Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to spark creativity and keep little hands busy! Whether you're a parent looking for summer fun at home, a teacher planning summer classroom activities, or running crafts for summer camps, we’ve got you covered with easy summer crafts that are as educational as they are fun.
From the first day of summer to the last day of break, these ideas will help you make the most of the summer season with minimal mess and maximum joy.
🌞 Summer Kickoff: Start the Season with Creativity
The summer kickoff is the best time to dive into a world of color, texture, and imagination! Make it special by adding a few projects to your summer bucket list for kids. Think DIY summer crafts using seashells from your last beach trip, or popsicle stick crafts for summer that double as keepsakes.
No summer craft kit is complete without Kwik Stix, Magic Stix, and Wonder Stix! These kid-friendly tools make crafting simple, mess-free, and fun—perfect for everything from backyard art projects to classroom summer activities. Kwik Stix are solid tempera paint sticks that dry in just 90 seconds, letting kids paint without brushes, water, or clean-up. Magic Stix markers won’t dry out for up to 7 days with the cap off—ideal for spontaneous summer fun for kids. And for the ultimate versatility, Wonder Stix write on windows, mirrors, whiteboards, and paper, making them great for outdoor crafts, car rides, or even poolside play. Whether you're crafting at home, at camp, or in the classroom, these supplies are a must-have for creative summer activities all season long.
🖌️ Mess-Free & Easy Summer Crafts
Keep the creativity going without the cleanup stress! Our favorite mess-free summer crafts use Kwik Stix paint sticks, which dry in 90 seconds, require no water or brushes, and make kids’ summer art projects a breeze. Great for easy crafts for busy moms or quick activities in the classroom.
Top Mess-Free Picks:
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Summer crafts with paint sticks (think sunshine scenes, watermelon slices, or fireworks!)
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Outdoor crafts for summer like backyard rock painting
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Screen-free summer activities like coloring reusable activity mats
Check out this craft on Instagram @alisonsmagicalcrafts
Check out this craft on Instagram @rachelphillips3
🐚 Beach Vibes at Home: Seashell & Nature Crafts
No beach? No problem! Bring the coast to your kitchen table with seashell crafts for kids. Add in some outdoor crafts using leaves, flowers, or rocks for even more creative summer activities that connect kids with nature.
Backyard art projects also provide perfect opportunities for art projects outside, helping kids stay active while creating.
Check out this craft on Instagram @2art.chambers
Check out this craft on Instagram @mamaknowsbestactivities
Check out this craft on Instagram @mrsgreenartartbaby
Patriotic Crafts for the Holidays
Get ready for Memorial Day and Fourth of July with patriotic crafts for kids! These projects double as summer learning fun, teaching kids about the holidays while making festive décor. Use paint sticks for flag crafts or star-spangled banners—perfect for home or camp.
Check out this craft on Instagram @calliesip
Check out this craft on Instagram @ourblessedhomeschool
🎒 From School’s Out to Summer Fun
With the end of school year activities behind us, now’s the time to enjoy the freedom of summer break activities. But that doesn’t mean learning has to stop. These summer crafts for teachers are great for reinforcing skills in fun ways—think fine motor control, color recognition, and creativity.
Check out this craft on Instagram @mommy_craftsandlaughs
Check out this craft on Instagram @mommy_craftsandlaughs
🏕️ Crafting in Camps & Classrooms
Running a camp or daycare? You’ll love these summer crafts for kids that work well in groups. From popsicle stick crafts to nature art, they’re budget-friendly, flexible, and engaging for a range of ages.
Check out this craft on Instagram @ourlivelyadventures
Check out this craft on Instagram @thehricfamily
🌴 Make This a Summer to Remember
No matter where your summer takes you, keep creativity close by with our favorite summer craft ideas. Whether you're enjoying summertime at home or planning summer vacation ideas for kids, these activities bring joy, learning, and lasting memories.
Ready to Craft?
Check out our shop for everything you need to kick off a colorful, creative summer—from Kwik Stix paint sticks to reusable activity mats and more!