Summer craft activites are gloriously fun, with so many activities to try, from papercraft and model-making to ceramics and needlework. Best of all, crafting is something the whole family can enjoy, children, grandparents and all.

Whether you need something to occupy your children during the summer holidays or want to try a new hobby, this article reveals the best summer craft activities for people of all ages and abilities. Read on to discover some seriously cool stuff!

Summer Craft Activities for Preschool Kids

Check out these crafts for two to four-year-olds:

Paper Plate Turtle

Your kids can make fantastic paper plate turtles with only a few paper plates, green paper and multi-colour marker pens. You can even mix and match different plate sizes to make a mummy turtle, daddy turtle and baby turtle.

Alternative craft: Paper Plate Lion

Bald Eagle Toilet Paper Roll

This bald eagle toilet paper roll craft is perfect for 3-4-year-olds – all you need is a few toilet roll tubes for the main body, googly eyes, PVA glue, popsicle sticks, brown and white felt for the feathers and yellow foam for the feet and beak.

Alternative craft: Toilet Paper Bee

Handprint Pineapple 

Finger painting is fantastic fun, but this handprinted pineapple is on the next level! Your child will use their fingers to paint the pineapple body and their handprint for the green top, and they can also use foam fingers to add texture.

Alternative craft: Handprint Acorns

Summer Craft Ideas for 5 To 8-Year-Olds

Check out these crafts for five to eight-year-olds:

Woven Popsicle Stick Baskets

These beautiful little crafts are perfect for small plants, letting your children go out and pick wildflowers. You use yarn to hold the popsicle sticks together with a bit of glue, so everything is recyclable when it’s ready for the bin.

Alternative craft: Fingerprint Flower Pot

Accordion Paper Flowers

Although a little tricky to make the first time, accordion paper flowers are easy to make once you get the hang of them. They can be as fancy as you like! Use plain or printed paper or multi-coloured paper for lots of contrast.

Alternative craft: Paper Flower

DIY Lava Lamp

This is a fantastic craft for your children because it uses science and crafting to create something extraordinary. Get a flask/glass bottle and mix vegetable oil, Alka-Seltzer and food colouring to make a DIY lava lamp!

Alternative craft: Homemade Volcano

Craft Ideas for The Summer Holidays

If you have lots of spare time to spend with your kids over the summer holidays, try these crafts that are sure to put a smile on your face:

Flower Crown

Make crowns for the whole family with this fun craft. You only need a brown paper bag, duct tape, flowers, and a stapler for each crown, and they are safe for young children because there’s no card or regular paper for papercuts.

Alternative craft: Jubilee Crown

Racing Car Toilet Tubes

Perfect for lovers of Disney’s Cars, these racing car toilet tubes are easy to make for children as young as five. Best of all, they move perfectly fine, providing you maintain distance between the cardboard wheels and tube body.

Alternative craft: Paper Plate Cars

Flying Rocket Ship

Children mad about space will love this one! The Flying Rocket Ship transforms a kitchen roll tube into a rocket on a stick with paint, glue, craft paper and a few sparkly extras if you want them. Who doesn’t love a good countdown?

Alternative craft: Toilet Tube Rocket

Summer Craft Ideas for Adults

We’ve delivered great summer crafts for kids, but what about adults? Check out these crafts to kill a few hours:

Rolled Paper Roses

They might look easy to make, but these rolled paper roses take lots of practice, especially when you need them the same size. The good news is you only need cardstock, sharp scissors and a hot glue gun. Perfect for decorating gifts!

Alternative craft: Origami Rose

Origami Crane 

The origami crane is the most famous origami model. In Japan, it is said the gods will grant anyone who folds a thousand cranes a wish. While we can’t promise this will come true, origami is a brilliant skill that offers its rewards.

Alternative craft: Origami Swan

Star Rope Mirror

If you’re up for a challenge, this mirror is gorgeous. All you need is a circular mirror, jute twine, painter’s tape and nails. Take your time to wrap the string perfectly, and you’ll have a geometric marvel to complete your living space.

Alternative craft: Plastic Spoon Mirror