Fall is around the corner and that means one thing – more rainy days, miserable weather and indoor time.
If you’re one of those parents who don’t want their little one spending every free moment watching tv or playing with gadgets, here is a list you need to bookmark: 50+ crafts, DIYs and activities that will keep those little hands busy.
Crafts are not just a great way to pass time, but they have also multiple developmental benefits – did you know that simple activities like drawing, cutting out and coloring can improve bilateral coordination?
That means kids learn to use both of their hands at the same time, which is important in later life and help them with learning to write and tie their shoe laces for examples.
Other developmental benefits of crafts include improving fine motor coordination, learn patience and self-control and boost their self esteem.
If that’s not enough reasons, here is another one – they are simply too cute to miss these! So what do you say, which one will you start with?
Simple, But Creative Crafts
Keeping kids entertained and engaged can be challenging, especially during school breaks or long weekends.
Creative crafts are a fantastic way to harness your children’s creativity while keeping them busy.
DIY Paper Masks
One of the easiest and most enjoyable crafts for kids is making their own paper masks.
This activity allows children to explore their creativity and can be tailored to fit various themes such as animals, superheroes, or even their favorite cartoon characters.
Materials Needed:
- Construction paper or cardstock
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers, crayons, or paints
- Elastic string
- Decorative items (glitter, stickers, feathers)
Instructions:
- Start by drawing the outline of a mask on a piece of construction paper or cardstock. This could be a simple oval shape or something more elaborate like an animal face.
- Let your kids color and decorate their masks using markers, crayons, or paints. Encourage them to add creative touches with glitter, stickers, and feathers.
- Once the masks are decorated and dry, make small holes on each side and thread an elastic string through them. Adjust the length so the mask fits comfortably on your child’s face.
Painted Rocks
Painted rocks are a delightful craft that combines a bit of nature with artistic expression. Kids love the process of selecting their rocks and transforming them into colorful pieces of art.
Materials Needed:
- Smooth, flat rocks
- Acrylic paints
- Paintbrushes
- Sealer (optional)
Instructions:
- Go on a nature walk to collect smooth, flat rocks. Clean them thoroughly and let them dry.
- Before painting, have your kids decide what they want to paint on their rocks. This could be anything from simple patterns to detailed images.
- Using acrylic paints, let the kids paint their designs on the rocks. Multiple coats may be needed for bright, vibrant colors.
- Once the paint is dry, apply a clear sealer to protect the artwork, especially if the rocks will be placed outside.
Homemade Playdough
Making playdough at home is a fun and educational activity that kids enjoy. Not only do they get to play with the dough, but they also learn about measurements and mixing.
Materials Needed:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup salt
- 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups water
- Food coloring
Instructions:
- In a large pot, mix the flour, salt, and cream of tartar.
- Add the vegetable oil, water, and food coloring to the dry mixture.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the dough begins to form and pull away from the sides of the pot.
- Remove the dough from the pot and let it cool slightly. Knead it until smooth and store it in an airtight container.
55+ Best Crafts to Keep your Kids Busy
1. Bookmarks
Let your kids pick a motive or animal they like the most and then make these crafts together.
2. 3D Paper Planets
These crafts require a bit of skill and help from mom and dad, but they make a great addition to kids’ rooms!
3. Paper Chain Snake Crafts
Easy diy toy even for the smallest fingers!
4. DIY Football Table Crafts
Brilliant home made football table to entertain both kids and adults.
5. Bird Houses Crafts
These look like they have been cut out straight from a Harry Potter movie!
6. Princess Bookmarks Crafts
Cute bookmarks for little girls.
7. Pom Pom Pens
Dress up their pens and pencils with some pom poms.
8. DIY Masks
These crafts are not just for Halloween!
9. Paper Garland
Decorate their room with this simple and cheerful garland.
10. Moving Fish
This one doesn’t need any water.
11. Plate Spiders
Paper plates strike again!
12. Milk Carton Village
Bit of paper, glue, milk cartons and voila – a whole village is ready for play.
13. Paper Dinosaurs
Reuse your spare paper plates and make a whole family of dinosaurs!
14. Paper Dragon
Minimum effort, maximum enjoyment.
15. Balloon Dart Painting
For those little artists.
16. Pineapple Painting
Get those little fingers dirty!
17. Popsicle Craft
Great craft to remember fun summer days.
18. Squirt Gun Paint
If its still warm outside, why not try this one!
19. Fireworks Painting with Toilet Rolls
Reuse toilet rolls to make this simple art.
20. Paint Splash
Kids love to make mess, so while they’re at it, why not create art same time?
21. Glue & Paint Fireworks
Another firework project to get their hands dirty.
22. Spin Painting
For preschoolers, but equally fun for mom and dad to do.
23. Tic Tac Toe
Collect some rocks from the garden or beach and turn them into a never ending round of fun.
24. Minion Stones
Three colors, rocks and so much fun!
25. DIY Car Track from Stones
This is on top of my list, my little guy will love this one!
26. Ladybug Stones
Got some rocks left still? What about these cute ladybugs?
27. Stone Puzzle
Why play puzzle with paper when you can use cool rocks?
28. Rock Monster Magnets
Awww… I can see these on my fridge!
29. Rock Kitchen Food
Have you got mud kitchen in your backyard? This one is a must have then!
30. Hand Painted Cactus
Pinterest is roaring with these and I can see why!
31. Pen Holders
Used bottles make pretty pen holders, all you need is scissors and a bit of paint.
32. Toilet Roll Animals
Toilet rolls are one of the most popular craft supplies on Pinterest, these little animals are one of the best examples I’ve found.
33. Marshmallow Play Dough
Did you know you can make a play dough from marshmallows?
34. Lego Cups
Cute little faces to brighten up your day.
35. Hand Print Fish Puppets
Cut the shape and let them decorate their own puppets.
36. Jelly Fish
Great craft that can be used as a decoration for kids’ room.
37. Bee Hive
Kinder Surprise eggs turn into a bunch of cute bees that are finding their way into the bee hive.
38. Superhero Masks
Who doesn’t love a superhero, even without a Halloween party!
39. Funny Face Flip Book
One for older kids.
40. Toilet Roll Dolls
Make her favorite princess or a movie character.
41. Cork Sailboats
Great company for bath time.
42. Cars from Toilet Rolls
Let them race with their customized cars made out of toilet rolls.
43. Floating Dino
My favorite Dinosaur decoration from Pinterest, so simple to make and so cute!
44. Spider
Get them ready ahead of Halloween!
45. Grasshopper
Don’t just pull out the cocktail glass!
46. Chick Finger Puppet
All it needs is two little fingers!
47. Napkin Paper Ballerinas
The most beautiful art from napkin paper I’ve seen, what do you think?
48. Dragonfly
Pretty dragonflies with some basic diy supplies.
49. Flying Dragons
Let them decorate their own dragon cutouts and watch them fly.
50. Popsicle Ballerinas
Dancing ballerinas made from Popsicle sticks and cupcake paper.
51. Paper Spinner
Fun for adults to make and for kids to use!
52. Popsicle Chalk
53. Newspaper Roses
54. Cereal Box Bookmarks
55. Flying Butterflies
56. Bird Feeders
Engaging your kids in creative crafts is not only a great way to keep them occupied but also an excellent method to foster their creativity, enhance their fine motor skills, and provide a productive outlet for their boundless energy.
From simple paper crafts to more elaborate DIY projects, the 55+ craft ideas we’ve explored offer a diverse range of activities suitable for various age groups and interests.
Remember, the goal is not perfection but the joy and learning that come from creating something with their own hands!
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When I click on source, it takes me to a facebook page Livemasters and not the instructions or pattern. Trying to get the patterns for the dinosaur balloons.
When you click on the tiny source button, it takes you to the instructions. thank you so much!
If you click ‘source’, under the pictures, it will take you to that picture. Then click the word ‘source’ in pink, that is in the corner of the picture.
Great ideas but when I click onto source all I get is another picture Am I doing something wrong because I tried several of your ideas but no instructions. I’m disappointed.
Linda
Hello, we’re sorry for the inconvenience. If you click on the source button under each image, it will redirect you to the instructions page. We’ll do our best to improve the structure of the article. Thank you for reading Momooze.
Hey! Where’s the insructions? I’m pretty pissed
same here….
same here……
absolutely fabulous ideas!!!!! wish some directions or tips were provided as well, though- one of my best pins yet!
love the ideas. I can’t figure out how to find the directions. When I click on ‘source’ it takes me to another picture.
Kathy
Thank you! We’re glad you liked it! More interesting posts on the website, please feel free to browse or follow! :)