Crafting isn’t just a delightful way to keep kids entertained for hours it’s a gateway to unlocking their creativity and enhancing essential skills like hand-eye coordination. Whether it’s fall, winter, spring, or summer, there’s a perfect hands-on project waiting for your kids to dive into. With countless DIY ideas available online, we’ve compiled the best crafts for kids to make your search quick and easy.
Through crafting, kids of all ages can develop valuable skills. From improving fine motor abilities with activities like cutting and gluing to learning problem-solving when a project doesn’t go as planned, crafting is a fun and educational journey. Plus, it fosters a sense of accomplishment and ownership as kids choose their favorite colors, patterns, and personal touches to make each project uniquely theirs. Most of these crafts can be completed independently with a bit of adult supervision, though a few might need some extra guidance. The best part? Many of these activities are free and use materials you likely already have at home.
No matter the age—be it toddlers, tweens, or anyone in between these creative crafts will spark your child’s imagination using everyday items like popsicle sticks, coffee filters, buttons, beads, and more. We’ve even included holiday-themed projects, such as Halloween, Earth Day, and Valentine’s Day crafts, to keep the fun going all year round. Let the creativity begin!
Book Bins
Transform leftover boxes into something both practical and creative with this DIY book bin craft! Simply wrap the box in colorful construction paper and secure it with clear packing tape. To make it extra special, you can decorate the front with a book series logo or a custom design of your choice. This simple yet engaging craft is not only a fun activity but also a great way to encourage kids to stay organized and perhaps even inspire a love for reading.
Find the step-by-step tutorial at Crafting Cheerfully »
Pipe Cleaner Spider
With just a few basic supplies, kids can craft their very own spider buddies! All it takes is punching holes around the edge of a paper plate, threading pipe cleaners through to create legs, and adding a cheerful face with a smile and googly eyes. It’s a simple, fun activity that’s sure to delight.
Find the full tutorial at A Sparkle of Genius »
Origami Hearts
Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day or just a fun activity to sharpen cutting and folding skills, these easy paper hearts are a perfect introduction to origami crafts. With nothing more than colored paper, scissors, and a little creativity, kids can turn simple sheets into adorable decorative hearts. It’s a delightful and rewarding project for all ages!
Find the step-by-step tutorial at Alice & Lois »
Bedroom Door Sign
With just a small chalkboard, watercolor paint, and a ribbon, kids can create their very own personalized door sign! Decorating it is half the fun, and the best part? The message can be updated anytime, making this craft a gift that keeps on giving. It’s a creative way to add a personal touch to their space while encouraging self-expression.
Find the full tutorial at Crafting Cheerfully »
Rock Painting
Rock painting is a delightful and easy craft that blends outdoor exploration with creative fun. Kids can let their imaginations run wild as they decorate rocks with anything from cartoon faces to abstract designs. Once completed, these colorful creations can brighten up your garden or add a personal touch to indoor decor.
Find the full tutorial at Crafty Little Gnome »
Minion Pencils
If your kids are fans of the Despicable Me movies, these Minion-themed pencils are sure to be a hit! Using just pencils, googly eyes, and foam paper, you can craft your own playful little Minions. Add unique facial expressions with a black Sharpie, and you’ve got a fun way to make writing more exciting.
Find the full tutorial at Kid Friendly Things to Do »
Styrofoam Cup Crabs
These styrofoam cup crabs are the perfect craft for a beach-themed day! All you need is a styrofoam cup, paint in your favorite color, pipe cleaners for legs, and googly eyes for that final touch. Kids will have a blast creating these adorable sea creatures with minimal supplies.
Find the step-by-step tutorial at Crafts by Amanda »
Branch Spider Web Wreath
Getting ready for Halloween? This spooky wreath made from spider webbing and twigs is the perfect DIY project! Start by having your kids collect sticks, breaking or cutting them into lengths of 5 to 10 inches. Next, help them cut a wreath shape out of cardboard—about 12 inches in diameter with a 5-inch circle cut out in the center.
Using hot glue, layer the twigs onto the cardboard base, covering the entire surface. Once dry, stretch spider webbing around the wreath and secure it. For a creepy finishing touch, hot glue a few fake spiders onto the webbing. It’s a fun and festive craft that doubles as Halloween décor!
Embellished Bow
Elevate a plain straw basket with this fun and easy craft! Kids can personalize it by adding bows decorated with iron-on patches and stenciled monograms. To start, help them create their own bows using a 3-inch wired ribbon or opt for a pre-made one. Once the bow is ready, use fabric glue to attach decorative patches or stenciled designs. It’s a simple way to make any basket unique and stylish!
Monster Windsocks
This fun group activity is perfect for kids! Using cardstock, let them cut, fold, and decorate to create their very own wide-eyed monster windsocks. These colorful creations are great for adding a playful touch to your backyard and are sure to keep the kids entertained.
Find the full tutorial at Crafts by Amanda »
Paper Flowers
Kids will love crafting these vibrant paper flowers to brighten up their bedrooms! Start by folding dyed cupcake liners in half and cutting them into petal or fringe shapes. Then, fold a piece of floral wire in half and twist it around a faux flower stamen. Next, poke the wire through the center of three to four cupcake liners to form the petals. Finally, secure everything by wrapping floral tape around the base of the liners and continuing down the wire stem. These DIY flowers are as fun to make as they are to display!
Paper Bag Kite
Spring is ideal for kite flying, and kids can craft their own using paper lunch bags! Let them unleash their creativity by decorating the bags with stickers, washi tape, paint, and other fun accessories. Once the design is complete, help them attach yarn for the string and colorful streamers for the tail. With minimal materials, their handmade kites will be ready to soar in no time!
Find the full tutorial at Typically Simple »
Carrot Treat Cones
Even though Easter has passed, this carrot treat cone craft is a fun and creative project for any time of the year! Here’s how to make these adorable cones:
Materials:
- Carrot Template (download and print)
- Coffee filters
- Orange paper
- Double-stick tape
- Green craft paint
- Twine
- Clothespin or clips
- Wire hanger
- Paper towels
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Prepare the Green Tops:
Mix a few drops of green craft paint with water until it’s as thin as milk. Fully submerge coffee filters in the mixture to saturate them.- Squeeze out excess paint and lay the filters flat on paper towels to dry, or hang them on a wire hanger using clothespins.
- Create the Carrot Body:
Download the carrot template and trace it onto orange paper.- Cut out the template and roll it into a cone shape, securing the edges with double-stick tape.
- Assemble the Carrot:
Cut out the centers of the painted coffee filters, keeping the outer ring of green paper intact.- Attach this ring to the inside edge of the orange cone using double-stick tape.
- Fill and Finish:
Add small treats inside the cone. Close the top with twine, tying it securely to mimic the look of a carrot.
These treat cones are perfect for parties, decorations, or just a fun crafting session with the kids!
Dinosaur Nightlife Terrarium
Turn ordinary mason jars into whimsical terrariums featuring mini plastic dinosaurs—perfect for decoration and doubling as a creative nightlight for kids who need a comforting glow at bedtime. Simply layer the jar with moss, pebbles, or small faux plants to create a lush environment for the dinosaurs. Add battery-operated fairy lights for a magical touch.
Find the full tutorial at Crafts by Amanda »
Clay Crab Necklace
If your kids are fascinated by sea creatures, they’ll adore creating their own crab necklaces! This easy craft requires just a few materials: clay, twine, and an eye hook. Shape the clay into a crab, add the eye hook for attaching the twine, and let it dry or bake as needed. Once complete, they’ll have a fun and wearable piece of ocean-inspired art.
Find the full tutorial at Hello Wonderful »
Cardboard Suns
This eco-friendly craft is perfect for a sunny day! With lots of cardboard and a little imagination, kids can create vibrant cardboard suns to decorate the backyard. Help them cut out large and mini sun shapes, then let their creativity shine as they paint and design their masterpieces. These cheerful suns are a great way to add a burst of color to outdoor spaces.
Find the full tutorial at The House That Lars Built »
Paint Marker Candles
Turn plain taper candles into beautiful works of art with this fun and simple craft! Start by cleaning the candles with a cloth and rubbing alcohol to remove any lint or debris. Then, hand over paint markers or acrylic paint to your little artists and watch them decorate the candles with flowers, swirls, and creative designs. It’s an easy and rewarding activity that adds a personal touch to any candle display!
Toilet Paper Frog
This fun and eco-friendly craft is a great way to repurpose supplies you already have! Use discarded toilet paper rolls for kids to paint and transform into adorable frogs. Pair the frogs with lily pads made from paper plates. Simply paint the plates green and add some details like veins or cutouts for an extra touch of realism. It’s a creative activity perfect for rainy days or themed playtime.
Find the full tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids »
Painted Baskets
This craft keeps things simple and fun! Let kids enjoy some outdoor time as they paint the wood strips of plain wooden baskets. Once decorated, these colorful baskets can be used to carry toys, books, or treasures in and out of the house. It’s an easy and creative way to personalize everyday items!
Pool Noodle Boats
Turn old pool noodles and paper straws into vibrant, floating boats with this fun craft! Cut the pool noodles into boat bases, attach paper straws as masts, and decorate with colorful sails. Once complete, let the kids set their creations afloat in the bathtub or a swimming pool for some interactive water play.
Find the full tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids »
Tissue Paper Suncatcher
Create beautiful suncatchers with your kids using discarded tissue paper and an Earth-shaped template! All you need are laminating sheets, tape, and the template to get started. Let them cut or tear the tissue paper into colorful pieces and arrange them within the template. Seal it with the laminating sheets, and hang the finished suncatchers in a sunny window to brighten up the room.
Find the tutorial and template at The Best Ideas for Kids »
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