Kids Summer Crafts and Boredom-Busting Art Projects

“I'm bored!” How many times have you heard that from your kids this summer?

And, it's like nails on a chalkboard to nearly every parent or caregiver!

That's why we've put together this list of kids summer crafts and art projects for you and your children to enjoy while they're out of school. With a few basic supplies, you can occupy your children and, most importantly, create and connect together!

Idea #1: Subscribe to Kids Art Box

If you want ready-to-go art projects with exciting themes for kids of all ages, you need to subscribe to Kids Art Box this summer!

Our art box subscription delivers high-quality art supplies and easy-to-follow tutorials right to your doorstep every month. No more searching Pinterest for hours. No more running to the store. Kids Art Box makes sure arts and crafts are fun—not stressful.

Each art box contains multiple projects that can be spread out over time. This summer, you could celebrate “Maker Monday” and make a new art project each week. Take your time with each art project and let your children's creativity be the lead. This kind of process-based art is exactly what children crave!

Check out the Mommy and Me art box or Daddy and Me art box for preschoolers and early elementary kids. For older children, subscribe to My Artist Box.

Idea #2: Boredom-Busting Possibilities with Cardboard Boxes

What's the easiest supply for making kids summer crafts? Cardboard boxes!

Instead of throwing them into the recycling, save them and make some art. Here are some simple boredom-busting ways to do it.

  1. Break down the cardboard box so that it lays flat. Put it on your driveway, pull out some paint, and give your children a paintbrush. If you want to get even more creative, use an easy paint-resist technique. Just put some painter's tape or washi tape on the cardboard before painting. Then, pull it up when the paint is dry. You can all enjoy the sunshine while the kids create large-scale art!
  2. Cut a circle out of the cardboard and have your children make self-portraits. They could draw on the cardboard, use construction paper, or paint to make their features.
  3. Make a cardboard collage. Use one large piece of the cardboard as a background. Then, cut several smaller pieces of cardboard, paint or color them, and glue them onto the background. Add any embellishments you have around your house!
  4. Use your largest boxes to make a costume! You can make a robot, a house, a rubik's cube, or anything else!

Idea #3: Set Up an Art Cart

The name says it all: an art cart is a cart or shelf in your home that is filled with art supplies. It's easily accessible to your children, and it's always (or nearly always) open for their enjoyment. You can get as adventurous as you want with this idea!

Stock the cart with whatever supplies you think your kids will enjoy and that are kid-proof and washable. It's also a good idea to rotate the supplies every so often. This way, it's like a brand-new cart every time you shuffle the supplies. Here are a few of our favorite art supplies for kids summer crafts.

  • Crayons, markers, pencils
  • Tempera paint and paintbrushes
  • Construction paper and cardstock
  • Canvas
  • Stamps and an ink pad
  • Glue sticks and glue dots
  • Washi tape, duct tape, and painter's tape
  • Beads, sequins, and pompoms
  • String and twine
  • Clay

Note: As you know, little hands like to get into everything. If you have a child under 3 years old, be careful not to put small items on your art cart.

An art cart is a great option for summer crafts because it gives kids the opportunity to experiment and use their imaginations without any time constraints. They can simply follow their creativity wherever it goes!

Idea #4: Create Water Bins

If you still want to play outside but want to stay cool, playing in water is the way to go! Huge a hue plastic bin (the large under the bed ones are perfect), add water, and things you find around the house! It only take minutes to put together and keep them busy for a long time! Here are a few themes you can add to your bins:

  • Kitchen utensils: pots, pans, funnels,…
  • Balls and strainer
  • Duplos or legos
  • Plastic water animals figurines
  • Foam brushes, rollers, sponges
  • Ice cube
  • Soap foam
  • Wodden toys

Just prepare the bin and let the kids experiment with it. It is very easy to setup and easy to switch to a new theme, too!

Have a Fun, Art-Filled Summer!

Don't dread summer vacation—embrace it! Stock up on a few basic supplies and you'll be able to do dozens of kids summer crafts. Let your children lead the way. Their creativity and inventiveness might surprise you!

And, if you need an extra boost of arts and crafts this summer, Kids Art Box is here for you. Sign up for your art box now or follow us on social media to see more arts and crafts ideas!

newsletter icon Never miss a beat. Subscribe
to our
Newsletter!
* indicates required