50+ August Crafts for Kids to Try Before Summer Ends

Ready to squeeze in a little more creativity before fall rolls in? These August crafts for kids are just right for keeping hands busy and imaginations active during those last weeks of summer. This list has something for everyone, from back-to-school themes to fairy tale fun and outdoor-inspired ideas.

We’ve pulled inspiration from various activities featured on Simple Everyday Mom, so you’ll find links to easy instructions and free templates to help you get started. Let’s make August memorable!

Collage of various colorful kids’ crafts for August, including paper firemen, sailboats, Little Red Riding Hood characters, and paper plate camp scenes. Bold text in the center reads "50+ August Crafts for Kids" with a website link below.

August Crafts For Kids

Back to School

nontoygifts.com

Paper Backpack

Little ones can create a mini paper backpack by cutting, folding, and gluing the provided template pieces into shape, complete with straps and a flap. The coolest part comes next—once kids assemble the backpack, they can dream up all sorts of uses, like stashing tiny paper books inside or using it for pretend play with their toys.

This activity builds excitement for the new school year in a hands-on way, and the blog post comes with a free printable template and easy instructions to get you started.

Crayon Box

Young artists transform simple construction paper into a mini crayon box filled with paper crayons of every color. This imaginative project captures the excitement of a brand new box of crayons—kids love “packing” their handmade paper crayons into the iconic yellow-and-green box they created.

This activity channels back-to-school enthusiasm into art, and the blog's free template and instructions make it easy to recreate at home.

www.firefliesandmudpies.com

Popsicle Stick Apple

Kids paint and glue jumbo popsicle sticks to create a bright red apple, then add felt leaves and even their photo to turn it into a special keepsake. The activity comes with an “Apple of My Eye” theme, making it extra meaningful when a child's smiling face shines from the center of their apple.

This project doubles as a fridge magnet or classroom decoration, and the blog provides the free printable and all the steps to make this fall memory-maker.

Also try: Back to School Worksheets

Pencil Paper Bag Puppet

With a few snips and some glue, a plain brown bag turns into a friendly pencil puppet with a happy face and a bright yellow “pencil” body. Kids get to put on a little show with their new pencil friend—it's perfect for acting out school day scenarios or just having silly conversations to get rid of first-day jitters.

This back-to-school art doubles as a toy that sparks imaginative play, and the blog post comes with a free template to make assembly super simple.

www.darcyandbrian.com

Popsicle Stick Pencil

Kids can make an oversized pencil with a pink eraser and pointed tip by gluing a few wooden sticks and paper cutouts. They'll love that they can write their name on their jumbo pencil or even stick it on the fridge with a magnet, making it a personalized back-to-school decor.

It's a low-prep art with lots of uses (think classroom banner or desk name tag), and the blog includes a printable pattern and complete instructions to help you make this fun project.

Related: Back To School Bus Craft

Torn Paper Apple

Little hands tear up red (or green) paper into lots of bits and glue them down to fill in a big apple shape, giving this activity a fun textured look. To top it off, they add a cute paper worm peeking out of the apple, which always makes kids laugh and brings their artwork to life.

It's an easy fall project that doubles as fine motor practice, and the blog has a free apple template and all the instructions to get you started.

All About Me

alittlepinchofperfect.com

What I Like to Wear

Using a free printable paper doll template, kids can mix and match different shirts, pants, and shoes—coloring and cutting them out—to dress up a little figure that looks like them. They have a blast designing outfits in their favorite colors and styles, turning this project into a personal fashion show on paper.

It's an excellent all-about-me activity that encourages self-expression, and the original blog provides the template and ideas to help get those creative juices flowing.

nontoygifts.com

All About Me Spinner

This project turns self-discovery into a game by letting kids fill in a spinning wheel with fun facts about themselves. They draw or write things like their favorite food, a hobby, or a picture of their family in each section of the wheel, then attach a top piece so they can spin and reveal one fact at a time.

Children love the interactive surprise of each spin, and the blog's printable template makes it easy to create this personal “about me” wheel for the first week of school or an open house.

www.notimeforflashcards.com

All about Me Self Portrait

For this self-portrait art, kids start with a paper plate as the face and decorate it to look like themselves, coloring the plate to match their skin tone and gluing buttons for eyes, a nose, and a smiling mouth. They can even add yarn or paper scraps to match their hair, resulting in a textured, whimsical version of their face.

It's a fantastic way for children to celebrate how they look, down to eye color and hairstyle—and the blog offers handy tips (like using multicultural paints and crayons) to make each portrait special.

www.messylittlemonster.com

All About Me Activity

With a clever mix-and-match printable, kids create a self-portrait that includes their face, hair, and even a favorite outfit. They choose the eyes, hairstyle, and other features from template pieces (or draw their own) and assemble them on a cardstock body, essentially making a mini version of themselves.

This all-about-me activity is very customizable, including an optional face mask accessory for fun, and the blog provides the free portrait template and simple steps to guide you.

www.easypeasyandfun.com

Paper Plate Self Portrait

A paper plate becomes the canvas for a self-portrait as kids paint or color the plate to match their skin, then add art materials to build their features. They might glue on yarn or paper for hair, add googly eyes or draw their own eyes, and even include special details like freckles or glasses to make it look like them.

This open-ended art activity highlights what makes each child unique, and the blog shares tips on how to set it up so every little artist can create a portrait they're proud of.

happytoddlerplaytime.com

Bean Self Portrait

Kids start by sketching a simple outline of their face on cardstock, then they use assorted dried beans to “color in” their hair, eyes, and skin by gluing the beans in place like a mosaic. Choosing different shapes and shades of beans to match their curly hair or skin tone gets children thinking about what makes them unique, and they love the hands-on sensory aspect of picking and placing each bean.

The finished self-portrait is full of texture and personality, and the blog post provides step-by-step guidance and conversation ideas to make the most of this creative activity.

Fairy Tales

Little Red Riding Hood Puppet

All it takes is a paper bag and some cut-out paper pieces for kids to create their own Little Red Riding Hood puppet, complete with her iconic red hood and cape. As soon as kids make her, they can jump into storytelling—using their puppet to act out Little Red's journey through the woods or dream up brand-new adventures.

This activity is an easy way to bring a beloved fairy tale character off the page, and the blog's step-by-step instructions and template make it simple to assemble this classic heroine.

www.redtedart.com

Wooden Spoon Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Wooden spoons turn into Goldilocks and the Three Bears with some paint and creativity: one spoon becomes Goldilocks (with yellow yarn hair), and the other three become Papa, Mama, and Baby Bear (each decorated with their outfits and bear ears). Kids adore creating these characters because once they finish, they can use the spoon puppets to reenact the whole Goldilocks story at home, complete with “just right” porridge adventures.

It's a fantastic blend of art and storytelling, and the blog post has all the tips (and adorable details like felt bear ears) to help you create the complete set of characters.

Related: Bear Handprint Craft

iheartcraftythings.com

Paper Bag Mermaid

A regular lunch sack becomes a swimming mermaid puppet after kids adorn it with a tail, fins, and flowing yarn hair. If you have a little mermaid fan, they'll be thrilled to make her “swim” and talk, diving into hours of under-the-sea pretend play once the glue dries.

This puppet art is easy to create but delivers big, imaginative fun, and the blog shares all the steps and patterns you need to bring your mermaid to life (no magic trident required).

Also try: Mermaid Toilet Paper Roll Craft

Cinderella Puppet

Kids can transform a humble brown bag into a princess puppet by adding Cinderella's signature blue gown, a bun hairstyle, and a sweet smile. After creating their Cinderella, children will love putting on a mini puppet show—whether recreating the moment she loses her slipper or inventing a new happily-ever-after.

It's an uncomplicated art with a big payoff in pretend play, and the blog's free template ensures your little one can easily create this royal puppet.

www.momsandcrafters.com

Goldilocks and the Three Bears Puppets

This set of printable puppets makes retelling Goldilocks and the Three Bears a breeze: kids color in Goldilocks and all three bears (or use the pre-colored version), then cut them out and glue each onto a stick. They have four characters ready for an instant puppet show in no time, letting them play out the tale of the curious girl and the three bears with their creative twist.

It's an engaging combo of coloring and imaginative play, and the blog provides free downloads and simple instructions to bring these fairy tale friends to life.

Related: Toilet Paper Roll Bear Craft

artsymomma.com

Paper Plate Cinderella Carriage

One paper plate, some paint, and a dash of sparkle are all kids need to create Cinderella's magical carriage. They decorate a plate to look like the iconic pumpkin carriage—complete with paper wheels and fancy swirls—and they can even place a Cinderella cut-out or their photo in a carriage window for a personal touch.

The finished coach is perfect for pretend play or bedroom display, and the blog's tutorial walks you through making this fairy-tale activity step by step.

Mermaid Paper

With just some colored paper and glue, kids can create a whimsical mermaid friend by cutting out and assembling the tail, body, and flowing hair from a free template. They can get creative choosing the mermaid's hair color and tail design, making each one unique (think purple hair or a rainbow fin!).

It's a quick summer art that invites ocean-themed imagination, and the blog offers the printable pattern and instructions so you can dive right in.

artsymomma.com

Snow White Pony Bead

Kids get to create a mini Snow White chain by following a simple bead pattern: they string colorful pony beads onto cord or pipe cleaners to form the princess's dress and hair. Kids feel like they're making their little toy or keychain as they create this bead princess.

Once finished, they can hang it on a backpack zipper or keep it as a special memento. Threading the beads is excellent fine motor fun, and the blog's tutorial provides the bead layout and tips so that every child ends up with a sparkly Snow White of their own.

teachbesideme.com

Rapunzel Tower Pulley

This project is part art, part science experiment: kids construct Rapunzel's tall tower (often using a cardboard tube) and then rig up a working pulley system at the top. By looping a string over a small wheel or tube on the tower, they can attach a basket or paper “bucket” and lift and lower it, just like Rapunzel might hoist someone up without using her hair.

It's a brilliant way to mix fairy-tale fun with STEM learning, and the blog gives clear instructions on building the tower and pulley so your young engineers can succeed.

Goats Paper Bag Puppet

Kids create an endearing goat puppet that looks straight off the farm by adding horns, ears, and a goofy little goatee to a brown paper bag. They'll have fun making the goat “bleat” and nibble pretend grass, and you can even use it to act out the Three Billy Goats Gruff story for extra giggles.

Kids can easily assemble this puppet using the blog's free template and enjoy plenty of imaginative play long after the activity ends.

fromabcstoacts.com

Beanstalk Paper Plate

Kids paint a paper plate green and, after it dries, cut it into a spiral shape that looks just like Jack's towering beanstalk. They can glue on paper leaves and add a cotton-ball cloud or a tiny paper castle at the top, making it feel like the beanstalk is reaching the sky.

This spiral beanstalk can stretch out and sway, adding a cool interactive element to story time, and the blog provides easy instructions to help your little one bring this Jack and the Beanstalk scene to life.

bigfamilyblessings.com

Snow White Puppet

By layering cut-out cardstock pieces, kids assemble a cute Snow White figure with her red bow headband and yellow skirt, then attach her to a popsicle stick to create a puppet. Kids love watching the famous princess take shape in their hands, and once they finish the puppet, they can use it to act out scenes with Snow White—and maybe even the seven dwarfs.

This simple art yields an adorable story-time prop, and the blog provides a free pattern for all the pieces and easy instructions to put it together.

www.redtedart.com

Toilet Paper Roll Three Little Pigs

An empty toilet roll becomes an adorable little pig with a coat of pink paint and lovely details like googly eyes, a round snout, and even tiny felt overalls for extra cuteness. This piggy is part of the fun of the Three Little Pigs story—make three of them and you've got the whole trio ready to face the big bad wolf (mainly if you create some paper houses for them too!).

Kids love recycling while creating, and the blog shares all the how-tos (plus patterns for those cute pig ears and overalls) to help you make these fairy tale friends.

Also try: Pig Headband Craft

frugalfun4boys.com

Pipe Cleaner Princess

This pipe cleaner princess art lets kids make their little dolls using fuzzy pipe cleaners, a wooden bead for the head, and a cupcake liner as the puffed-out skirt. Each princess is bendable and sturdy enough to play with, so once your child finishes making them, they can dance, twirl, and go on royal adventures in their pretend castle.

It feels like a mini DIY toy project, and the blog's step-by-step instructions (including how to fashion a tiny crown) will guide you in creating these lovely pipe cleaner royals.

Related: Princess Handprint Craft

Camping

Handprint Campfire

Imagine turning your child's handprint into the bright flames of a campfire—that's exactly what this art does with just some construction paper and glue. Kids trace and cut out their hand shapes in fiery colors to stack above paper logs, creating a uniquely theirs campfire.

It's a simple, memorable project (complete with a free template for the log shape on the blog) that adds a personal touch to camping pretend play.

nontoygifts.com

Paper Plate Camping

Little campers can transform two paper plates into a mini campsite with a cozy campfire and a pint-sized tent. This project even has an interactive twist—one plate layers or moves to make the scene come alive, sparking kids' excitement as they pretend to camp under the stars.

It's a clever way for young adventurers to bring the outdoors inside, and they can visit the original blog for a free template and all the art details.

Related: Camping Tracing Worksheets

iheartcraftythings.com

Cupcake Liner Campfire

A clever twist in this art is using cupcake liners to create the look of flickering campfire flames. Kids flatten and layer colorful liners to mimic the glowing embers of a real campfire, then top it off by “roasting” a pretend marshmallow on a stick for extra fun.

It's an easy afternoon project that brings campfire nostalgia to life, and you can get all the details (and a peek at the marshmallow idea) from the original blog post.

Also try: Camping Tent Craft

Handprint Fox

Kids can magically turn their handprint into an adorable fox with a trace of a hand and a bit of cutting. Orange paper (or a layer of orange paint) transforms those five little fingers into the fox's fur and ears, making a woodland friend that's equal parts art and keepsake.

It's creative, personal, and perfect for imaginative play (think pretending your fox prowls the campsite). The complete how-to with a printable template is on the blog.

www.thebestideasforkids.com

Smores Project

You can't eat this s'more, but making it is almost as fun as the real thing! Kids stack “graham cracker” squares, a paper chocolate, and a fluffy pretend marshmallow to create a lifelike s'mores art that looks good enough to nibble.

The layers make it a playful, hands-on project that captures the yumminess of camping, and the original blog even provides a template to get those pieces just right.

Related: Smores Name Craft

happytoddlerplaytime.com

Tents by the Campfire

Kids can create their nighttime campsite scene by creating little paper tents and a campfire under a starry sky. They'll draw or paint the dark sky background (complete with twinkling stars) and then set up colorful paper tents next to an orange-and-red paper campfire.

This easy activity combines art and imagination—after making it, kids can almost hear the campfire crackle—and the blog outlines the simple steps to bring it all together.

Also try: Camping Activity Sheets

buggyandbuddy.com

Glowing Campfire

Who says you can't have a campfire indoors? This clever project lets kids build a mini campfire that glows, using safe materials like tissue paper for flames and a little light underneath to make it flicker.

Kids will be thrilled to turn off the lights and see their pretend campfire come alive, and the project is simple too – check out the original post to learn the trick behind the glow.

Related: Camping Cutting Practice Pages

craftbits.com

Brown Bear Paper Plate

This fun project turns a plain paper plate into a friendly brown bear face. Kids paint or color the plate and add paper ears plus a cute snout, ending up with an adorable bear buddy they can use for storytelling or pretend play (perfect for a “going on a bear hunt” game or a teddy bear picnic).

It's a simple project that feels fresh because it connects art time with imaginative play, and the blog provides a printable template to make creating a bear even easier.

Also try: Brown Bear Paper Bag Puppet Craft

Transportation

Rocket Paper Plate

If your kids are fascinated by outer space, this rocket ship art will send their creativity soaring. A simple paper plate forms the rocket's base; kids decorate it with bright paint, attach fins and a nose cone, and add a blazing paper flame at the bottom to make a spacecraft ready for blast-off.

It's an easy project that's out-of-this-world fun, and you can grab the free rocket template plus step-by-step guidance from the original post.

www.thejoysharing.com

Airplane Activity

Building this little airplane is like a mini engineering project for kids. They use popsicle sticks and other everyday supplies to create a toy plane model. As they glue the wings, propeller, and tail in place, they'll naturally learn what each part is called (so it's art and educational at the same time).

Once finished, their custom plane is ready to fly in pretend flights around the house, and the full build instructions are available on the original blog.

alittlepinchofperfect.com

Toilet Paper Roll Car

An empty toilet paper roll can zoom into action as a toy car once your child transforms it with paint and creativity. They'll cut out a seat in the cardboard tube and add wheels, turning it into a pint-sized convertible perfect for small dolls or action figures.

It's a fantastic recycle-and-play activity that lets kids vroom around with their handmade car, and you can find the template and painting tips on the original blog.

Rocket Ship Name

What better way to help kids learn to spell their name than by turning it into a rocket ship? In this project, each letter of the child's name goes on a colorful paper segment of the rocket's body, so when it's assembled vertically, it spells their name as a tall rocket ready for launch.

Little astronauts will beam with pride at their very own name rocket, and the blog provides a free template to make cutting out all the pieces a breeze.

taminglittlemonsters.com

Paper Plate Boat

Here's a chance for kids to set sail on a sea of imagination by turning a paper plate into a cute little boat. They'll cut and paint the plate to form the boat's hull, then add a colorful paper sail on a mast, designing their vessel to cruise pretend waters.

It's a breezy summer art that toddlers and preschoolers will adore, and the original blog post breaks down the simple steps to make it smooth sailing.

theresjustonemommy.com

Cardboard Tube Disney Cars

Kids who love Disney's Cars will be thrilled to create their little race cars inspired by the movie. Using cardboard tubes, paint, and some creativity, they can recreate a particular famous red race car (or any of their favorite characters) complete with big eyes and plenty of personality.

After creating, they'll zoom their new vehicles around on make-believe roads for hours, and the blog post provides tips to get those character details just right.

www.pinkstripeysocks.com

Toilet Roll Biplane

With this imaginative project, you can upcycle a toilet paper tube into an adorable old-fashioned biplane. Kids assemble two sets of wings onto the painted tube and add a propeller at the front, making a mini airplane that looks straight out of history.

They'll love zooming their homemade biplane around in loops and dives, and the original tutorial shares how to keep those wings sturdy for endless pretend flights.

www.redtedart.com

Self-Propelled Margarine Tub Boat

It's full steam ahead with this tugboat art that floats and propels itself through water! An empty margarine tub becomes the boat's hull, and with some art engineering (think a rubber-band-powered paddle), kids can wind up their boat and watch it zip across the bathtub or pool.

This DIY vessel doubles as a science experiment, and the blog's instructions show how to make your little tugboat truly seaworthy.

emmaowl.com

Egg Carton Rocket

Don't toss that egg carton – it can become a super cool rocket ship in this recycled art. Kids use the carton's cups or cones to build a three-dimensional rocket, painting it and adding details like fins and fiery exhaust (perhaps with tissue paper) for an excellent blast-off effect.

The finished rocket is sturdy enough for playtime adventures, and the original blog provides a template and tips to help every little astronaut launch their creation successfully.

booksandgiggles.com

School Bus Paper Roll

Beep beep—this cheerful school bus art turns a plain paper roll into a minibus ready to “drive” toy passengers to school. Kids paint the roll bright yellow, add wheels and drawn-on windows (maybe even little faces peeking out), and make an adorable bus with lots of play value after creativity.

It's an engaging way to get excited for school adventures, and you can find the full tutorial on the blog to guide your route.

www.reallifeathome.com

Paper Plate Car

This paper plate car is perfect for a quick project for a car-loving kid. Half a paper plate becomes the car's body, which children can paint in any color. Then, they attach paper wheels and a few drawn details to finish the look.

It's simple but fuels a lot of excitement—kids finish their creation and immediately start zooming it around, and the blog provides a printable and helpful guide to make the process even easier.

www.thebestideasforkids.com

Pool Noodle Boats

These little pool noodle boats float, making them fantastic art for some wet-and-wild play. By cutting a pool noodle into sections and adding a foam or paper sail on a straw mast, kids can create a fleet of unsinkable mini boats in no time.

They'll love sailing them in the bathtub or pool (and maybe even blowing on them to race), and the original post has all the pointers to get your boats water-ready.

booksandgiggles.com

Rocket Art

This rocket art has an extra “wow” factor: it shines! Kids assemble a simple paper rocket (using the provided template) and then decorate it with reflective materials like tinfoil or shiny paper, making it sparkle like a real spacecraft catching sunlight.

Not only is it fun to make and display, but the process introduces a superb art technique, and the blog post walks you through each step to achieve that stellar shine.

Also try: Cut And Paste Rocket Craft

thecraftathomefamily.com

Milk Carton School Bus

With some paint and creativity, that empty milk carton from the recycling bin can become a sturdy toy school bus. Kids cover the carton in bright yellow (using free template pieces for details like the windshield or stop sign), add some wheels, and suddenly, it's a school bus ready to roll across the living room floor.

This project makes a bigger, durable vehicle that kids can play with, and the blog post includes printable details to help bring your bus to life.

homeschoolpreschool.net

Popsicle Stick Tractor

Little farmers will enjoy piecing together this popsicle stick tractor. By painting and gluing a few popsicle sticks into the shape of a tractor and adding big paper wheels, kids create a mini farm vehicle that's as cute as it is easy to make.

It's an excellent fit for farm or transportation themes—children can drive their tiny tractor through imaginary fields after creating, and the blog provides simple instructions for preschoolers.

Related: Tractor Popsicle Stick Craft

happytoddlerplaytime.com

Cardboard Bicycle

This creative art lets kids make their bicycle (in miniature, of course) using cardboard and a bit of imagination. Two round pieces (like small paper plates or cardboard circles) become the wheels; kids connect them with a cardboard frame and handlebars.

Then, they decorate them with fun touches like yarn streamers or star stickers to give their bike some flair. It's an out-of-the-box transportation project that gets kids practicing scissor skills and design, and the blog shares all the steps to pedal through this project successfully.

Community Helpers

Doctor Paper Bag Puppet

Turn a plain paper lunch bag into a friendly doctor puppet that can inspire lots of pretend play. With the help of a printable template, kids will glue on a paper doctor's coat, a medical bag, and even a stethoscope to give their puppet a realistic look.

After creating their new doctor friend, kids can have fun acting out check-ups and hospital scenes, and the blog post provides all the pieces and instructions to make it a stress-free art project.

www.adabofgluewilldo.com

Paper Police Hat

Every junior officer needs a hat, and this project lets kids make their own police hat with just construction paper and a few snips. Using the provided template, they'll cut out a police badge shape and hat front, decorate them (perhaps writing “Police” or their name), and attach the band to fit around their head.

It becomes part of their dress-up gear for make-believe play as a community hero, and the original post has the template and tips to get the hat sizing just right.

Firefighter Puppet

Kids can create their firefighter buddy with this fun puppet art from a simple paper bag. After coloring and cutting out the pieces of the firefighter's uniform and big red helmet (a printable template makes it easy), they glue them onto the bag to give it a brave first-responder look.

Once done, the puppet is ready to “save the day” in kids ' imaginative fire-rescue stories, and the blog post shares all the templates and instructions to get your little hero ready.

www.messylittlemonster.com

Community Helpers Activity

This activity is a whole set of community helpers that kids can create using one handy template. Whether they want to make a firefighter, a doctor, a police officer, or another helper, the printable patterns let kids cut and glue together each character's outfit and tools onto a basic paper person shape.

For a super-personal touch, they can even use their photo as the helper's face (which kids love), and the blog post includes all the templates and ideas to get started on this adorable community crew.

Police Officer Paper Bag Puppet

Add a police officer to your child's puppet squad with this easy paper bag art. With the provided pattern pieces, kids assemble the officer's uniform, badge, and cap onto a paper bag, instantly creating a friendly police puppet.

It's a simple project that opens up significant opportunities for creative play (like directing traffic in a pretend town), and all the instructions and templates are available on the blog.

More Fun Kid’s Ideas

21 Back to School Crafts Kids Will Love!
16 Tree-mendous Camping Books for Preschoolers
15 Fun Camping Activities For Kids

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photograph of found of Simple Everyday Mom, Sam

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Sam is the crafter and founder of Simple Everyday Mom. She has been featured in Oprah Mag, Good Housekeeping, The Spruce Crafts, Country Living, The Bump, and more.

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