Looking for some creative activities to do with your kid this summer? Here are 25 Curbly projects that are perfect for littles and growns alike. Although tutorials weren’t written specifically for children, with a little tweaking and adult supervision, your small summer-vacationers will have no trouble completing these fun DIY projects.
1. Make Faux enamel pins from their favorite designs
I know these are Valentines-themed, but the sky is the limit on what you print out, so the technique applies to any time of year. Google your kiddo’s favorite animal or character and put the word “silhouette” in the search to find simple things to print out for your pins. For example, my son loves soccer so I typed in soccer ball silhouette to find a printable. Follow the instructions the post details here to make some great pins!
2. Turn a shoe organizer into a vertical planter
How fun would it be for you and your kiddos to grow a little garden together!? Here are all the fun details for this project.
3. Make DIY Temporary Tattoos for your kids
Did you know temporary tattoo paper was a thing? I didn’t until I saw this post. Print off your kiddo’s favorite images or have them draw and color their own. So fun!
4. Create DIY natural skin care items
Spend a couple of hours in the kitchen making products for a fun spa day. I know a four-year-old who would specifically love the lip balm … or “lip gwoss” as she calls it.
5. Sew this Ridiculously Simple DIY Apron
Before you make your DIY skin care items you may want to make this simple apron. If you have a beginning sewer this could be a great project because it requires simple cuts and only sewing straight lines.
6. Create a DIY paint scrape art masterpiece
This is a really fun way to see what designs kids come up with. It could be your best piece of modern art!
7. Try your hand at embroidered wall art
Have your kid write or draw something to be traced on a piece of fabric. Follow the instructions in this post on how to embroider their masterpiece. The tutorial calls for a punch needle but you can also use a needle and thread and basic stitch to do the project.
8. Make a DIY photographic pillow with light sensitive paint.
When I decided to do this project for Curbly I knew that it would be a hit with my son. He picked a free stock photo of a dog and I printed it out for him on transparency paper. Instead dying fabric for a pillow we used the light sensitive paint on a canvas. Click here for the instructions.
9. Start sipping from DIY stenciled mugs
Every kid loves seeing his or her name on things. All this project requires is alphabet stickers and ceramic paint. Check it out here.
10. Faux Fused Glass Ornament
This post was for a DIY Christmas ornament, but it can easily turn into a cute window sun catcher for their room. What kid doesn’t love a window sun catcher, especially one they have created. You will definitely need to help them with this project as it requires detailed cutting and a couple of trips to the oven!
11. The art of DIY Shibori …
This post is a tutorial on how to make Shibori placemats. Instead of placemats, use the same process for pillows, pieces of fabric to frame, socks, or even t-shirts!
12. DIY geometric shape/optical illusion art
Cut some geometric shapes and let your kiddos create a cool design. When they are done, frame their modern piece of art!
13. Stylish Leather Headphone Organizer
Your pre teen or teenager probably needs this DIY head phone organizer even more than you do. My adventurous 9-year-old would love it for all this “treasures” (a.k.a rocks) he finds at the park.
14. DIY Sharpie Painted Coasters
This easy project could be the perfect place for that extra glass of water they ask for at bedtime each night! I bet grandma would want a few coasters too!
15. DIY Polymer Clay Hanging Pot
Use polymer clay, a roller pin, and a bowl to make this simple hanging pot. You could nix the holes and the rope could be fun storage for a kid’s room.
16. DIY Mini (Faux) Fish Tank
How adorable is this mini fish tank that never gets gross!
17. DIY Artwork with Cork Plant Mat
This easy project could be a way to create a fun place to leave your kids some encouraging notes!
18. Transform an old or thrifted t-shirt into something more exciting!
This is a no-sew project that could be really fun for kids to create!
19. Turn a T-shirt or Pillow Case into a Market Bag.
Turn their favorite, outgrown t-shirt into a market bag just their size.
20. 4 Super Simple DIY Art Ideas
These adorable art ideas are perfect for you and your kids. It could be a family affair.
21. DIY ink cross hatch art
All you need for this project is a pen, a piece of paper and a ruler. It could be more manageable with a smaller size. Switch up the colors for fun or even cut out a shape/letter from the final product to frame the cross hatch cut out.
22. DIY Dip-Dyed Throw Pillow
This easy dip-dyed throw pillow could be a fun addition to a child’s bedding. If you are a non-sewer most local craft stores sell plain canvas pillow covers.
23. DIY Kid-Friendly Pencil Cases
I know that shouldn’t really be spoken out loud, but for some of us summer is more than halfway over. In only one month my son will return to you know what, and these pencil boxes could be a fun project for when that the time comes for the “S” word. (I am not allowed to speak it in my home… yet) Maybe it could be a fun project before your family road trip… where many pencils might be needed.
24. DIY Concrete Stepping Stones
The people who probably spend the most time in your backyard could make their mark in your garden walkway with this fun project. Maybe they could create a fun walkway to their fort or playhouse!
25. Summer Sun Print Art
Watch the sun turn natural objects into art! All you need is light-sensitive paper!
