Summer is the perfect time to let your creative side shine! With longer days and warm weather, it’s the ideal season to explore DIY projects that blend fun, relaxation, and a dash of trendiness. This list of 20+ summer crafts is split into two parts: 10+ playful ideas for kids that embrace tech, nature, and mess-friendly fun, and 10+ adult-appropriate crafts that are modern, aesthetic, and relaxing. Whether you’re hosting a backyard art day or crafting solo on the porch, there’s a project here to match your summer mood.
Summer Crafts for Kids
1. Solar-Powered Suncatchers
Give your kids a STEM-inspired twist on classic window art. Solar-powered suncatchers combine translucent materials like colored acetate or melted beads with small solar panels that activate motion or light. As the sun shines through the colorful designs, kids can watch them spin or light up, bringing a new level of magic to the window.
Not only is this a beautiful decoration, but it also teaches kids about renewable energy in a fun and approachable way. You can find beginner-friendly kits or build one using small solar motors and gears. Let children draw their designs first on paper, then trace onto the suncatcher material before assembling the solar component.
Hang the final piece in a sunny window or garden to watch it come to life. This activity bridges art and science, sparking curiosity while giving kids something uniquely theirs to admire each day.
2. Glow-in-the-Dark Beach Shell Creatures
After a trip to the beach, gather collected shells to create glow-in-the-dark sea creatures. Using glow paints, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and pom-poms, kids can invent their own ocean-inspired characters. From glowing jellyfish to sparkly starfish, the possibilities are endless.
This project is great for extending the beach day fun and gives children a chance to personalize their souvenirs. The glow paint adds a cool nighttime element, especially when charged up under sunlight. Display them in shadow boxes or use them in imaginary play setups.
These shell creatures are also wonderful for storytelling. Kids can create whole underwater worlds and characters, writing or narrating their own glowing sea adventures. Perfect for summer sleepovers or garden night camps.
3. DIY Bubble Art with Smart Color-Changing Inks
Upgrade bubble painting by incorporating smart thermochromic inks, which change color with temperature. Simply mix the ink into bubble solution, then have kids blow bubbles over thick paper to create dynamic, shifting artworks that respond to the environment.
This sensory craft introduces children to color theory and visual transformation. As the artwork dries, the colors evolve depending on where the bubbles landed and how warm or cool the surface is. It’s a mesmerizing effect that makes each creation truly unique.
Display these pieces on the fridge or turn them into greeting cards. The interactive element is perfect for curious minds, and the final result is always a colorful surprise.
4. Upcycled Water Bottle Wind Spinners
Turn empty water bottles into vibrant wind spinners that dance in the breeze. Kids can paint or decorate the bottles with permanent markers, then carefully cut and twist them into spiraling shapes. Hanging them from trees or porches creates a whimsical effect.
This craft is an easy and impactful way to teach kids about recycling and sustainability. It also introduces basic concepts of wind and movement in nature. Add beads or bells for extra flair and sound.
These wind spinners are ideal for outdoor parties or as long-lasting decorations for a backyard play area. Let kids create a whole series in different colors to hang like a mobile garden gallery.
5. Nature Bracelet Bar
Set up a nature bracelet-making station during your next outdoor play session. Use peel-and-stick wristbands or masking tape (sticky side out), and let kids walk around collecting leaves, flower petals, grass, and other natural treasures to decorate their band.
It’s a tactile, scavenger-hunt style activity that gets kids moving and observing the world around them. The final product is a wearable craft that changes with every adventure. Encourage them to name their bracelet themes like “Sunset Meadow” or “Forest Explorer.”
This also sparks conversations about plant life and seasonal blooms. Plus, it’s super eco-friendly and requires minimal setup or cleanup. A perfect last-minute craft for nature-loving families.
6. Mini Garden in a Jar (Fairy or Dino Theme)
Create a miniature garden world inside a mason jar using moss, soil, small plants, and figurines like fairies, gnomes, or dinosaurs. Kids can build their own fantasy or prehistoric worlds while learning about ecosystems and design.
This activity is great for quiet, imaginative play. Add fairy lights for an enchanting nighttime glow, or use glow-in-the-dark pebbles to make the garden feel magical. It’s also a chance to introduce basic plant care skills.
These mini gardens make for cute gifts or bedroom decor. They offer a nice balance between creativity and responsibility, especially when kids help maintain their little green world.
7. Frozen Chalk Pops
Combine sidewalk chalk powder with water and pour it into ice pop molds to create frozen chalk sticks. On a hot day, kids can grab a few and draw directly onto the pavement. As they melt, they leave colorful, swirling trails.
This cool twist on chalk play is perfect for sensory-seeking kids and makes a big visual impact. It also introduces color blending as the melting chalk mixes on the ground. Add glitter for an extra sparkly touch.
Frozen chalk pops are safe, washable, and easy to store in the freezer for repeat fun. They’re a hit at birthday parties and neighborhood playdates alike.
8. Interactive Story Stones
Paint or decoupage images onto small, smooth stones to create characters, objects, and places. Use these stones as storytelling prompts that kids can rearrange to create new adventures each time.
This project encourages both artistic expression and literacy development. You can make a themed set (pirates, fairies, animals) or mix-and-match icons for wild imagination games. Store the stones in a decorated pouch or tin.
Great for car rides, picnics, or quiet afternoons, story stones keep creativity going even when screens are off. They also make thoughtful gifts for friends or teachers.
9. Pool Noodle Marble Runs
Slice pool noodles lengthwise and attach them to fences or walls to create colorful marble run tracks. Kids can experiment with angles, speed, and obstacles, turning a backyard fence into an engineering playground.
This STEM-friendly activity is a hands-on lesson in physics and problem-solving. Use tape, binder clips, or zip ties to secure the noodles. Encourage kids to test different track designs or race marbles down side-by-side lanes.
Once done, leave the marble run set up for repeat fun all summer. Add challenges like jumps or loops for extra excitement.
10. Digital Coloring with AR Art Sheets
Print out specially designed coloring pages that work with augmented reality apps. Once kids finish coloring, they scan the sheet with a device and watch their creation animate or move on-screen.
This tech-forward craft blends traditional art with digital innovation. It helps bridge the gap between screen time and creativity, encouraging kids to color with purpose and imagination.
You can find free or paid versions of AR coloring sheets online, covering everything from animals to outer space. It’s a modern twist that kids will find totally magical.
Summer Crafts for Adults
1. Terrazzo-Inspired Clay Coasters
Elevate your summer tablescapes with chic terrazzo-style coasters made from polymer clay. This trending aesthetic mimics stone chips in soft, summery colors like coral, mint, and blush. Start by mixing colorful clay bits into a white base, rolling it flat, and using a round cutter to shape your coasters.
Once baked and cooled, you can sand the surface lightly to smooth out any imperfections and seal it with a satin glaze. The terrazzo look is modern and playful, and these coasters double as functional art pieces.
These make perfect hostess gifts or patio decor additions. Customize colors to match your interior or outdoor vibe and have fun experimenting with different chip sizes and patterns.
2. Botanical Print Tea Towels
Give your kitchen or picnic setup a summer refresh with hand-printed botanical tea towels. Use real leaves, flowers, and ferns to stamp natural patterns onto cotton towels using fabric paint or natural dyes.
Start by arranging your chosen botanicals on the towel, painting one side with pigment, and pressing them carefully. You can experiment with symmetry or random arrangements depending on your style.
Once dry and heat-set, these towels are fully washable and make elegant, sustainable gifts. It’s a relaxing way to connect with nature and produce something beautiful and useful.
3. Macramé Plant Hanger with Beads
Macramé continues to thrive this year, especially with modern twists like adding wooden or colorful resin beads. Create a breezy boho plant hanger using cotton rope and simple knots. Beginners can start with a basic design and gradually incorporate beads as accents.
You can choose neutral rope for a minimalist look or opt for dip-dyed versions to add color. Hanging these from a pergola or in a sunny window instantly adds texture and character to your space.
The repetitive knotting is meditative, making this the perfect weekend craft to unwind. Plus, you’ll have a stylish new way to showcase your favorite summer greenery.
4. DIY Resin Beach Jewelry
Capture a piece of the seaside with resin jewelry featuring tiny shells, sand, and ocean-inspired hues. Silicone molds in shapes like hearts or circles can hold layers of resin mixed with pigments, glitter, or natural beach finds.
This craft lets you freeze summer memories in time. Add a splash of teal or aquamarine dye for that coastal vibe, or go minimalist with clear resin and a single shell centerpiece.
From necklaces to earrings, the final pieces are unique conversation starters and make meaningful souvenirs or gifts.
5. Painted Terracotta Herb Pots
Turn your kitchen windowsill into a charming herb garden with painted terracotta pots. Use acrylic paints or outdoor-safe paint to create modern patterns like stripes, sunbursts, or abstract shapes.
Finish with a sealant to protect your artwork from sun and moisture. Label each pot with the herb name using a stencil or handwritten style for that personal touch.
These pots are perfect for growing basil, mint, or lavender, giving your summer recipes a fresh boost while adding a splash of color to your cooking space.
6. Candle Making with Dried Flowers
Craft your own fragrant candles by embedding dried summer florals into clear gel or soy wax. Use scents like citrus, lavender, or ocean breeze to evoke the season and pour into glass jars or tins.
Dried petals like calendula or chamomile make for delicate visual accents. You can press flowers into the outside of the jar before pouring or mix them directly into the wax.
Not only do these candles smell amazing, but they also make calming decor items or lovely gifts for summer birthdays and events.
7. DIY Outdoor Lanterns with Solar Lights
Brighten up your evening gatherings with homemade outdoor lanterns. Recycle glass jars or tin cans, punch holes or wrap them with twine, then place a solar-powered LED light inside.
You can decorate the exterior with frosted glass spray, paint, or decoupage summer motifs like lemons or dragonflies. As the sun sets, your lanterns will cast beautiful patterns across your porch or patio.
This eco-friendly project combines form and function while making your outdoor space cozy and inviting.
8. Woven Wall Art Using Yarn and Driftwood
Weaving is a relaxing craft that’s gained momentum for its textural charm. Create a wall hanging using yarn scraps, ribbon, and natural driftwood. You don’t need a loom—a sturdy cardboard frame works perfectly.
Mix warm summer tones with fringe or metallic threads to create dimension. Incorporate shells, beads, or feathers for a beachy twist.
The final piece can hang in a hallway, bedroom, or patio space, adding boho flair and a touch of coastal elegance.
9. Pressed Flower Resin Bookmarks
Combine function and beauty with custom bookmarks made from pressed flowers and clear resin. Arrange dried blooms between two layers of resin in silicone molds or laminating sheets for a flatter finish.
Perfect for summer readers, these bookmarks preserve seasonal flora in a sleek and durable form. Add a tassel or charm for extra character.
This craft also makes a heartfelt gift, especially when using homegrown flowers or petals from a special occasion.
10. Painted Canvas Picnic Totes
Customize your own summer-ready tote bag using fabric paints and canvas totes. Choose bold patterns like citrus slices, stripes, or coastal landscapes. Stencil kits help if you prefer a more polished look.
These bags are practical for beach trips, farmers markets, or craft supply storage. Use waterproof fabric paint and heat-set it for durability.
It’s a fun way to showcase your personality while carrying something totally one-of-a-kind. Plus, it’s eco-conscious and reduces your need for plastic bags.
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re crafting with kids or diving into your own relaxing DIY time, summer is brimming with inspiration. These projects are designed to bring joy, foster creativity, and celebrate the sunshine season in every brushstroke, knot, and bloom. So gather your materials, head outside or cozy up indoors, and let your summer creativity bloom!