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Win a gold medal in crafting

The Summer Olympic Games are right around the corner. If you have younger children, it can be tough to get their interest piqued in watching the games on television for more than a few minutes at a time. Planning ahead to make these fun and easy crafts -- while the family is together and watching -- will create memorable family time and bring everyone together.

A quick search on Pinterest serves up these fabulous Summer Olympics-themed craft ideas and activities.

Paper plate rings

Making an interpretation of the official logo for the Summer Olympic Games couldn't be simpler with this creative use of crayons, paper plates and scissors from Quality-Kids-Crafts. This one is great for preschool-aged kids, and all of that coloring will keep them busy for quite a while.

Origami rings

This craft is another interpretation of the official logo for the games — from Activity Village — but this is more suitable for older kids, or perhaps a crafty adult. Fold origami paper to create the rings, and use a glue stick to hold the ends together. This would make a cute Olympic Games-themed party decoration if you made several of these and hooked them together.

Cupcakes

When it's time for a snack break, these adorable cupcakes from Oopsey Daisy are sure to hit the spot. Use colorful candies to recreate the logo on the frosting. The Oopsey Daisy blog serves up additional ideas for an entire Olympic Games-themed party.

Tissue paper torch

This torch, from the Preschool Crafts for Kids blog, is crafted from white construction paper and red, yellow and orange tissue paper. Pro tip: Wrap the handle in gold foil to make the torch more closely resemble the 2012 London torch. This is a project that is suitable for the entire family.

Patriotic bracelet

This simple craft, from No Time for Flash Cards, uses plastic letter beads and pipe cleaners to create fun bracelets bearing the names of the countries you are rooting for. You could also use your favorite athlete's name. Making these bracelets also turns into a fun letter-learning activity for the younger kids.

More on making this year's Summer Olympic Games memorable

Eating like a gold-metal athlete
Olympics star Kerri Walsh talks healthy living
Fun ways to watch the summer games with your daughter