Fun DIY crafts for kids

Keeping kids engaged and entertained doesn’t have to involve screens or expensive toys. DIY crafts are a fantastic way to spark creativity, develop fine motor skills, and have some quality family time. Plus, they’re just plain fun! Below, we’ve gathered some simple, creative, and budget-friendly DIY crafts for kids that will keep them happily busy.

1. Paper Plate Animals

Turn ordinary paper plates into a zoo full of animals!
What You’ll Need:

• Paper plates
• Paint, markers, or crayons
• Googly eyes
• Construction paper
• Glue and scissors

How to Make:

1. Paint or color the paper plate to match the animal’s body.
2. Use construction paper to cut out ears, tails, and other features.
3. Glue on googly eyes and draw additional details like whiskers or stripes.
4. Let it dry, and your animal is ready to play!

2. Popsicle Stick Puppets

Let kids create their very own puppet show.
What You’ll Need:

• Popsicle sticks
• Markers or paint
• Felt, fabric, or paper
• Glue and scissors

How to Make:

1. Decorate the popsicle sticks with paint or markers.
2. Cut out shapes for clothes, hair, or wings from felt or paper.
3. Glue the pieces onto the popsicle sticks to create characters.
4. Add faces, and your puppets are ready for storytelling!

3. DIY Slime

Kids love the gooey fun of homemade slime.
What You’ll Need:

• White school glue
• Baking soda
• Contact lens solution
• Food coloring or glitter (optional)

How to Make:

1. Mix 4 ounces of glue with ½ teaspoon of baking soda in a bowl.
2. Add a few drops of food coloring or glitter for extra flair.
3. Slowly add 1 tablespoon of contact lens solution while stirring.
4. Knead the slime until it reaches the desired consistency.

4. Handprint Art

Capture your child’s creativity and create keepsakes.
What You’ll Need:

• Washable paint
• Paper or canvas
• Markers

How to Make:

1. Dip your child’s hands in washable paint.
2. Press their handprints onto paper or canvas.
3. Use markers or paint to turn the handprints into animals, flowers, or other designs.

5. Rock Painting

Transform ordinary rocks into colorful treasures.
What You’ll Need:

• Smooth rocks
• Acrylic paint or paint pens
• Paintbrushes
• Sealant (optional)

How to Make:

1. Wash and dry the rocks.
2. Paint designs, animals, or even positive messages.
3. Let the paint dry and seal with a clear spray for durability.

6. Recycled Art Projects

Teach kids about sustainability with crafts using household items.
What You’ll Need:

• Toilet paper rolls, bottle caps, old magazines, or cardboard
• Glue, tape, or string
• Paint or markers

How to Make:

1. Gather recycled materials and let kids imagine what they want to create.
2. Use glue or tape to assemble the materials into sculptures, vehicles, or other creations.
3. Decorate with paint or markers.

7. Bead Jewelry

Let your kids design their own accessories.
What You’ll Need:

• Beads (various colors and shapes)
• String or elastic cord

How to Make:

1. Cut the string to the desired length for bracelets or necklaces.
2. Let your child string the beads in their favorite pattern.
3. Tie a knot to secure the ends.

8. Homemade Playdough

Make your own playdough in just minutes!
What You’ll Need:

• 2 cups of flour
• 1 cup of salt
• 1 tablespoon of oil
• 1 cup of water
• Food coloring

How to Make:

1. Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl.
2. Add water, oil, and a few drops of food coloring.
3. Knead until the dough is smooth.

Tips for Craft Time Success

• Prepare a craft station: Lay down newspapers or a plastic tablecloth to keep surfaces clean.
• Supervise young kids: Help with scissors, glue guns, or other potentially dangerous tools.
• Encourage creativity: There’s no wrong way to craft! Let your kids experiment and express themselves.

Crafting with kids is a wonderful way to make memories while encouraging creativity and learning. Whether it’s painting rocks, making slime, or creating animal puppets, these fun DIY crafts are sure to bring smiles to your little ones’ faces.