Crafting with preschoolers builds memories, encourages creativity, and supports early development in a big way. And let’s be honest. If you have preschoolers in your life, you know the importance of keeping their little hands busy, especially during the summer months. That’s where crafting comes in! Below, we’ve rounded up playful and purposeful craft ideas that are more than just cute. They’ll help preschoolers grow the skills they need as they get ready for school.
Why crafting matters for preschoolers
Preschoolers (ages 3–5) are right in the middle of one of the most important periods of brain development in their entire lives. During this stage, their growing brains are making powerful connections that lay the foundation for learning, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.
Crafting supports all of that development! Want to strengthen their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination? Try cutting, gluing, and painting. Need to sharpen their cognitive skills? Crafting teaches patience, planning, and confidence. Every time your preschooler grabs their scissors or glue stick, they are learning something new and having a blast while doing it.
Tips for successful summer crafting with preschoolers
Crafting with preschoolers can get a little messy, but it’s also magical. Here are a few tips to help make your craft time smooth, safe, and full of smiles:
Keep it short and sweet. Little attention spans don’t last long! Plan for shorter crafting sessions (15–30 minutes) that leave them wanting more instead of being overwhelmed.
Prep ahead. Having materials ready to go helps you make the most of craft time without losing momentum.
Safety first. Always supervise closely. Preschoolers should only use washable glue, child-safe scissors, and age-appropriate supplies. (Save the hot glue gun for nap time!)
Let go of perfection. Encourage creativity and independence, even if that sunshine ends up with eight eyes and green rays.
Need crafting supplies? School Outfitters has more than just school furniture. |
Easy indoor summer crafts for preschoolers
Whether it’s too hot to play outside or you just need a break from the sun, these indoor crafts are cool, creative, and made for little hands.
Paper plate sunshine
What you’ll need:
Paper plates
Yellow paint + paintbrush
Red and yellow construction paper
Safety scissors
Glue stick
(Optional: glitter for extra sparkle!)
Instructions: Let your preschooler paint the paper plate a bright yellow. While it dries, help them cut out “sun rays” from the construction paper. Then, help them glue the rays around the edge of the plate. For a little extra dazzle, sprinkle on some glitter and watch their sunshine shine!
Ice cream cone collage
What you’ll need:
1 sheet of construction paper (any color for the background)
Brown construction paper
Pencil
Pom-poms
Safety scissors
Glue stick
Instructions: Start by tracing a triangle onto the brown paper to form the cone. Help your child cut it out, then glue it to the larger sheet of paper. Next comes the fun part. It's time to glue on pom-poms as scoops of “ice cream.” They can stack one, two, or ten scoops!
Watermelon fan craft
What you’ll need:
Paper plate
Green, red, & black marker
Popsicle stick
Safety scissors
Glue stick
Instructions: Start by helping your preschooler cut the paper plate in half. This will be the shape of your watermelon slice. Then, color the outer edge green for the rind and the inside red for the juicy fruit. Once the coloring is done, add little black “seeds” using a marker or crayon. Finish by gluing a popsicle stick for a handle, and just like that... you’ve got a refreshing watermelon fan to help beat the summer heat!
Outdoor and nature-based summer crafts
Take the fun outside! These crafts combine creativity with fresh air and a little nature exploration, perfect for sunny summer days.
Leaf and flower suncatchers
What you’ll need:
Paper plates
Contact paper
Yarn or ribbon
Assorted leaves and flowers
Safety scissors
Hole punch
Tape
Instructions: Cut the center out of a paper plate, creating a circular frame. Tape contact paper to the back with the sticky side facing up. Then, head outside for a nature scavenger hunt! Look for colorful flowers, unique leaves, twigs, or whatever catches your preschooler’s eye. Once their collage is complete, punch a hole toward the top and tie a piece of yarn or ribbon through. Hang it in a bright, sunny window and watch their art come to life.
Painted rock animals
What you’ll need:
A collection of rocks (smooth ones work best)
Paint
Paintbrushes
Instructions: Take a walk and let your preschoolers pick their favorite rocks. Then bring them inside and let the creativity begin! Paint ladybugs, bumblebees, caterpillars, or just colorful, abstract masterpieces. This craft is all about imagination—and washable paint.
Nature collage with summer finds
What you’ll need:
Poster board or large sheet of construction paper
Leaves, flower petals, grass, small twigs (collected on a walk)
Glue stick or school glue
Safety scissors (optional)
Markers or crayons (optional)
Instructions: Head out on a short nature walk with your preschooler and invite them to collect “nature treasures.” Once back inside (or even outside at a table), help them sort through what they’ve found. Then, glue the items onto a large piece of paper to make a nature collage. Let them add drawings or names of the items with markers. This is a great way to connect nature to creativity and spark conversations about the environment.
Themed craft ideas for holidays and special days
Make holidays and special summer moments extra memorable with themed crafts that double as learning and celebration.
4th of July firework art
What you’ll need:
Black construction paper
Red, white, and blue paint
Paintbrush
Straws
Water
Instructions: First, mix a little water into each paint color to help it spread. Have your preschooler splatter paint onto the black paper using a paintbrush. Then, hand them a straw and show them how to gently blow the paint in different directions to create bursting firework effects.
Beach-themed shell art
What you’ll need:
Cardboard or small canvas
Shells (from the beach or craft store)
White school glue or tacky glue
Paint (optional)
Sand (optional)
Paintbrushes
Instructions: Let your preschooler paint the background of their canvas to look like a beach or ocean scene. While the paint dries, help them choose shells to glue onto the surface. You can also sprinkle sand over areas of wet glue to add texture. Try arranging shells into shapes like fish, hearts, or waves. It's a tactile, sensory-rich craft with beautiful results!
Garden bug crafts
These little critters are always a hit! Turn toilet paper rolls into adorable bees and ladybugs.
What you’ll need:
Toilet paper rolls
Paint + paintbrush
Construction paper
Pipe cleaners
Glue stick
Googly eyes
Safety scissors
Instructions: Have your child paint their toilet roll yellow for a bee or red for a ladybug. Once dry, use construction paper to cut out wings and facial features. Add googly eyes for personality and pipe cleaners for antennae. This craft is super fun, and it’s perfect for imaginative play afterward!
Water and sensory crafts
Sensory play supports brain development and is especially powerful in early childhood. These water-inspired crafts are cool, colorful, and just a little bit messy (in the best way.)
Ice cube painting
What you’ll need:
Ice cube tray
Water
Food coloring or washable paint
Popsicle sticks
White paper or watercolor paper
Freezer
Instructions: Fill an ice cube tray with water and add a drop of food coloring or paint to each compartment. Insert a popsicle stick into each section. Freeze overnight. The next day, let your preschooler “paint” with the colored cubes on a sheet of paper. Watch as the colors melt and swirl together, perfect for a hot day and sensory exploration!
Jello sensory play art
What you’ll need:
Instant gelatin mix (multiple colors/flavors)
Boiling water
Plastic trays or baking sheets
White paper
Spoons or scoops
Instructions: Prepare several bowls of gelatin following package instructions and pour each into a shallow tray. Once set, give your preschooler a spoon and white paper. They can scoop, squish, smear, and “paint” using the gelatin. This activity is great for sensory input and imaginative play. But be ready for some giggles and gooey fingers!
Bubble wrap prints
What you’ll need:
Bubble wrap (cut into small squares)
Washable paint
Paint tray or paper plate
White paper
Tape
Instructions: Tape a square of bubble wrap to the table to keep it from sliding. Have your child brush paint over the bubbles, then gently press a piece of paper on top to create a print. Peel back the paper to reveal a cool pattern! Try using multiple colors or layering prints for extra fun. Bonus: Talk about the sound the bubbles make and how the texture feels.
Crafting with recycled materials (Eco-friendly ideas)
Upcycling everyday items into creative masterpieces teaches preschoolers about sustainability while encouraging creativity and problem-solving.
Milk carton bird feeder
What you’ll need:
Empty milk carton (rinsed and dried)
Safety scissors or craft knife (adult use only)
Markers or paint
String or twine
Birdseed
Popsicle stick or wooden skewer
Instructions: Cut a square opening on one side of the milk carton. Let your preschooler decorate the outside with paint, markers, or stickers. Poke a hole below the opening and insert a stick as a perch. Punch two holes at the top, tie with string, and hang it from a tree branch. Fill with birdseed and wait for feathered visitors!
Bottle cap art mosaics
What you’ll need:
Clean bottle caps (various colors)
Cardboard or foam board
Glue
Pencil
Instructions: Draw a simple shape (heart, fish, rainbow) on the cardboard. Help your preschooler glue bottle caps inside the lines, sorting by color or pattern. This is a fun way to teach color recognition and sorting skills while reinforcing eco-conscious habits.
Toilet paper roll binoculars
What you’ll need:
Two toilet paper rolls
Construction paper
Glue stick
Safety scissors
String or yarn
Stickers, markers, or washi tape for decorating
Instructions: Wrap and glue construction paper around each roll. Glue the rolls side-by-side and punch a hole on each outer edge. Tie a length of string through the holes to make a strap. Let your child decorate their new binoculars. Then, head outside for a backyard safari!
Teaching tip: Upcycled crafts help introduce the “3 R’s” ... reduce, reuse, recycle. According to the Nature of Early Play, kids who engage in sustainability-based activities early are more likely to continue eco-friendly habits into adulthood.
Make memories that stick!
Sure, these crafts are designed for preschoolers. But don’t be surprised if you find yourself having just as much fun as they do. Summer crafting with your 3–5-year-old is a chance to fuel their creativity, build essential skills, and make memories that stick around long after the glue dries.
Best of all? Each finished project gives your child a boost of confidence and a sense of accomplishment. And if there’s one thing we do know about preschoolers…it’s that when they love something, they want to do it again (and again... and again). So don’t put those supplies away just yet. You’ll probably be reaching for them sooner than you think!
Outfit your learning spaces with us
Have multiple preschoolers you’re planning summer crafts for? Get a quote on some of School Outfitter’s favorite school furniture, crafting supplies, and more, so you have everything you need for a summer of fun. Don’t forget to check our other blog articles for more activity ideas!
FAQ: Preschool Summer Crafting
What crafts can I do with toddlers in summer?
Start with simple, tactile projects like finger painting, sponge stamping, and paper plate crafts.
How do I keep my preschooler engaged all summer?
Rotate a mix of indoor, outdoor, and sensory crafts. Structure helps, but flexibility is key.
What’s the best glue for preschool crafts?
Washable glue sticks are best. They’re easy to use and clean.
Are these crafts safe for 3-year-olds?
Yes! Every activity on this list uses age-appropriate materials with supervision in mind.
How many crafts should I plan each week?
Two to three crafts per week keep things fresh without feeling overwhelmed.
Can I reuse leftover supplies from other seasons?
Absolutely! Just add a summer twist with colors and nature elements.
