Banish summer boredom before it starts with our fun and easy kids crafts and activities. You and the kiddos will have a blast creating cool stuff and making memories together. Check back for our newest DIY adventure—complete with instructions, materials lists and everything you need to get crafting.
Totes relaxin’ toy hammock
Everybody needs a way to relax—even your favorite itty bittys® characters. Follow these simple instructions to create a decorative hammock for any character or critter in your collection.
Download the toy hammock instructions
Pretty paper tea party
Sometimes summertime calls for a spot of tea! Turn your kids loose designing their own paper tea party, complete with cups, saucers, hats, and more. No actual tea will be harmed in the making of this party, so table those fears of spilled milk and soggy teddy bears—and enjoy.
Download all the tea party instructions and templates
Superhero capes
Calling all heroes! Kids will have a blast transforming themselves into daring do-gooders with this cape and mask craft. Choose from an easy no-sew version using a T-shirt or a durable sewn version with ties at the neck. Design your own logo—or use one of ours—and then add it to one of the capes. No superpowers are required—except imagination, of course.
Download the easy cape and mask instructions
Download the sewn cape and mask instructions
Fairy beach house
Fairies like vacations at the beach as much as people do, so save your morning breakfast containers to create a beachside fairy house—or village, depending on how hungry your family is! Use yogurt containers, oatmeal canisters, small cereal boxes or whatever you have on hand.
Download the fairy beach house instructions
Story-time reading pillow with pocket
Give your kid a cozy way to read with this reading pillow. It features a monogram and a book pocket—so that favorite book will always be nearby when it’s time to snuggle up with a good story.
Download the monogram printables
Download the reading pillow instructions
Need a book to go in your pillow pocket? Check out all these Hallmark books for kids!
Flip-flop fun
Add a little flash to the classic flip-flop, and stand out all summer long. With a few simple supplies, you and your crew can make an endless variety of fun footwear.
Download the puppy paw flip-flop instructions
Download the wrap happy flip-flop instructions
See four more flip-flop craft ideas
Flag fanfare
Baby, it’s hot outside! Fill up on cool with these easy, breezy crafts—perfect for the 4th of July (or any sizzling summer day). Get our easy instructions for making all 3 flag crafts.
Download the patriotic printables
Download the flag fan instructions
Dress-up printables
Have thrilling dress-up adventures with our printable hats and accessories suitable for pillaging pirates on the high seas, law-abiding sheriffs and deputies in the wild west, or grand realms ruled by benevolent royalty.
Download the pirate printables
Download the sheriff printables
T-shirt totes
Make one of these handy totes to carry around all your summer necessities—from books and magazines to swimsuits and beach towels. You can make one from any of the zillion T-shirts you have lying around. Just make sure Mom says “OK” to cutting it up.
Download the T-shirt totes instructions
Friendship bracelets
Friendship bracelets are inexpensive and pretty simple to make, so they’re the perfect craft for summer—especially for Best Friends Day on June 8. With some embroidery floss, safety pins and scissors, you can make enough bracelets for all your BFFs. So let’s get started!
Download the braided friendship bracelet instructions (on left)
Download the twisted friendship bracelet instructions (middle)
Download the knotted friendship bracelet instructions (on right)
Jeanne Field is a Hallmark editor who loves finding ways for her kids to get as messy crafting as she does.
Megan Haave is a Hallmark writer who forgot to grow out of her childhood loves—making cards, telling stories, creating crafts, playing games and throwing theme parties.