Summer Crafts for Kids (That Won’t Trash Your House)

Summer break is here — and if you’re anything like us, you’re balancing that sweet summer freedom with the constant chorus of “I’m boooored.” Whether you’re home full-time, juggling a flexible work schedule, or just trying to survive those long afternoons, having a few go-to crafts can be a total game-changer.

The good news? You don’t need a full art studio or a Michaels haul to make summer memories. Most of these ideas use supplies you probably already have (or can snag easily from Fred Meyer or the Dollar Store here in Wenatchee).

So grab a lemonade, spread out a beach towel, and let the creativity flow—with minimal cleanup and maximum fun.

1. Nature Suncatchers

Take advantage of our beautiful PNW scenery! Send the kids out to collect leaves, flowers, grass, and petals from the yard (or a walk around the neighborhood). Then grab two sheets of contact paper, stick the nature treasures in between, and cut them into fun shapes—hearts, stars, or good ol’ circles.

Tape them to a window and watch the light shine through.

Bonus: This makes a great “wind down” activity after a hike or splash pad outing.

2. Popsicle Stick Pioneers

Popsicle sticks are surprisingly versatile. You can build mini cabins, create picture frames, or make little wagons (complete with bottle cap wheels). Give it a Wenatchee twist by turning the craft into a “Little House in the Valley” project — complete with tiny orchards or mountains drawn on.

Just add glue, markers, and imagination.

3. Painted Rock Friends

This one’s simple, sweet, and very Pacific Northwest. Collect smooth rocks from the river trail or your backyard, then bring them home to paint. Turn them into animals, veggies, funny faces, or kindness rocks with messages like “You’re amazing!” or “Smile today.”

Let them dry in the sun, then hide them at local parks for other families to find!

Tip: Use acrylic paint and seal with Mod Podge or spray sealer if they’ll be outside.

4. Shaving Cream Fireworks

Perfect for 4th of July week — but fun all summer long. Spray shaving cream on a baking sheet, drop food coloring or liquid watercolor on top, and let the kids swirl it with a toothpick or craft stick. Gently press a piece of cardstock into the foam, lift it up, and scrape off the excess to reveal a marbled “firework” masterpiece.

Messy but magical. (And yes, it smells amazing.)

5. Watercolor Bubble Art

Mix watercolor paint or food coloring with bubble solution and let the kids blow bubbles onto paper. When the bubbles pop, they leave behind dreamy, abstract designs. You can also try this outside with chalk and bubble wands for a full-on bubble bonanza.

PNW mom hack: Set this up on a shaded patio or picnic table while you enjoy a coffee and scroll through the Valley Moms newsletter 😉

6. Toilet Paper Roll Campers

Save those toilet paper rolls! With construction paper, glue, and markers, kids can turn them into little campers or trailers. Add bottle cap wheels and a paper hitch, then draw a scenic PNW campsite backdrop.

This one’s especially fun if your family’s planning a camping trip — let the kids “build” your camper before you hit the road!

7. Lemonade Stand Signs & Menus

If your little entrepreneurs are begging for a lemonade stand, let them be the creative directors. Have them make signs, decorate cups, design menus, and even draw flyers to hand out. (Whether or not you actually host the stand is up to you—sometimes the craft is the real win.)

You can also practice counting money, making change, and setting prices—hello, summer math!

8. Salt Dough Keepsakes

Mix up a batch of salt dough (1 cup flour, ½ cup salt, ½ cup water), and let the kids create handprint ornaments, shapes, or little animals. Bake them at 250°F for a couple of hours until dry, then paint and seal.

These make great gifts for grandparents or “look how tiny my hand was!” memories for your fall shadow box.

9. Garden Marker Painting

Even if you’re not growing a full garden, kids can paint fun wooden spoons, sticks, or rocks with names of fruits, veggies, or flowers. Place them in pots or garden beds — or gift them to a friend with a green thumb.

Wenatchee twist: Try orchard-themed markers—apple, pear, cherry!

10. Friendship Bracelets & Keychains

Bust out the embroidery thread, beads, or even old t-shirts cut into strips. Kids can braid, knot, and bead their way into bracelet-making bliss. Make matching ones for siblings or cousins, or create zipper pulls for backpacks and pool bags.

It’s a great “quiet time” craft for those hot afternoons when everyone needs a little reset.

Summer crafts don’t have to be complicated or Pinterest-perfect. It’s about making memories, flexing those creative muscles, and giving your kids a break from screens (while maybe buying yourself a few minutes of peace). Whether you’re crafting indoors to escape the heat or outside under the apple trees, there’s something magical about making things with your hands.

Tag us @valley_moms when you try one — we’d love to see your summer creations!