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15 Fun Summer Crafts for Kids: Beat Boredom and Thunderstorms

Dutch summers can be unpredictable—one day it's sunny perfection for outdoor adventures, the next it's thunderstorms. As parents with years of hands-on crafting experience, we've found that rainy days are prime time for creativity. Our curated list of 15 engaging summer crafts keeps kids entertained, fostering imagination without screens. Perfect for family bonding during those unexpected storms.

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Summer Crafts: Fun Rain or Shine!

The first week of summer break flies by with excitement, but boredom soon creeps in—even if kids claim to hate school. As experienced parents, we know crafts are the antidote. Set up a dedicated craft station, invite neighborhood friends, and dive into these proven summer projects that spark joy and creativity.

Pssst… Got a llama lover at home? Check out our collection of cool llama crafts for more inspiration!

Top 15 Summer Crafts for Kids

If your family loves hands-on projects but skips them in summer, think again. These ideas are tailored for warm-weather themes, drawing from trusted creative sources. We've handpicked them based on ease, fun, and kid appeal—credits to the original makers.

1. DIY Ice Cream Garland

Ice cream hits different in summer, so craft this garland to celebrate! Pompoms from yarn glued to paper cones make it simple and festive. Detailed tutorial from a top English craft site ensures success.

2. Hand and Footprint Summer Stamps

Young kids adore stamping. Parents can prep a colorful background, then let little hands and feet create sunny memories. These prints double as keepsakes of tiny toes and fingers.

3. Vibrant Summer Flowers

Craft these as teacher gifts, back-to-school surprises, or home decor. Ideal for grandparents or neighbors too. Full instructions from Gespot voor Jou make assembly straightforward.

4. Ice Cream Cone Unicorns

Unicorns never go out of style, especially summer versions! Easy to craft a whole family—perfect for parties. Step-by-step from Meraki Mother.

5. Painted Summer Masterpieces

Dust off the paints for outdoor inspiration. Hunt for stones, pinecones, or sticks post-rain, or experiment indoors with forks and feathers as brushes. Encourage creative twists for stunning results.

6. Underwater Selfie Adventure

Turn family photos into ocean scenes with markers, colors, and craft supplies. Print pics and let 'photoshopping' fun begin—a hit for summer selfies.

7. Magical Mermaid Creations

Mermaid fans rejoice! Endless design freedom since no one knows their true look. For bolder kids, pivot to pirates next.

8. Build Your Pirate Island

Kids love mini-worlds like this tropical pirate paradise. A multi-session project that unleashes full creativity—plan accordingly.

9. Tropical Clay Fish

Clay and buttons craft vibrant fish, bringing beach vibes home. Simple enough for little ones with guidance—no snorkel trip required.

10. Recycled Bottle Summer Decor

Glass markers transform empties into art—encouraging recycling. Stock up (rosé excuse?) and supervise to avoid window mishaps. Window drawings? Use washable markers!

11. DIY Flamingo Branch

Who doesn't love flamingos? Easy pink birds for a summery branch. Tutorial from Red Ted Art; Dutch video demo: https://youtu.be/tOAbxG8lkmk?list=PL2vt_TPKQbZrlXLccCwM7eIUA9is9aA8_

12. Slipper Art Transformation

Repurpose old flip-flops into garden art for instant summer vibes. Eco-friendly win that declutters too.

13. Hanging Jellyfish Decor

Jellyfish get a graceful glow-up as crafts. Detailed guide from Parents.com yields beautiful, thematic decorations.

14. Custom Summer Fashion

Skip shopping in rain or heat—design tees with textile markers. Revamp old shirts for personalized style.

15. Outdoor Garden Crafts

Mild days? Craft outdoors: decorate pots, plants, trees with ribbons and lights. Evening garden glow awaits.