Looking for ways to keep little hands busy during the summer holidays? Crafting is a wonderful way to encourage creativity, spend quality time together and make lasting memories. Best of all, many of the materials you need can be found on your next family walk or trip to the beach.
Here are some easy summer craft ideas that children of all ages will love.
Make a Beautiful Flower Crown
A flower crown is a lovely summer craft that's simple to make and perfect for outdoor adventures or imaginative play.
Head outside together to collect wildflowers, daisies, grasses and leafy stems. Use flexible floral wire or a thin vine as the base of your crown, then carefully attach the flowers using floral tape or fine wire until you're happy with your design.
Your little one will love wearing their handmade creation while playing in the garden or at the park.
Create Shell Keepsakes from Your Beach Holiday
If you're lucky enough to visit the seaside this summer, don't leave those beautiful shells behind. They make wonderful keepsakes and can be turned into decorations you'll treasure for years.
Shell Necklace
Carefully drill a small hole in a shell (this is a job for an adult), then thread it onto string or ribbon to create a simple necklace.
Alternatively, use air-drying clay to make a pendant. Press a shell into the clay to create an imprint or embed the shell directly into the clay. Make a hole for the string before leaving it to dry completely.
Make a Shell Wind Chime
Bring the sound of the seaside home by creating your own wind chime.
Collect shells, small pieces of driftwood and other beach treasures. Drill small holes where needed and thread each item onto string. Tie several strands to a larger piece of driftwood and hang it somewhere outside where it can catch the breeze.
It's a lovely reminder of your family holiday.
Nature Crafts from the Garden or Woods
You don't need a trip to the beach to find craft materials.
A walk through the woods or your local park can provide plenty of inspiration. Collect:
- Twigs
- Leaves
- Pinecones
- Stones
- Feathers
- Acorns
Paint smooth stones to create colourful bugs, smiley faces or animals. Use twigs to build woodland creatures or make leaf collages with leaves collected on your walk.
Nature crafts are a brilliant way to help children learn about the world around them while having fun.
Fold Paper Boats
One of the simplest summer activities is making paper boats.
Fold colourful paper into boats and race them down a shallow stream or float them in a paddling pool or water tray. It's a classic activity that's just as entertaining today as it has always been.
If you have a sandpit, add a bowl or bucket of water to create a mini mud kitchen where children can mix, pour and explore.
Enjoy a Summer Craft Afternoon
A rainy afternoon is the perfect excuse to get creative indoors.
Older children can cut colourful butterflies, birds, flowers and insects from coloured paper before making collages or mobiles to decorate their bedroom.
Younger children can help with sticking, colouring and painting, making it an activity everyone can enjoy together.
Start a Summer Memory Book
If your child is starting school or already has lots of friends, why not create a summer scrapbook?
Fill it with:
- Holiday photos
- Drawings
- Tickets from days out
- Pressed flowers and leaves
- Funny family memories
- Messages from friends
It's a wonderful keepsake they'll enjoy looking back on for years to come.
Enjoy the Summer Together
Whether you're making flower crowns, collecting shells or painting stones, crafting is about much more than the finished project. It's an opportunity to slow down, spend time together and encourage your child's imagination.
After a busy day of creating, enjoy a relaxing bath, snuggle up together and make the most of the long summer evenings. Sometimes the simplest activities create the happiest family memories.
