15 Summer-Themed Crafts for Preschoolers
Keep little ones busy this summer with these hands-on preschool crafts. From outdoor-themed to water-ready to animal-inspired, there’s something here for everyone.
Garden Stepping Stones
Not only are these decorative stepping stones fun to make, they also make fantastic gifts for a loved one’s garden. Teacher Tip: a little petroleum jelly goes a long way to ensure the cured stones gently slip out of their molds in one piece.
Paper Plate Ice Creams
Nothing screams summer like ice cream! Children can personalize their paper plate ice creams using a variety of materials like glitter, pompoms, and sequins.
Handprint Fish
Any craft using children’s handprints is a guaranteed home-run because of the inherent sentimental value. These handprint fish are no exception. Create fish swimming solo in a bowl with colorful gravel or among swaying algae in the sea with some friends. No matter which creative option kids choose, those little handprints are at the heart of the craft.
Looking for s’more summer fun for your preschool classroom? Download this free “Marshmallow Masterpieces” activity from Preschool With a Purpose!
Sunflower Garden
A piece of bubble wrap is this sunflower craft’s MVP. The bubble wrap provides a texture that mimics the center of a sunflower, creating an almost 3D effect.
Ice Cream in a Bag
How about a craft that doubles as a sweet treat? Ice cream in a bag is exactly that! Using only three ingredients (not counting optional toppings), this craft is easy enough for preschoolers to manage independently. Once the ice cream is thoroughly mixed and frozen, kids can eat it right out of the bag! Teacher Tip: this activity is best completed outside as any time young children and ice cream join forces, there is an increased potential for a mess!
Watercolor Windsocks
These whimsical windsocks introduce children to a new art technique called watercolor resist. Water moves the paint, spreading colors onto the paper like magic! It’s important to use watercolor paper because it’s sturdier and absorbs the water better. Finished windsocks look beautiful swaying in the wind but be careful: with all this talk about water, these crafts are not waterproof and cannot withstand the rain!
Seashell Painting
If seashells aren’t easy to come by locally, they are available in abundance online! This Dan & Darci kit provides the shells, paint, and materials to turn plain seashells into creative modern art.
Pool Noodle Boats
Repurpose pool noodles by turning them into boats that really float! This craft only calls for a handful of simple materials, making it cost effective for teachers and easy for little hands.
Tie Dye Swirl T-Shirts
The art of tie dying doesn’t have to be synonymous with messy. In fact, with a bit of preparation, this tie dye swirl craft is generally pretty tidy. Preschoolers use a dowel rod to twist their shirts into something that resembles a cinnamon roll, then secure the rolled shirts with a handful of rubber bands before dying. Write each child’s name on a plastic gallon bag and seal their shirts inside when finished; this process helps set the colors. Teacher Tip: If time and resources don’t allow finishing the shirts in school, give them to students (along with a clean pair of plastic gloves and instructions) to complete the last steps at home.
Cardboard Sandcastles
A beachy scene makes a perfect summer craft! Egg cartons, cardboard tubes, and recycled packaging create the sandcastles for this one. The rest of the materials are whatever preschoolers choose. Items like seashells, sea glass, sticks, and pebbles decorate the castles and fabric flags or feathers top the sandy mounds.
Butterfly Suncatcher
As a fixture on a window or door, a butterfly suncatcher is colorful and adds beauty to any classroom or home. The template makes it easy to size the butterfly, and cutting up tissue paper gives preschoolers the chance to practice their scissor skills.
Seashell Collage
Individual pieces of 8’’ x 9’’ wood serve as this collage’s canvas, so be sure the edges are well sanded. From there, seashells and other beachy and summery items such as sea glass and flower petals are glued to the board. Once everything is secure, preschoolers paint over all of it with watercolors. Teacher Tip: adding a set of eye screws turns collages into lovely wall art.
Vegetable Patch
Repurpose egg cartons for a craft that doubles as a lesson on planting and harvesting. Make these colorful vegetable patches go even further by discussing with preschoolers the benefits of putting healthy foods in their bodies!
Craft Stick Octopus
Kids love learning about the octopus because it’s such an interesting animal. No bones and three hearts? Fascinating! With or without the fun facts, this craft stick octopus is a winner. Young children will likely need help tracing and gluing, so if time is a constraint, consider prepping the materials ahead of time.
Summer Lanterns
Celebrate the warm summer evenings in style with these colorful lanterns. A jar, tissue paper, and glue are the only things kids need to make this craft. Challenge the class to create earth-friendly lanterns from 100% recycled materials, including the glue!
Children already love summertime. These crafts up the ante by adding more fun and creativity to those warm, sunny days.
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About the Author:
Stephanie Jankowski is an educator and author who lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When she's not teaching or writing, she's spending time with her children, Brady, Ella, and Lyla, and marveling at just how short the years really are.