60 Fun and Easy Kids' Crafts

Keep little hands busy with these fun, easy kids' crafts they'll love.

By: Liz Gray, Kamron Sanders, and Shannon Phillips

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Fun and Easy Crafts for Kids of All Ages

When the kids are bored and maxed out on screen time for the day, it’s time for some hands-on, crafty fun. Craft projects are a great way to inspire creativity in children and teach them new skills; younger kids can start getting comfortable with scissors, paintbrushes and other simple tools, while teens and tweens can learn sewing basics and more advanced painting techniques. And crafts aren’t just for rainy days, either — some of these DIYs use objects foraged from the backyard so the little ones can get outside and appreciate nature.

From homemade slime to the delightfully silly glove monsters pictured above, browse our best kids’ craft ideas and have them at the ready the next time you hear, “I’m bored!” Want even more ways to keep your littles entertained? Check out our kid-friendly games and activities, gardening projects and science experiments.

Get the How-To: Give Your Lonely Gloves a New Lease on Life

Homemade Play Dough

You might be surprised how easy it is to make play dough at home with basic pantry ingredients. Get the kids to help you whip up a batch, then store it in a resealable bag so they can play with it for up to one month.

Get the How-To: Make Homemade Play Dough

Paper Towel Roll Castle

If you're a parent, chances are you know by now you should be saving paper towel rolls, gift wrap rolls and basically all things cardboard. The DIY possibilities are endless! Inspire your kids to put those saved rolls to good use with this enchanting castle build.

Get the How-To: 5 Paper Towel Roll Crafts for Kids

Glitter Slime

Kids just can't seem to get enough of this oozy, stretchy substance. This glitter slime recipe uses baking soda, glue and saline solution instead of borax.

DIY Scratch Art Paper

You may be familiar with scratch art paper — paper with a black coating that can be scratched off to reveal colorful designs — but did you know you can make your own at home? Get your kiddos involved in making the DIY paper, then let them etch vibrant masterpieces using wooden chopsticks.

Get the How-To: How to Make Your Own Scratch Art

Easy-Sew Plushie Keychains

This adorable craft is perfect for older kids or teens who are interested in learning how to sew. Use scrap felt and a simple hand-sewing technique to make these food-inspired keychains with smiling faces.

Get the How-To: Easy-Sew Food Plushie Keychains

Farm-Themed Balloon Animals

Whether you're planning a farm-themed birthday party full of little ones or just looking for a fun afternoon craft, these clever balloon animals are quick, easy and require no helium to make. Bonus: We've even created free printable templates for each animal.

Get the How-To: Calling All Party Animals! DIY Farm-Themed Balloon Animals

Eggshell Geodes

Part craft project and part science experiment, this captivating project uses eggshells and alum powder to grow glittering crystals. Kids will love displaying the finished “geodes” in their rooms as well.

Get the How-To: How to Grow Glittering Crystal Geodes in Eggshells

Polymer Clay Trays

Little ones will love making these adorable trays out of polymer clay, and adults will love using them around the house to corral jewelry, keys and other small items. Encourage kids to create fun patterns in the clay using items found around the house.

Get the How-To: How to Make Clay Trays

From: Michelle Edgemont

Moldable Sand

If your kiddos love making sandcastles at the beach, they’ll adore playing with this moldable sand. They can help you make it, and then they can play with it over and over again.

Get the How-To: Have a Beach Day at Home With This DIY Moldable Sand

Goldfish Soap

These cute goldfish soaps make great party favors or handmade gifts since they can be crafted in large batches. An adult should handle melting and pouring the soap base, but kids will enjoy dropping in the plastic fish.

Get the How-To: Kids' Craft: Fun Fishbowl Soap

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Finger Knitting Projects

All the joy of knitting, without the needles. You know what that means? This is kid (and parent) approved.

Get the How-To: Knit Easy: Finger Knitting and Arm Knitting Projects We Love

From: Emily Fazio

Sun Prints

One of the oldest forms of photography, sun prints are the perfect craft project/science experiment combo for a pretty summer day. Have the kids place flowers, leaves and other flat objects on sun-sensitive paper in direct sunlight, then watch them ooh and ahh as the prints develop before their eyes.

Get the How-To: 3 Gorgeous Ways to Craft With Sun Prints

Fairy Garden Fun

With a little hot glue, simple craft supplies and some potted plants, you can create a beautiful indoor fairy garden you and your kids will both love.

Get the How-To: Make an Indoor Fairy Garden

Felt Fairy Wall

If you need a no-mess alternative to the traditional fairy gardens, look no further than the magic of felt! This fairy wall not only serves as the perfect kids' craft, but it will also supply years of creative play and storytelling.

Get the How-To: Fairy Garden Felt Board

Painted Rocks

Painting rocks is a fun activity that’s easy on the wallet — just search the backyard for a free “canvas,” set the kids up with some basic paint supplies and watch what they create.

Get the How-To: Easy Painted Rock Ideas for Everyone

Beaded Mosquito-Repelling Bracelet

Kids can use air-dry or oven-bake clay to make this cute beaded bracelet in their favorite colors. Add a few drops of citronella essential oil to the beads to repel mosquitoes.

Get the How-To: 3 Stylish Mosquito-Repelling Bracelets You Can Make

Mini Clay Succulents

Looking for a more advanced clay project for an older child? Look no further than these adorable miniature succulents. This fun craft will let your little sculptor practice making more intricate shapes out of clay.

Get the How-To: Make Fairy Garden Miniature Plants

Beach-Themed Fairy Garden

Bring the fun of the beach home with this coastal-themed fairy garden. Little ones will love adding adorable details like a popsicle stick beach chair, a cocktail umbrella and a painted rock shark.

Get the How-To: Beach-Themed Fairy Garden (Shark Included!)

Potato Stamping

They’re not just delicious — potatoes are also a handy crafting tool. Carve a simple shape into a halved potato with a sharp paring knife (an adult should handle this step), then set out some paints and paper and let the kids get to stamping.

Get the How-To: Easy Kitchen Update: DIY Potato-Stamped Towels

From: Michelle Edgemont

Rainbow Pom-Pom Wreath

Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or Pride Month, this fun craft uses an easy technique for making pom-poms out of yarn. Make a bunch, then attach them to a foam wreath form in a rainbow design.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Rainbow Pom-Pom Wreath

Upcycled Fishing Game

Use empty paper towel rolls, magnets and a paper clip to create a fun fishing game that the kiddos will love. Young children may need help cutting the fish to size, but they'll have fun decorating them with paint and googly eyes.

Get the How-To: 5 Paper Towel Roll Crafts for Kids

(Really) Thick Homemade Finger Paints

Instead of buying finger paint, opt to make your own with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Give your kids all the messy joy of finger painting without all the wasted expensive paints.

Get the How-To: How to Make (Really Thick) Kids' Finger Paints

From: Emily Fazio

Gnome Garden Getaway

If you're anything like us, you love miniatures. This camp-inspired fairy garden fits in a metal lunch box and is overflowing with cuteness. We won't judge if you have all the fun making it, but we guarantee your little one will love it too!

Get the How-To: DIY Gnome Garden Getaway

Snow Slime

Have a snow day any day with this easy-to-make, snow-inspired slime.

Get the How-To: DIY Snow Slime

Hand-Painted Bracelets

Featuring fun designs like fingerprints, polka dots and stripes, these painted wooden bracelets are easy enough for kids to make but stylish enough for Mom to sport.

Get the How-To: Mother's Day Kids' Craft: Hand-Painted Wooden Bracelets

Pom-Pom Bunnies

Say hello to spring with these adorably simple pom-pom bunnies! These little furballs take almost no time at all to make, and your kids will feel so empowered showing off their little creation.

Get the How-To: Spring Kid's Craft: Adorable Pompom Bunnies

Mason Jar Fruit Lanterns

Teach the kids an easy decoupage technique to turn plain Mason jars into colorful, fruit-inspired lanterns. Little ones will love making them, and you’ll love displaying them on your summer table.

Get the How-To: DIY Mason Jar Fruit Lanterns

Seed Bombs

Put scrap paper to use by upcycling it into these fun and easy seed bombs. Let the kids toss them in the backyard, then watch as beautiful wildflowers appear!

Watch the Video: DIY Seed Bombs

Tin Can Lanterns

These recycled can lanterns are so simple to make that the kids can help, and so beautiful after dark that the adults will want to join in the fun, too!

Get the How-To: How to Make a Tin Can Lantern

Butterfly Window Garland

Bring the outdoors in with a colorful, spring-inspired butterfly window garland. This super-easy project is perfect for kids and will leave you with whimsical window decor you'll adore.

Get the How-To: Kids' Craft: Butterfly Window Garland

Salad Spinner Art

If your salad spinner doesn’t get much use in the kitchen, repurpose it as a spin-art station for your kids. Place a small piece of paper at the bottom of the spinner, then let the little ones load it up with several colors of paint. Have them give it a spin, then admire their abstract works of art.

Get the How-To: Kid-Friendly Craft Project: Salad Spinner Art

Felt Veggie Garden

Foster your child’s interest in gardening – even in the colder months – with this felt veggie garden. Kids can help cut out various veggies, then tend to their little plot.

Watch the Video: DIY Felt Veggie Garden

Summer Camp-Inspired Rope Keychain

Give your kids all the fun of summer camp without even leaving home. With these braided tassel key chains, you not only get to teach your kids a new skill, but you might end up taking a little trip down memory lane yourself.

Tissue Paper Transfer Art

Using a special type of “bleeding” tissue paper, kids can create watercolor-like works of art with less mess than paint.

Get the How-To: Kid-Friendly Craft Project: Tissue Paper Transfer Art

From: Emily Fazio

No-Sew Sock Bunny

Upcycle an old sock into an adorable bunny — no sewing involved.

Get the How-To: How to Make a No-Sew Sock Bunny

Recycled Crayons

Though kid-friendly, crayons just don't work that well in little kid hands. Instead of throwing away all those broken pieces, follow this DIY to turn them into brand new custom-color crayons that will fit perfectly in those adorably awkward hands.

Get the How-To: Kids' Craft: How to Make Recycled Crayons

Peeps Candy Slime

Many slime recipes use ingredients like glue, liquid starch or borax, but you can also use a totally edible ingredient: Peeps! Combine this marshmallow candy with cornstarch and coconut oil to make colorful slime.

Get the How-To: Use This Easter Peeps Hack to Make Slime Without Glue

Ruffled Rose Headband

With just a little help from a crafty adult, kids can turn a plain elastic headband into a sweet ruffled-rose headband that will have them feeling extra special.

Get the How-To: Kids' Craft: Ruffled Rose Headband

Wax Paper Rainbow

When you need a last minute craft to help pass the time, using supplies you already have is a must. No one has time to go to the store for craft supplies every time inspiration strikes (especially with kids). Luckily, this wax paper rainbow craft will have your kids focused on fun without a trip to the store.

Get the How-To: Kids' Craft: Wax Paper Rainbow Art

From: Michelle Edgemont

Paper Dahlias

Gather up some scrapbook paper in your child’s favorite colors, then show them how to fold the paper into cones to make these giant dahlias. This is a great craft for older kids and teens, since the finished flowers make pretty wall decorations for their room.

Get the How-To: Easy DIY Craft: Paper Dahlias

Drip-Paint Pots

If you’re willing to let the kids get a little messy, this drip-painted flower pot craft is tons of fun. Lay down a drop cloth or newspaper, set out craft paint and some terra-cotta pots, and let the little ones go wild pouring their favorite colors.

Easy Rag Wreath

Upcycle odd bits of fabric into a cute rag wreath. This no-sew wreath can be a beautiful accent for any holiday or occasion — just choose seasonal fabrics and get started!

Get the How-To: Kids' Craft: Make an Easy Rag Wreath

Hanging Birdfeeders

Feed the birds with these adorable molded birdseed crafts. Kids will love helping to mix, shape and hang this simple project.

Watch the Video: DIY Birdfeeder Craft Project

Yardstick Planter

Get crafty with this year’s back-to-school teacher gift. Help the kids upcycle a wooden yardstick into a petite planter that’s perfect for succulents and other small plants.

Get the How-To: Teachers Rule: Make This DIY Planter for the First Day

Easy Pencil Pinwheels

With just a little help from an adult, kids can craft these handmade paper pinwheels to add a splash of color to playtime.

Get the How-To: Kids' Craft: Easy Pencil Pinwheel

Salt Painting

Watching salt and watercolor paints combine is fascinating to watch for kids and adults alike. Add glue and salt to watercolor paper or heavy-duty cardstock, let it dry, then apply watercolor paints and watch the colors flow and blend.

Get the How-To: Kid-Friendly Art Project: Raised Salt Painting

Terra-Cotta Pot Windchimes

Transform tiny terra-cotta pots into cheery music for your garden. These chimes are constructed entirely by knotting and gluing — no drilling required!

Get the How-To: Create Colorful Wind Chimes

Glow-in-the-Dark Spray Chalk

Drawing with sidewalk chalk is an always-entertaining activity for kids, and this glow-in-the-dark spray chalk takes it up a notch. Mix up a batch using neon paint and basic pantry ingredients, then encourage the kids to create glowing masterpieces on the sidewalk or driveway.

Block Print Napkins

Turn basic household items into simple stamps, then create your own custom block-print towels and napkins.

Get the How-To: How to Block-Print Napkins With Simple DIY Stamps

Bejeweled Plant Marker

Transform an ordinary rock into a colorful work of art that labels your plants and accents a garden bed.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Decorative Garden Stone

Natural Tie-Dyed Shirts

Stain a shirt on purpose! With a few simple materials, you can turn edibles into safe, beautiful fabric dyes right in your own kitchen.

Get the How-To: Make Tie Dye With Fruit and Vegetables

Found Object Stepping Stones

Grab an old cereal box and some odds and ends like buttons, shells, marbles and mosaic tiles and let kids create their own custom design on a quick-drying cement stepping stone.

Watch the Video: Kid's Garden Steppingstone

Bubble Art

With a bit of food coloring mixed in, bubble solution makes a great painting medium for kids. Break out the bubble wands and start creating one-of-a-kind works of art.

Get the How-To: Kid-Friendly Craft Project: How to Make Bubble Art

Recycled Bottle Ring Toss

Recycled soda bottles and an old fruit crate find new life as a fun ring toss game perfect for summer gatherings.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Ring-Toss Game

Decoupage Photo and Quote Cans

Transform an old tin can into a personalized, decoupaged storage bin. Let the kids cut out their favorite photos and sayings for a completely customizable look.

Get the How-To: Decoupage Photo and Quote Cans

Family Terrarium

Terrariums are one of the easiest ways to keep plants alive in your home. Make one with a tiny family inside using miniature train display figures.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Family Terrarium

From: Michelle Edgemont

Teacher Mugs

Use Porcelaine paint pens to create customized mugs for teachers, parents or grandparents. After drying for 24 hours, the ink is top-shelf dishwasher safe.

Watch the Video: Back-to-School Teacher's Mug

Easy-Sew Tote Bag

A straightforward sewing project for tweens, teens or anyone new to sewing, this lined fabric tote bag is simple to make. Mix and match fabrics to make it totally custom.

Get the How-To: Make an Easy-to-Sew Lined Tote Bag

Road Trip Art Kit

Think of this traveling artists' tool kit as your "Are we there yet?" insurance. Add chalkboard paint to the outside of a metal lunchbox for fun drawing surface, then fill with favorite art supplies.

Get the How-To: Kid's Road Trip Art Kit

60 Fun and Easy Kids' Crafts

Related To:

Shop This Look

Fun and Easy Crafts for Kids of All Ages

Homemade Play Dough

Paper Towel Roll Castle

Glitter Slime

DIY Scratch Art Paper

Easy-Sew Plushie Keychains

Farm-Themed Balloon Animals

Eggshell Geodes

Polymer Clay Trays

Moldable Sand

Goldfish Soap

Finger Knitting Projects

Sun Prints

Fairy Garden Fun

Felt Fairy Wall

Painted Rocks

Beaded Mosquito-Repelling Bracelet

Mini Clay Succulents

Beach-Themed Fairy Garden

Potato Stamping

Rainbow Pom-Pom Wreath

Upcycled Fishing Game

(Really) Thick Homemade Finger Paints

Gnome Garden Getaway

Snow Slime

Hand-Painted Bracelets

Pom-Pom Bunnies

Mason Jar Fruit Lanterns

Seed Bombs

Tin Can Lanterns

Butterfly Window Garland

Salad Spinner Art

Felt Veggie Garden

Summer Camp-Inspired Rope Keychain

Tissue Paper Transfer Art

No-Sew Sock Bunny

Recycled Crayons

Peeps Candy Slime

Ruffled Rose Headband

Wax Paper Rainbow

Paper Dahlias

Drip-Paint Pots

Easy Rag Wreath

Hanging Birdfeeders

Yardstick Planter

Easy Pencil Pinwheels

Salt Painting

Terra-Cotta Pot Windchimes

Glow-in-the-Dark Spray Chalk

Block Print Napkins

Bejeweled Plant Marker

Natural Tie-Dyed Shirts

Found Object Stepping Stones

Bubble Art

Recycled Bottle Ring Toss

Decoupage Photo and Quote Cans

Family Terrarium

Teacher Mugs

Easy-Sew Tote Bag

Road Trip Art Kit

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