21 Cute Summer Crafts for Preschoolers
Summer gives me more chances to slow down and make things with my kids. When the weather is too hot for outdoor play, I like having a few simple craft ideas ready that use supplies I already have at home.
For preschoolers, I look for projects that are easy to understand, don’t take too long to set up, and leave plenty of room for creativity. The 21 summer crafts below include paper crafts, painting, recycled materials, and a few hands-on activities that can keep little hands busy during summer break.
I put together these 21 summer crafts for preschoolers to give parents, caregivers, and teachers a mix of easy projects for warm-weather days. The list includes popsicles, rainbows, flowers, butterflies, bugs, ocean animals, kites, sun art, and patriotic crafts.
Most of these projects can be adapted to whatever basic supplies I have available. Paper plates, construction paper, popsicle sticks, coffee filters, paint, glue, pipe cleaners, and recycled containers are enough to make many of them.
I also like choosing crafts based on the child’s age and attention span. A quick paper craft can work well when preschoolers are ready for a short activity, while painting or decorating projects can give them more time to experiment.
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Table of Contents
For younger children, I keep small craft pieces and messy materials supervised and choose age-appropriate supplies. I also let adults handle hot glue, sharp tools, or other materials that aren’t suitable for little hands.
Key Takeaways
- I choose summer crafts with simple steps and supplies that are easy for preschoolers to handle.
- Paper plates, craft sticks, coffee filters, and recycled materials can become inexpensive summer art projects.
- Ocean, fruit, flower, insect, and rainbow themes work especially well for summer crafting.
- I use craft time to practice skills such as tearing, gluing, painting, squeezing, placing, and decorating.
- I adjust each activity for the child’s age instead of expecting a preschooler to complete every step independently.
- For messy projects such as slime and paint, I protect the work surface and keep cleanup supplies nearby.
Related article: 20 Fun Crafts for Kids That Will Keep Them Busy
1. Popsicle Tissue Paper Craft
Popsicles are one of the first things I think about when summer arrives, so I like turning this familiar treat into an easy preschool craft.
For this project, I can use a simple popsicle shape and let children cover it with pieces of colorful tissue paper. Tearing and placing the paper gives little hands something active to do without making the project too complicated.
I usually set out several colors and let each child decide how they want their popsicle to look. They can make stripes, patches, or a completely random color pattern.
Pro Tip: I put the tissue paper into small containers before starting. It makes the activity easier for preschoolers to manage and keeps the different colors from getting mixed together too quickly.
2. Rainbow Popsicle Stick Craft
Rainbows are an easy theme for preschool crafts because children can work with several bright colors while learning about the basic order of the rainbow.
For this project, I use popsicle sticks as the main material and arrange them into a rainbow-inspired design. I find that the simple construction makes it manageable for small hands while still leaving room for personal choices.
I can also turn this into a quick color-learning activity by asking children to name the colors as they work. The craft doesn’t need to be perfect to be useful or fun.
Pro Tip: I use washable, child-friendly paints or markers when possible and give each color its own workspace so the sticks don’t get covered in muddy colors.
3. DIY Paper Watermelon
Watermelon is another summer favorite in my house, and making a paper version gives preschoolers an easy seasonal activity.
I can create the basic watermelon shape from a paper plate and use craft sticks to turn it into a handheld fan. Children can add green, red, and black details to make the finished piece look like a watermelon slice.
I like this idea because it combines decorating with something children can actually use afterward. If I am making several, I let each child create a different pattern.
Pro Tip: I keep the watermelon shape large enough for small hands to decorate comfortably. Large pieces are usually easier for preschoolers to paint and glue than tiny templates.
4. Pipe Cleaner Butterflies
Butterflies give me a fun way to bring a little bit of nature into summer craft time. Pipe cleaners are flexible, so children can see how a simple material can be shaped into something recognizable.
For this craft, I can combine pipe cleaners with clothespins and pom-poms to create the body and wings. If a hot glue gun is needed for assembly, I handle that part myself rather than letting preschoolers use it.
The decorating stage is where I let children take over. They can choose their own colors and add details to make every butterfly different.
Pro Tip: I prepare any glued sections ahead of time when I want the craft to be mostly child-led. That leaves preschoolers with the safer parts of shaping and decorating.
5. Ladybug Craft
Ladybugs are a great summer nature theme, and I can make a simple version using recycled household materials.
To create these little insects, I can use toilet paper rolls, construction paper, and fabric or socks for different parts of the design. The exact materials can change depending on what I have available.
I like asking children to count the spots or decide how many spots their ladybug should have. That turns a basic craft into a small counting and decision-making activity.
Pro Tip: I avoid leaving loose tiny pieces within reach of children who still put objects in their mouths. Larger paper pieces can be easier for younger preschoolers to handle.
6. Paper Plate Rainbow Craft
A paper plate gives me an inexpensive base for creating a cheerful rainbow scene. This version combines a bright sun with colorful paper streamers hanging underneath.
I like projects like this because preschoolers can practice gluing while also making choices about color and placement. The streamers also add movement to the finished craft.
Once the paint and glue have dried, I can hang the rainbow on a wall, refrigerator, classroom display, or bedroom door.
Pro Tip: I cut the streamers before the activity begins. Preschoolers can then concentrate on choosing colors, gluing, and arranging rather than waiting for an adult to prepare every piece.
7. Paper Plate Flower Craft
Summer flowers give me endless inspiration for simple children’s crafts. A paper plate makes a useful flower base because it is inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to decorate.
I can paint the plate, cut or shape the edges into petals, and then let children add their own colors and details. Depending on their age, they can also help with simple gluing or placing decorations.
I especially like displaying finished flowers around the house because every child can create something that looks completely different.
Pro Tip: I place newspaper or a washable mat underneath the work area when using paint. It makes cleanup much easier once the creative part is finished.
8. DIY Shampoo Slime
Slime can be a very engaging sensory activity for preschoolers, but I treat it differently from a traditional paper craft. I prepare the workspace first and make sure children don’t put the mixture in their mouths.
A simple shampoo-based recipe can use shampoo, cornstarch, water, and a small amount of food coloring. Because different shampoos and brands can behave differently, I make a small test batch first rather than assuming the same measurements will work every time.
I prefer doing slime outdoors or on a protected porch when possible. It gives the children room to explore the texture while making accidental spills less stressful.
Pro Tip: I wash hands before and after slime play and keep the mixture away from eyes, mouths, food, and household fabrics. Adult supervision is especially important with preschoolers.
Also read: 21 Awesome Science Art Projects for Kids
9. DIY Hot Air Balloons
Hot air balloons make a colorful summer craft because children can create their own patterns without needing complicated instructions.
I can make the balloon shape from paper and add a small basket underneath. From there, preschoolers can decorate their balloons with crayons, markers, paint, stickers, or paper shapes.
I like giving them several decorating choices instead of showing them one finished design to copy. That usually results in more variety and lets each child make the craft their own.
Pro Tip: I use a simple balloon outline for younger preschoolers and provide more detailed pieces for older preschoolers who want an extra challenge.
10. Paper Plate Fish Craft
Beach and ocean themes fit naturally into summer, and paper plate fish are one of the easiest ways I can bring that theme into craft time.
I can cut or fold a paper plate into a basic fish shape and let children decorate it with paint, paper, crayons, or other craft materials. They can choose their own colors rather than trying to make every fish look realistic.
While we work, I sometimes talk about fish, ocean habitats, or the different shapes and colors children might see at the beach. It gives the craft a simple learning connection without turning it into a lesson.
Pro Tip: I prepare the fish shapes before inviting preschoolers to the table. This reduces waiting time and keeps the activity focused on decorating.
11. Bubble Wrap Starfish Craft
Bubble wrap gives this starfish craft an interesting texture that preschoolers usually enjoy exploring. I can use it as a stamping or painting surface to create a patterned effect.
I start with a simple starfish shape and let children add paint and texture. The finished design can look quite different depending on how much paint is used and how firmly the bubble wrap is pressed.
This is also a good project for using clean leftover packaging instead of immediately throwing it away.
Pro Tip: I use a small amount of paint at first. Too much paint can cover the bubble pattern and make the finished starfish look more like a solid painted shape.
12. Sun Smudge Art
Sun-themed art works especially well during summer because children can experiment with warm colors while creating their own version of the sun.
For this activity, I can draw rays with oil pastels and then gently blend or smudge sections to create a soft effect. Preschoolers often enjoy the physical part of moving the color around the paper.
I don’t worry about getting perfectly even rays. The goal is to let children see what happens when colors are layered and moved with their fingers.
Pro Tip: I keep a damp cloth nearby for quick cleanup and remind children to avoid rubbing their eyes while working with art materials.
13. Bubble Paint Flower Hydrangeas
I like bubble painting because it gives preschoolers a different way to apply paint. Instead of using only a regular brush, children can create clusters of small marks that work well for a flower such as a hydrangea.
A simple bubble-paint mixture can combine child-appropriate paint with dish soap and water. I always choose supplies according to the manufacturer’s age and use directions and supervise children closely.
The flower can be made in blue, purple, pink, or any other color the child prefers. I find that giving them choices makes the finished artwork more personal.
Pro Tip: I use a shallow container rather than a deep cup and remind children that craft mixtures are for painting, not blowing into or tasting.
14. Salt Painting
Salt painting is one of those activities where the process can be just as interesting as the finished picture. I use white glue to draw simple lines on thick paper and add salt before applying watercolor.
As the watercolor reaches the salt, the color spreads along the raised glue lines. Preschoolers can watch the colors move and see how different amounts of paint change the result.
I keep the designs fairly simple for younger children because too many tiny sections can make the activity frustrating.
Pro Tip: I place the finished artwork flat while it dries. A tray underneath helps catch extra salt and makes cleanup easier.
15. Sun Painting
Sun painting gives me another way to connect art with the bright summer weather. I can arrange paper and simple shapes outdoors and allow sunlight to become part of the activity.
The exact results depend on the materials and method I use, so I treat this as an experiment rather than promising a particular finished effect. Preschoolers usually enjoy checking their artwork as it develops.
I also use a shaded, comfortable work area so children aren’t sitting in direct sun for long periods.
Pro Tip: I make the activity short and keep children hydrated when we’re crafting outdoors. The artwork can stay outside while the children move to a cooler area.
16. Paper Bag Kites
A paper bag can become a simple pretend kite with a little decorating. I like this project because the material is inexpensive and gives preschoolers a large surface for drawing and painting.
Children can decorate their bags with patterns, shapes, stickers, or colorful streamers. Once the craft is finished, they can use it for pretend play rather than treating it as decoration only.
If children want to take their creations outdoors, I keep expectations realistic. A paper-bag craft may not behave like a professionally made flying kite, especially in stronger wind.
Pro Tip: I keep string and long ribbons supervised around young children and avoid leaving them attached to the craft during unsupervised play.
17. Coffee Filter Watercolor Fish
Coffee filters are one of my favorite inexpensive craft materials because watercolor spreads across their surface in an interesting way.
For this fish craft, I can shape or fold the filter and then let children add different colors with watercolor paint. The colors naturally create soft transitions, so the finished fish can look bright without requiring detailed painting.
I also like this activity for children who enjoy experimenting with color. They can see what happens when two wet colors meet on the filter.
Pro Tip: I place each coffee filter on a tray or piece of scrap paper while painting. The thin material can become quite wet, so protecting the table saves cleanup time.
18. Sponge Popsicle Craft
A sponge can make a fun three-dimensional-looking popsicle without needing complicated construction. I can cut the sponge into a popsicle shape before giving it to preschoolers.
Then I set out washable paint, pom-poms, stickers, and other age-appropriate decorations. Children can decide whether they want a realistic popsicle or a completely imaginary one.
I like this activity when I have several children crafting together because everyone can start with the same basic shape and end up with a different design.
Pro Tip: I don’t use glitter with every group. For younger children, larger decorations such as stickers and paper shapes can be easier to manage and create less cleanup.
19. Crab and Turtle Summer Craft
Crabs and turtles are another simple way to bring an ocean theme to summer craft time. I can create basic animal shapes and let preschoolers decorate them with paper, paint, or other craft materials.
The activity can also give children practice with small movements such as picking up, placing, pressing, and gluing pieces. I keep the number of separate pieces reasonable so the project doesn’t become frustrating.
Afterward, I like placing the finished animals together to create a small pretend beach or ocean scene.
Pro Tip: I make larger templates for younger preschoolers. Bigger shapes and fewer tiny details usually make the project easier for small hands.
20. Coffee Filter Butterfly Crafts
Coffee filters work just as well for butterflies as they do for fish. I can add watercolor to the filter, let the colors spread, and then shape the material into butterfly wings.
This project gives children plenty of freedom with color. One child might choose two colors, while another may cover the entire filter with several shades.
I like hanging the finished butterflies together because the collection creates a colorful summer display.
Pro Tip: I let the filters dry completely before shaping them. Wet coffee filters are delicate and can tear if children handle them too much during the drying stage.
21. Patriotic Start Wreath Paper Plate Craft
A red, white, and blue paper plate wreath can make a simple patriotic craft for a summer holiday such as the Fourth of July.
I can use a paper plate as the base and add stars, colored paper, paint, or other decorations. Preschoolers can help choose where the decorations go, which keeps the project creative instead of making them follow an exact pattern.
Once everything is dry, I can hang the wreath on an interior door, wall, or another suitable display area.
Pro Tip: I prepare any cutting in advance when working with preschoolers. Adults can handle scissors or other tools that aren’t appropriate for young children while the kids focus on decorating.
Read this next: 33 Under the Sea Craft Ideas to Keep Kids Busy
FAQs
What are easy summer crafts for preschoolers?
Simple options include paper plate flowers, tissue paper popsicles, paper fish, coffee filter butterflies, and rainbow crafts. These use basic supplies and require only a few steps.
What supplies do I need for preschool summer crafts?
I usually keep paper plates, construction paper, washable paint, crayons, glue, popsicle sticks, coffee filters, pipe cleaners, and child-safe decorations on hand.
How can I make summer crafts safer for preschoolers?
I supervise children closely, choose age-appropriate supplies, and handle hot glue, sharp scissors, and other unsuitable tools myself. I also keep small pieces away from children who may put them in their mouths.
How long should a preschool craft activity last?
I usually plan around 15–30 minutes for a simple preschool craft, depending on the child’s age, interest, and the number of steps involved.
Conclusion
I find summer craft time much easier when I don’t try to make every project complicated. Preschoolers can have a great time with simple materials when they are given enough freedom to choose colors, textures, and decorations.
These 21 ideas give me plenty of options for rainy afternoons, hot days, summer camps, playdates, or quiet time at home. I can also change the materials based on what I already have instead of buying a complete craft kit for every activity.
Most importantly, I focus on the process rather than making every finished craft look perfect. For preschoolers, cutting, tearing, painting, gluing, arranging, and experimenting are all valuable parts of the creative experience.
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