Summer crafts are a fun way for kids to keep busy during long summer days while encouraging creativity and hands-on learning. Whether you’re looking for an indoor activity on a hot afternoon or a simple project for a rainy day, these easy summer crafts use common household supplies and are perfect for preschool and elementary-aged children.
Families in Potomac often look for simple summer activities that combine creativity with fun, and these craft ideas can easily be done at home, in a classroom, or during summer programs.
This colorful craft lets children create their own pretend ice cream treats using simple materials.
You will need:
Roll brown paper into a cone shape and glue the end to keep its shape. Glue cotton balls on top of the cone to create scoops of ice cream.
Children can glue paper sprinkles, pom poms, or color their cones. Every finished craft will look a little different, which makes this activity especially fun.
A bright paper plate sun is a cheerful summer decoration that children can personalize.
You will need:
Color or paint the paper plate yellow. Cut triangle shapes from construction paper and glue them around the edge of the plate to create sun rays.
Children can add a smiling face, sunglasses, or other creative details to make their sun unique.
Teachers in Potomac often notice that open-ended craft activities encourage children to express their personalities and ideas through art.
Pinwheels are a classic summer craft that children enjoy both making and playing with afterward.
You will need:
Let children decorate the paper with colorful designs before folding. Fold corner to corner to create 2 crease lines, then carefully cut half way in each corner along each fold.
Bring every other corner into the center and secure them with a brad. Attach the finished pinwheel to a pencil or straw and take it outside to watch it spin.
This simple craft is perfect for summer and introduces children to shapes and colors.
You will need:
Cut the paper plate in half. Color the inside red and the outer edge green to resemble a watermelon slice.
Add black dots for seeds and encourage children to decorate their watermelon however they like.
Beach balls are a favorite symbol of summer and make a fun craft project for children.
You will need:
Draw or print a large beach ball outline. Tear tissue paper into small pieces and glue them inside each section of the beach ball.
Children can choose different color combinations and patterns to create their own unique design.
Summer crafts do not need to be perfect to be meaningful. Giving children the freedom to make creative choices often leads to the most memorable projects.
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Many families in Potomac find that simple craft activities become opportunities for conversation, creativity, and quality time together.
We’ve explored similar creative activities in
The best summer crafts for kids are simple, creative, and easy to enjoy together. Activities like paper ice cream cones, sunshine crafts, pinwheels, watermelons, and beach balls give children opportunities to create, explore, and express themselves throughout the summer.
Whether children are crafting on a rainy afternoon or looking for a break from outdoor play, these hands-on projects can help turn ordinary summer days into fun and memorable experiences.
For more summer activity ideas, explore:
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.
