14 Simple Summer Crafts for Toddlers

With the long summer days ahead I wanted you to be ready for when your kiddo comes up to you and says: Let’s do something. With my list of awesome summer crafts for toddlers, you can be sure you’ll always have ‘something’ to do.

Crafts are always a good idea, whether it’s something super simple like painting rocks or a whole art project.

For toddlers, of course, it’s usually better to keep things on the simpler side. This way the kids feel like they’ve contributed to the end result, which is a good boost for creative self-esteem.

Still, I sometimes like to include my little one in more complex projects as well. I fell that teaches her some important lessons – about patience, perseverance and finishing projects you’ve set for yourself.

This list of easy summer crafts for toddlers is a mix of both – super easy projects and some that will require some more adult help. But all of them will keep you and your toddler busy during summer break!

My list of 14 Easy Summer Crafts for Toddlers

1 Pet Cactus Rocks by the Best Ideas for Kids

Collect some rocks, paint them, add googly eyes and you are done.

Ideas for Easy Summer Crafts for Toddlers — Photo by the Best Ideas for Kids

2 Clay Imprints with Plants and Flowers by My Bright Ideas

Go to the park, pick some flowers and make these lovely clay imprints at home. When they dry, let your toddler paint them (even if it’s outside the lines!).

3 Starburst Slime by Natural Beach Living

Kids love slime, so this is a no-brainer. This one is edible, so no worries if your little one swallows some. It looks yummy, after all.

4 Bubble Art by Fun Learning for Kids

What a great way to experiment with paint. It’s bubbles and paint, what’s not to like?

5 Upcycled Sailboat by Nalle’s House

I love this boat. It’s made of scrap material, so it teaches some valuable lessons. And it looks adorable!

6 Frozen Popsicle Chalk by Reading Confetti

Frozen popsicle chalk is so much fun. Have your toddlers help while you make them and they’ll be even more excited when they get to draw with them outside!

7 Pine Cone Fireflies by Fireflies and Mud Pies

How cute are these? You’ll have to help with the glue, but I’m sure your kiddo will love these!

8 Squirt Gun Painting by Fireflies and Mud Pies

Another super fun painting craft. Who wouldn’t want to go crazy with squirt gun painting? I know I would!

9 Flower Pot Wind Chimes by Stephanie Lynn

These wind chimes are a great toddler craft. They’ll love painting the pots and they’ll be super proud when they see the chimes hanging on your porch somewhere.

10 DIY Pineapple Maracas by yes! We made this

This project might be a bit too complicated for a toddler, but you can easily simplify it. Let your child paint (a pineapple or anything else) on the plastic bottles, put in some rice and shake away.