21 Summer Crafts for When It’s Just Too Hot to Play Outside

by SheKnows Parenting Editors
Jun 07, 2017 at 11:30 am EDT

Jun 07, 2017 at 11:30 am EDT

21 Summer Crafts for When It's — Image: Tiffany Egbert/SheKnows

Ah, the freedom and fun of summer. It’s definitely the season for kids to be outdoors running in the sprinklers and splashing in the pool — but sometimes it just gets too hot.

These summer crafts are the perfect projects for keeping kids busy when temperatures are too high for them to run around in the yard.

Updated by Sarah Long on 6/7/17.

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With some black foam and waterproof glue, these flip-flops are so easy to make and so cute to wear at the beach.

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Who knew a plastic drop cloth and some creativity could keep kids busy in the backyard for hours?

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A cute, cheap and easy craft to beat the inevitable out-of-school boredom.

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All kids love imaginative play. Teach them about plant care while working together to create a miniature landscape that includes dinosaurs, fairies or whatever they like.

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Using items around the house, you can create a great kite that will follow your kids anywhere! This DIY walking kite craft is perfect for little ones.

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This messy (in a good way) sidewalk project will make kids forget all about the heat.

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As long as you’re prepared for the color-splosion, this educational project is too cute to not try at least once.

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The perfectly adorable DIY accessory for an impromptu backyard picnic.

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Get outside with your kids, and turn ordinary terra-cotta pots into extraordinary colorful art. This DIY planter project is simple and so much fun. Find out how to create your own garden art.

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Bring a little nature indoors this season by creating a terrarium. This little indoor terrarium craft is simple but a whole lot of fun. Plus it’s a great way to introduce your kids to gardening.

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Spend the morning kaleidoscope crafting and the afternoon peering and imagining in the backyard.

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These adorable lightbulb bumblebees are easy to make with just a few supplies. Spend the afternoon making these cute bees and other spring crafts for kids.

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Fun to make and just as fun to watch them grow.

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Set up a safe space on the back porch, and let those inner Picassos loose.

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Because kids are always begging to bring home sand from the beach.

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For those days when the spring weather has brought in a few showers, keep your kids busy with these special rainy day crafts. From a cloud mobile to a raindrop banner, they’re sure to love them all.

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These cute and colorful rock garden monsters are easy to make with a little paint — and a lot of imagination.

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You’ve probably seen those cute shell-covered jewelry boxes in gift shops. Now you and your little ones can make your own. Check out how to make this easy project and other beach crafts for kids.

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Open another bottle of wine, Mom — you deserve it! But save that cork! You can make a variety of cool crafts from wine corks, from silly monsters to boats that really sail.

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Help your little ones create a special keepsake for Daddy this Father’s Day. He’ll love this handprint tile paperweight or any of these other adorable Father’s Day crafts.

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Independence Day will be here before you know it. Gear up for 4th of July by creating red, white and blue crafts with your kids. From a star wand to a tissue paper wreath, all of these 4th of July crafts are easy and fun to make.