18 Easy Kids Crafts That Won’t Drive Parents Bonkers (Promise!)
Introduction to Kids Crafts
Engaging in kids crafts is an excellent way to encourage creativity, self-expression, and fine motor skills in children. Crafting with kids can be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family, promoting bonding and quality time together. Whether you’re working with toddlers or older kids, there are craft ideas that can be adapted to suit different ages and skill levels, making them an excellent activity for kids of all ages.
With a little creativity and imagination, kids can turn everyday materials into unique and personalized crafts. Think about all those items you have lying around the house – colored paper, paper plates, and even old buttons. These can all be transformed into something magical with just a bit of glue and some imagination. Plus, crafting is a fantastic way to keep little hands busy and minds engaged, all while having a blast together as a family.
We know keeping kids entertained can feel like a full-time job, especially when you’re trying to avoid too much screen time. Fun crafts are a perfect solution to keep them engaged and entertained.
Arts and crafts are a perfect solution, but let’s be real – none of us have time for complicated Pinterest fails and ideas that require a craft store shopping spree and an art degree.
These easy crafts for kids use simple materials you probably already have at home, take minimal prep time, and are perfect for those moments when your little ones need something fun to do. We’ve tested these activities with our own kiddos and promise they’re actually doable – even if you’re the type of parent who breaks out in hives at the mention of glitter glue.
1) Pasta Necklace Extravaganza
We’re about to transform plain old pasta into the most fabulous jewelry ever! This classic kids’ craft never gets old, and we’re here for it.
Making pasta necklaces is super simple. Just grab some string, your favorite pasta shapes, and let the fun begin! We love using penne, rigatoni, or those fun wheel-shaped ones.
Want to make things extra fancy? We can paint the pasta with bright colors using acrylic paint. Add some stripes, spots, or any wild pattern that makes your heart happy.
Here’s a cool trick we learned: Mix food coloring with a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol in a plastic bag to color your pasta quickly. Spread them on wax paper, and they’ll dry super fast!
String those beauties up, and voilà – you’ve got yourself the most fashionable pasta necklace in town! Don’t forget to twist the ends to keep your masterpiece secure.
We guarantee this craft will keep your little ones busy and proud of their handmade bling. Plus, who doesn’t love wearing their art?
2) Paper Plate Dream Catchers
Who knew paper plates could be so magical? We’re obsessed with this super cute craft that transforms ordinary paper plates into gorgeous dream catchers for kids’ rooms!
Making a dream catcher from paper plates is way easier than you might think. Just grab some paper plates, paint, string, and decorative items like beads and feathers. Your little ones will have a blast creating their own special dream catcher.
The best part? This craft doubles as a fun way to talk to your kids about their dreams! We love how this simple activity opens up beautiful conversations while letting kids get creative.
Start by cutting out the center of the plate to create your hoop. Then let your tiny artists go wild with paint colors! We’ve found that metallic paints look absolutely stunning on these.
Weaving the web pattern is super satisfying – just use yarn or string to create pretty patterns. Add some sparkly beads and soft feathers at the bottom, and voila! Your kiddo has their very own dream catcher to hang proudly in their room.
This craft is perfect for rainy days, playdates, or any time you need a fun activity that sparks imagination. Plus, it’s totally mess-friendly (our favorite kind of craft)!
3) Rainbow Clay Monsters
Let’s get super messy and creative with these adorable rainbow clay monsters! We love this craft because it lets kids express their wild imaginations while creating their own colorful creature friends.
Making clay monsters is surprisingly easy. All you need is some air dry clay, toothpicks for adding details, and your hands to shape the creatures. We suggest using different colors to make them extra fun and eye-catching.
The best part? These monsters can be as wacky or as sweet as your kids want! Add googly eyes, silly teeth, or funky horns – there’s no wrong way to design these little friends. We find that kids absolutely love giving their monsters unique personalities.
Want to make it even more exciting? Try adding rainbow-colored details like spots, stripes, or swirls. Your kids can create an entire family of mismatched monster buddies to display in their room.
Don’t worry about perfection – wonky shapes and uneven features just add to these monsters’ charm! We love seeing how every child puts their own special twist on this project.
Remember to let the clay dry completely before playing with the finished monsters. Your kids will be so proud to show off their unique clay creature collection!
4) Paint Rocks Time
Rock painting is such a fun and creative activity that always gets our kids super excited! We love how easy and relaxing it is to turn ordinary rocks into tiny works of art.
Getting started is super simple! Just grab some smooth rocks from your backyard or local park, basic acrylic paints, and brushes. We’ve found that Sharpie markers work great too for younger kids who might struggle with paint brushes.
One of our favorite things about rock painting is making kindness rocks with sweet messages or fun designs. Our kids love making and hiding these around the neighborhood to brighten someone’s day!
Want a cool twist? Try making rainbow rocks or turning them into cute animals. You can even use them to remember summer adventures by writing dates and places on the back – way more fun than a boring old scrapbook!
Let’s be real – there might be some paint spills and messy hands, but that’s totally part of the fun! Just throw down some newspaper, put on those old t-shirts, and let creativity run wild.
5) Egg Carton Animals with Recycled Materials
Let’s turn those empty egg cartons into an adorable zoo! We love how egg carton animals are super easy to make and keep our little ones entertained for hours.
Start by cutting up those egg cartons into individual cups – each one can become a different creature! We’ve made everything from the butterflies to cute little penguins to fierce lions. Paint them in fun colors, add googly eyes, and watch them come to life.
Our favorite has to be the egg carton dragon puppet – it’s totally magical and way easier than you’d think! Just add some paper wings and watch your kiddo’s imagination soar.
Want something extra sweet? Try making an adorable panda by painting the cups black and white. Add some cute paper ears, and you’ve got yourself the cutest recycled craft ever!
Remember, messy crafts are happy, crafts for kids! Let your kids go wild with the paint colors – there’s no wrong way to make these adorable creatures. Plus, we’re totally here for any craft that helps us reuse stuff we’d normally toss in the recycling bin!
6) Popsicle Stick Superheroes
Let’s unleash our kids’ inner superheroes with this super fun craft! Making superhero puppets from popsicle sticks is one of our favorite rainy day activities that keeps little hands busy and imaginations soaring.
We love how simple the materials are – just grab some popsicle sticks, colorful paper, markers, and glue. Your kiddos can create their favorite characters like Batman, Spider-Man, or even make up their own unique superheroes!
The best part? This craft is perfect for all ages. Even our tiniest crafters can join in on the fun by helping to color and decorate their superhero stick figures. Plus, these DIY superhero puppets double as awesome toys for imaginative play once they’re done.
We’ve found that adding little details like capes made from paper or tiny masks really brings these characters to life. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect – that’s what makes each one special!
7) Tissue Paper Stained Glass
We’re obsessed with this super easy and colorful craft that lets kids create their own magical window decorations! Making tissue paper stained glass is perfect for those rainy afternoons when we need something fun to do.
All you need is some colored paper, tissue paper, clear contact paper, and scissors.
We love how this creative craft ideas just lets kids go wild with their creativity – there’s literally no wrong way to do it!
Kids can tear or cut the tissue paper into different shapes and sizes. Then they can stick the pieces onto the contact paper to create beautiful patterns and designs.
The best part? When we hang these up in a sunny window, they create the most amazing rainbow effect!
We’ve found that this stained glass craft works great for easy crafts for kids of all ages. Even our littlest crafters can join in on the fun since it’s basically just sticking colorful paper onto a sticky surface.
Want to make it extra special? Try making a frame with craft sticks to display your kiddo’s masterpiece. Trust us, they’ll feel so proud seeing their artwork displayed in the window!
8) Yarn Wrapped Cardboard Stars
We absolutely love this adorable craft that transforms simple cardboard into magical stars! It’s super budget-friendly since you probably already have most of the supplies hiding in your craft stash.
To make these yarn wrapped star ornaments, you’ll need cardboard, yarn in any fun colors you like, and some glue.
We recommend hot glue for quick results, but regular white glue works too if you’re patient!
Getting started is a breeze – just cut out your cardboard star shape (or use popsicle sticks if you prefer).
Then comes the fun part! Let your kiddos go wild wrapping yarn around the star in whatever creative pattern they choose.
These stars make the sweetest little decorations for any time of year. We love hanging them on the Christmas tree, but they’re also perfect for brightening up a bedroom or playroom all year round.
The best part? There’s no wrong way to wrap the yarn! Each star turns out unique and beautiful, which makes this craft perfect for boosting your little one’s confidence. Plus, it’s amazing for developing those fine motor skills while having tons of fun!
9) DIY Puffy Paint Art
Ready to make some seriously awesome puffy paint with your kiddos? This craft is pure magic and super simple to create!
You only need three basic ingredients to whip up this fun paint: white glue, shaving cream, and food coloring.
Mix them together and watch your kids’ eyes light up when they see how it puffs up!
We love that puffy paint adds such a cool 3D effect to artwork. Your little artists can create amazing snowmen, candy canes, and fun holiday decorations that actually stand up off the page.
The best part? This craft is perfect for kids of all ages. Even our tiniest artists can get in on the fun by squishing and spreading the puffy paint around. It’s gloriously messy in the best possible way!
Make fun window clings with your puffy paint creations – they’re perfect for decorating windows and making rainy days more exciting. Just let them dry completely and peel them off carefully.
Clean-up tip: Keep some wet wipes handy because this craft can get a bit messy. But trust us, the giggles and proud smiles are totally worth the cleanup!
10) Spoon Puppets Show for Fine Motor Skills
Let’s get creative with this super fun puppet show and craft ideas that’ll keep your kiddos entertained for hours! Wooden spoons make amazing puppet characters when you add some googly eyes, colorful felt, and sparkly decorations.
We love how easy it is to transform plain wooden spoons into fantastic characters.
Give your puppets personality with sparkly pipe cleaners for hair and sequins for clothes. Add felt pieces to create dresses, capes, or silly outfits.
Take the fun to the next level by creating a puppet theater from a cardboard box.
Cover it with construction paper and let your kids decorate it with stickers, markers, or paint. They can even add curtains made from scrap fabric!
Watch your little ones light up as they put on shows with their handmade puppet pals.
We’ve seen kids spend entire afternoons making up stories and doing different voices for each character. It’s amazing how something as simple as decorated spoons can spark such creativity!
Pro tip: Keep a craft box with extra decorations nearby so your kids can keep making new puppet friends whenever inspiration strikes.
11) Button Bracelets
Let’s make the cutest button bracelets ever! This simple button craft is perfect for kids of all ages, and we can’t get enough of how adorable they turn out.
All you need are some colorful buttons and string or cord.
We love using different sizes and colors of buttons to make each bracelet unique and special.
The best part? These bracelets are super quick and easy to make – your kids can finish one in about 10 minutes! They’re perfect for playdates or rainy day activities.
Want to make it even more fun? Turn it into a friendship bracelet activity where kids can create matching bracelets with their besties. Nothing says BFF like handmade jewelry!
We’ve found that stringing the buttons is great for developing fine motor skills too.
Just help your little ones thread the cord through the button holes and tie it off at the end.
This craft is a total win in our book – it’s budget-friendly, uses items we probably already have at home, and keeps those creative juices flowing!
12) Sock Puppets Party
Let’s throw the most epic sock puppet party ever! We love how making sock puppets is super quick and easy, perfect for entertaining a group of excited kiddos.
Grab a bunch of old socks, craft supplies, and let the creativity flow!
We recommend setting up different craft stations with googly eyes, yarn, buttons, felt pieces, and markers. This way, everyone can move around and pick their favorite decorations.
Want to take it up a notch? Help the kids create a mini puppet theater using recycled materials.
It’s amazing what you can do with an old cardboard box and some decorative paper!
The best part comes after the crafting – puppet show time!
We love watching the kids put on silly performances with their new sock friends. It’s pure magic seeing their imaginations run wild as they make up stories and voices.
Don’t forget to snap some photos of the proud puppet makers with their creations. These memories are totally frame-worthy! Plus, each child gets to take home their puppet as a party favor – how fun is that?
13) Cardboard Box Cities
Who needs fancy toys when you’ve got cardboard boxes? We’re about to turn those boring delivery boxes into the most epic city ever! Grab those scissors and tape – it’s time to get crafty with the kiddos.
Building a cardboard city starts with finding a big piece of cardboard for your base.
This will be your city’s foundation – no pressure, just flatten out that Amazon box and you’re good to go!
Start collecting boxes of different sizes – these will be your buildings.
We love using cereal boxes for apartments, tiny jewelry boxes for houses, and paper towel rolls for towers. Let’s get wild with the decorating!
Add fun details using stuff from around the house.
Bottle caps make perfect windows, old newspapers become tiny posters, and don’t even get us started on what you can do with some markers and paint!
The best part? There’s no wrong way to build your city.
We’ve seen some amazing creations with crazy skyscrapers, parks made from green construction paper, and even working streetlights (hello, Christmas lights!).
Pro tip: Clear packing tape or duct tape works best for keeping everything together.
Trust us on this one – we learned the hard way with regular scotch tape!
14) CD Spinning Tops
Looking for a super fun craft that combines science and creativity?
We’re obsessed with these easy-to-make CD spinning tops that will keep kids entertained for hours!
All you need is an old CD, a marble, and some hot glue to create this magical toy.
We love that it’s a perfect way to recycle those scratched CDs that are just collecting dust in your drawer.
Let the kids go wild decorating their tops with paint, markers, or stickers.
When they spin, the designs create amazing optical illusions that will make everyone say “woah!”
The best part? These tops can spin for what feels like forever, which is totally mind-blowing!
Remember to supervise the little ones since we’re working with marbles that could be a choking hazard.
This project works best for kids over 3 years old.
We absolutely love how this craft doubles as a science lesson. It’s the perfect way to sneak in some learning about physics and motion while having a blast!
15) Toilet Roll Binoculars
Let’s turn those empty toilet paper rolls into something amazing!
This fun craft activity uses items we already have at home and creates the perfect tool for little explorers.
We’ll need two toilet paper rolls, glue, paint or decorative paper, and string or yarn.
If we want our binoculars to last longer, we recommend using strong glue or hot glue to hold the rolls together.
Decorating is where the real fun begins!
We can paint the rolls, wrap them in colorful paper, or add stickers. Our kids love going wild with their favorite colors and patterns.
Don’t forget to punch holes on the sides to attach the string – this makes it easy to wear around their neck during backyard safaris!
These binoculars are perfect for imaginative play.
We love watching our little ones transform into explorers, bird watchers, or safari guides. It’s amazing how something so simple can spark hours of creative adventures!
The best part? This craft is super budget-friendly and takes less than 30 minutes to make. Plus, we’re giving those empty toilet paper rolls a second life – win-win!
16) Nature Collage Adventure
Grab your kiddos and head outside for this super fun craft adventure! A nature collage is the perfect way to get creative while exploring the great outdoors.
First, we recommend giving each child a paper plate or piece thick paper made of cardboard as their base.
Create a sticky surface by covering it with clear packing tape – sticky side up!
Time for a mini scavenger hunt!
Let’s collect pretty leaves, flowers, twigs, and anything else that catches our eye. This is such a great chance to chat about colors and textures with our little ones.
Making a nature collage can be extra magical if you draw a simple shape first. Try a heart, star, or whatever shape makes you smile! Then fill it with your nature treasures.
Kids can stick their findings onto the tape in any pattern they like.
There’s no wrong way to create – that’s what makes this craft so perfect for all ages! Plus, each collage turns out totally unique.
Remember to snap a photo of their masterpiece since nature materials will eventually dry out.
We love displaying these beautiful creations on the fridge or playroom wall!
17) Paper Mache Balloons
Let’s get messy with one of our favorite childhood crafts! Making paper mache balloons is super fun and budget-friendly. Your kids will absolutely love getting their hands dirty with this one.
Start by gathering your supplies – you’ll need a balloon, newspaper strips, and paste.
We love using regular balloons because they create the perfect round shape. For extra fun, try different balloon sizes!
Tear your paper into big pieces and get ready to layer them up.
Pro tip: mix different types of paper to help you see each layer better. We usually do about three layers to each print to make it nice and strong.
Once you’ve covered your balloon with paper and paste, let it dry completely.
This might take a day or two, but trust us – it’s worth the wait! After it’s dry, pop the balloon and – ta-da! – you’ve got a perfect paper mache shell.
Now comes the best part – decorating!
Let your kids go wild with paint, glitter, or stickers. We’ve seen some amazing hot air balloon designs that look absolutely adorable hanging from the ceiling.
18) Beaded Keychains
We love this classic craft that brings back memories of summer camp! Making beaded keychains is super fun and lets kids create something useful they can actually show off.
Grab some colorful pony beads, string or cord, and keychain rings. These basic supplies are all you need to get started on this adorable project. The best part? Even younger kiddos can handle this one!
Pony bead patterns are perfect for beginners, but we’ve seen some amazing designs using smaller glass beads for older kids too.
Let them mix and match colors to make something totally unique.
Want to make it extra special?
Try using beads to paint rocks in their favorite colors or sports team combos. We’ve even seen some kids spell out their names! The possibilities are endless and so much fun to explore.
These make the cutest little gifts for grandparents, teachers, or friends.
Plus, kids feel so proud when they can use something they made themselves. Trust us – watching them beam with pride when they clip their handmade keychain onto their backpack is absolutely priceless!
These activities not only provide endless entertainment but also teach valuable lessons about resourcefulness and sustainability. They can involve every family member, fostering interaction and making the crafting process even more enjoyable.
DIY Toys and Games
DIY toys and games are a fantastic way to encourage kids to think creatively and develop problem-solving skills. Using recycled materials, kids can create their own toys and games, such as paper bag puppets, cardboard box forts, and homemade playdough. These activities not only provide endless entertainment but also teach valuable lessons about resourcefulness and sustainability.
The best part about DIY toys and games is that they can be customized to suit individual interests and preferences, making them a fun and engaging activity for kids. Whether your child loves dinosaurs, princesses, or outer space, they can create toys and games that reflect their unique passions. By making their own toys and games, kids can develop a sense of pride and ownership, encouraging them to take care of their creations and cherish the time spent making them.
So, gather up those recycled materials and let your kids’ imaginations run wild. You’ll be amazed at the incredible things they can create with just a little bit of guidance and a whole lot of creativity!
Perfect Crafting Supplies
Getting crafty with kids is super fun, and easy crafts but only when you’ve got the right stuff ready to go!
We’ve learned through many messy adventures that having a well-stocked craft drawer can make or break your creative time.
Choosing the Right Tools
Basic supplies for kids’ crafts should include safety scissors, washable markers, and kid-friendly glue sticks.
We always make sure to grab chunky pencils and thick brushes – they’re perfect for little hands still working on their grip!
Keep those googly eyes handy – trust us, they make everything more fun!
And don’t forget about Play-Doh and pipe cleaners – they’re amazing for developing fine motor skills while creating awesome art.
Pro tip: Store everything in clear containers.
We learned the hard way that if kids can’t see it, they won’t use it!
Budget-Friendly Materials
Let’s be real – crafting doesn’t need to break the bank!
We’re huge fans of using stuff from around the house. Those empty toilet paper rolls? Pure gold for craft time!
Simple household items like popsicle sticks, cotton balls, and paper plates can transform into amazing creations.
Money-Saving Tips:
Check dollar stores for basics like construction paper
Save recyclables (boxes, containers, tubes)
Buy in bulk during back-to-school sales
Look for washable versions of everything (your walls will thank us!)
Crafting Safety First
Let’s keep our little artists safe while they create masterpieces!
We know crafting with kids can get wild and messy, but safety always comes first in our creative adventures.
Child-Safe Scissors
Kids need special scissors that match their skill level and keep their tiny fingers protected.
Safety equipment for crafting is super important, just like wearing a helmet when riding a bike!
Look for scissors with:
Rounded tips
Plastic blades for toddlers
Spring-loaded options for easier cutting
Right or left-handed specific designs
We love keeping multiple pairs on hand – plastic ones for our littlest crafters and metal-bladed safety scissors for our more experienced kiddos.
Remember to teach proper handling: always walk with scissors pointed down and pass them handle-first!
Non-Toxic Glue Options
Let’s face it – glue tends to end up everywhere during craft time!
That’s why we’re obsessed with kid-safe adhesives that won’t cause panic if they get a little too close to mouths or eyes.
Our favorite non-toxic options include:
Washable school glue
Glue sticks
Natural paste made from flour and water
Double-sided tape for paper projects
Pro tip: We keep wet wipes nearby for quick cleanup of sticky fingers!
White glue is perfect for most projects, while glue sticks work great for paper crafts and reduce mess.
For our youngest artists, we stick to simple paste or tape to keep things extra safe.
