out this craft on Instagram @thehricfamily
Check out this craft on Instagram @shurleyfunsensory
🐚 2. Seashell Painting & Ocean Crafts
Turn your beach finds into beautiful keepsakes with seashell crafts for kids. This is a great summer vacation idea for kids and works just as well for summer fun at home. Add shells to your backyard art projects or bring them to your next craft for summer camps.
Pro tip: Use washable acrylic markers or paint sticks to decorate shells with bold colors and fun patterns!
Check out this craft on Instagram @heartmadewithmom
Check out this craft on Instagram @mamaknowsbestactivities
🎨 3. Backyard Art Projects
Looking for outdoor crafts for summer? Transform your backyard into an open-air studio! These children's outdoor crafts let kids enjoy fun outdoor activities while being creative. Think art projects outside like sidewalk painting, nature stamping, or rock painting.
Perfect for: easy crafts for busy moms and summer learning fun through hands-on exploration.
Check out this craft on Instagram @rachelphillips3
Check out this craft on Instagram @spire.kids
4. Patriotic Crafts for the Fourth of July
Red, white, and blue never looked so fun! Add patriotic crafts for kids to your summer bucket list. Make painted stars, flags, or even fireworks-inspired art using Kwik Stix or Wonder Stix.
These are also great summer classroom activities or crafts for summer camps leading up to Independence Day!
Check out this craft on Instagram @simpleartforkids
✏️ 5. End of School Year Art Projects
Transitioning from school to summer? Celebrate with end of school year activities that let kids reflect on their accomplishments. Create memory books, summer vision boards, or self-portraits with your favorite summer craft ideas.
Bonus: These projects are great for teachers looking for meaningful summer crafts for classrooms.
🎒 6. Keep the Learning Going (Without the Screens)
Add summer learning fun to your list with crafts that reinforce creativity, fine motor skills, and imaginative thinking. From letter tracing with paint sticks to nature journals and handmade storybooks, these creative summer activities support learning while keeping kids entertained.
Check out this craft on Instagram @playfulcrafts
✅ Start Your Summer Bucket List
Here’s a sample summer bucket list for kids to inspire your own:
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🎨 Paint rocks with acrylic markers
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🐚 Make seashell art
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🍉 Craft a watermelon with paint sticks
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✨ Create patriotic stars for the 4th of July
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📸 Make a summer scrapbook
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🌳 Host an outdoor art picnic
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🏖️ Decorate beach buckets
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🖍️ Color DIY pages with acrylic markers
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🧊 Paint with frozen paint cubes
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📦 Build something with recycled boxes
With a little planning, your summer crafts for kids can turn into unforgettable memories. Whether you're crafting indoors or taking your art projects outside, these easy summer crafts are a fun way to fill your days with color, laughter, and creativity.
So grab your supplies, gather the kids, and get ready to check off every box on your summer bucket list!