30+ End Of Summer Crafts Kids Can Make With Simple Supplies

As summer winds down, it’s a great time to slow down and enjoy creative moments with kids. These end of summer crafts are perfect for preschoolers through early elementary students and work well for parents, teachers, caregivers, and homeschoolers.

Use them at home, in classrooms, or in daycare during those last sunny days. With simple supplies and low prep, kids can build fine motor skills while having fun. You’ll find painting, printables, and more in our summer crafts collection.

Colorful graphic reading “End of Summer Crafts for Screen-Free Time at Home,” surrounded by examples of summer-themed kids’ crafts.

July & August Kids Activities

Summer Food Crafts

Ice Cream Handprint

A traced hand shape on colored cardstock becomes a fun keepsake for the last week of school, especially when kids decorate the base with brown marker lines. Print the template pieces, cut them out, and use glue and markers to add simple details, such as eyes and a smile.

Send it home as a “summer's almost here” project that parents can tuck into an end-of-year memory box.

www.projectswithkids.com

Watermelon Painted Rocks

Smooth river rocks turn into colorful yard art for the start of summer break, using acrylic paint and a few paint pens. Kids paint a red-and-pink base coat, add a green border with paint pens, then draw simple faces and small black details.

Seal the finished designs with Mod Podge so they're ready to hide around the neighborhood after the last day of school.

Related: Torn Paper Watermelon Craft

barleyandbirch.com

Paper Bag Ice Cream Cone Sculptures

Turn the end-of-school-year “extra paper bag” pile into a puffy soft sculpture kids can paint and personalize. Trace printable shapes onto a brown grocery or lunch bag, cut two matching sides, paint them, then thread with yarn (or staple) and stuff with polyfill or shredded paper.

Decorative add-ons like paper scraps or painted pasta make the finished piece feel like a mini summer art show at home.

Also try: Ice Cream Sundae Craft

Handprint Pineapple

Kids can skip the paint mess during end-of-year celebrations by building a bright paper keepsake with scissors, glue, and markers. After cutting the template shapes from colored cardstock, they add marker details and glue on the face pieces.

A traced hand on green paper finishes the top, making a fun “hello, summer break” send-home project.

thekindergartenconnection.com

Cardboard Tube Lemonade Summer

Empty cardboard tubes become a playful pretend-drink prop for end-of-year classroom celebrations. Mix yellow and pink tempera paint with white in an egg carton to create an ombré set of shades, then paint the tube from light to dark.

Add a bendy straw and a tiny umbrella toothpick for a finished look. Kids will love using it in summer break pretend play.

Related: Lemonade Name Craft

gluesticksgumdrops.com

Watermelon Paper Plate

Paper plates make a quick, paint-and-cut project for the final week of school, with just acrylic paint, brushes, and scissors. Cut plates in half, paint the center red and the outer edge green, then dot on small black details once everything dries.

The simple shapes dry fast, so kids can carry their finished pieces home the same day as a cheerful “school's out” art.

Also try: Watermelon Paper Plate Craft

Vacation Crafts

Paper Sandcastle

A printable set of cut-and-paste pieces lets kids build a layered paper scene as a countdown to summer vacation. Using colored cardstock, scissors, and a glue stick, they assemble towers, windows, and a tiny flag, then mount everything on a blue background with clouds.

Hang the finished picture near the door as a fun reminder that the last day of school is almost here.

www.thebestideasforkids.com

Cardstocks Sailboat

Ripped paper strips and bright cardstock scraps come together to create a textured picture that feels like a summer send-off. Kids tear blues for the background, stack a few circles for a raised sun, then tuck a stick inside a folded triangle so it stands up.

Make one for each student and line them up on a bulletin board as a last-week-of-school display everyone can personalize.

Related: Whale Activity Sheets

www.lookwerelearning.com

3D Paper Dolphin

Turn free time after final exams into a simple 3D paper animal project kids can proudly display. Print the template, trace the shapes onto construction paper with a pencil, cut them out with child-safe scissors, and glue the layers together to give the body some curve.

The finished figure looks great hanging in a window or on a bulletin board as a “school's out” decoration.

Also try: Ocean Dot To Dot Printables

www.redtedart.com

Crab Fridge Magnets

A single large shell from a family trip turns into a fridge-worthy keepsake for the end of the school year. Paint it red, tuck and glue cut pipe-cleaner pieces underneath for legs and claws, then add eyes and a magnet backing (hot glue or PVA works).

Kids love that it doubles as a vacation memory and a fun way to display summer photos once school is out.

Related: Torn Paper Crab Craft

Summer Gnome

A little paper character comes together with simple cutouts, perfect for a relaxed end-of-year art station. Print the template on colored cardstock, cut the pieces, and glue on the face, hat, and outfit details in just a few minutes.

Kids can color the round accessory before attaching it, then take their finished character home as a fun “hello, summer” keepsake.

www.craftsonsea.co.uk

Paper Plate Beach

A painted paper plate scene makes a calm, end-of-year art activity when kids are ready for something low-prep. Brush on blue for the sky and yellow or gold for the ground, then make a little umbrella using a stick and a folded cupcake liner.

Add simple pen details for a one-of-a-kind “summer break is coming” display.

Also try: Beach Color By Numbers

thecrafttrain.com

Paper Fish

Quick paper creatures are great for the last week of school because they're fast, cute, and easy to customize. With basic supplies like paper, scissors, glue, and markers, kids can shape a small 3D design and add their own patterns (or a little sparkle with gem stickers).

String a few together for a colorful end-of-year classroom garland or send one home as a tiny summer memento.

Related: Handprint Goldfish Craft

Summer Nature Crafts

two examples of finished bee tp roll craft

Bee Toilet Paper Roll

Recycled cardboard tubes turn into a striped little insect, perfect for a quick end-of-year classroom art bin. Use the printable template with colored paper, scissors, tape, and glue, then wrap the body around a toilet paper roll and attach folded wings with glue dots if you have them.

Kids can add marker details and take the finished critter home as a fun kickoff to summer break.

alittlepinchofperfect.com

Dragonfly Stick Nature

A nature walk plus a few supplies makes an easy end-of-school-year project that gets kids excited about outdoor play. Collect sticks from outside, paint a couple of coffee filters, then put the pieces together into a simple flying-bug shape.

Hang the finished creations near a window or on a summer bulletin board as a bright send-off.

Also try: Dragonfly Worksheets

thecrafttrain.com

Paper Plate Sunflower

Three paper plates and a little paint turn into a big, cheerful wall decoration for the last days of school. Paint the large plates warm yellow, fold and cut petal shapes, then glue the layers together and add a black center covered in crumpled tissue-paper balls.

A green cardstock stem-and-leaf finish it off, making an easy “hello, summer” display for the classroom door.

Related: Paper Plate Sunflower Craft

nontoygifts.com

Carrots in the Garden

Two painted paper plates become a simple garden-style visual that's great for end-of-year learning centers. Kids paint one plate light blue and another brown, then cut and staple the plates and add orange-and-green paper pieces for the produce.

The finished project is hands-on enough to keep little ones busy while everyone's counting down to summer break.

Also try: Carrot Handprint Craft

www.easypeasyandfun.com

Ladybug Paper

Colored papers turn into a cheerful spring-to-summer scene that wobbles, which makes a fun end-of-school-year art table project. Using cardstock, scissors, glue, a plastic straw, and a black marker, kids build a layered background and attach a red-and-black insect with big eyes so it bounces.

The little wobble factor keeps kids laughing while they work, and the finished piece looks great on a classroom display wall.

Related: Ladybug Paper Craft

alittlepinchofperfect.com

Suncatcher Mandalas

A handful of flower petals and clear contact paper make a peaceful window decoration for the final week of school. Kids arrange the petals on the sticky surface in a repeating circular pattern, then press everything flat so the colors shine when sunlight hits it.

Hang it up on the last day of class for an instant “summer is here” mood boost.

Outdoor Themed Crafts

Paper Plate Sun

A classic paper plate project keeps end-of-year energy focused, especially when kids can paint and cut in one sitting. Paint the plate yellow, glue on the printable face pieces, then draw spikes on the back with a pencil and cut them out with scissors.

Display it for an end-of-school-year party or send it home as a bright reminder that summer break has started.

homeschoolpreschool.net

Paper Plate Camping

A paper plate turns into a miniature outdoor scene, perfect for the last week of school when kids are dreaming of sleeping outside. Print the template, trace the pieces onto construction paper, then cut and glue them together inside the plate to create a sky-and-ground background with trees and a cozy shelter.

Kids can retell their favorite class memories using the finished scene as a storytelling prop once they're home for summer.

Also try: Camping Pattern Block Mats

intheplayroom.co.uk

Torn Paper Kite

Tearing and gluing paper is a surprisingly calming way to wrap up the school year, especially after a busy day of class activities. Using construction paper, scissors, and glue, kids build the main diamond shape and then tear the edges for an artsy, textured look.

Add a quick marker string if you want, then hang the finished piece as a lightweight “school's out” window decoration.

Related: Camping Tracing Worksheets

Two completed camping night crafts for kids featuring colorful paper tents, trees, moon, and starry skies. Fun and easy preschool and kindergarten activity using free printable camping template.

Paper Camping Tent

Cut-and-paste scenes work well for end-of-year centers because kids can work independently once you print the template. With colored cardstock, scissors, glue, and a white paint pen, they layer the hill, trees, and main shelter piece, then finish the sky with a round cutout and dotted star details.

The nighttime look feels like a mini adventure—perfect for getting excited about summer evenings after the last bell.

kidsactivitiesblog.com

Weather Changing Camping Paper Plate

Two paper plates become a spinning scene that lets kids flip between a sunny sky and a stormy one—great for end-of-school-year science tie-ins. Paint and cut the plates, dab clouds with cotton balls using a homemade stencil, then add a few construction-paper pieces and connect everything with a paper fastener.

A touch of blue glitter glue for raindrops makes the final reveal extra fun for kids who love interactive projects.

Also try: Camping Activity Sheets

www.learningandexploringthroughplay.com

Kite Recycled Artwork

Save a few dried paintings from the school year and turn them into bright window art to celebrate summer break. Trace the simple shape with a template and pencil, cut it out, then use string or ribbon and a little tape to add colorful bows and a hanging tail.

Kids love seeing their older artwork reused in a brand-new way before everything heads home for the year.

Related: Camping Cutting Practice Pages

Colorful Crafts

www.fantasticfunandlearning.com

Paper Plate Painted Rainbow

Painting with pom-pom “brushes” feels like a fun class party activity right before school lets out. Clip pom poms into clothespins, dip them in paint, and stamp rings of color onto a paper plate, then crumple white tissue paper and cut clouds from white cardstock.

After kids cut the plate in half, they take home a pair of bright decorations to celebrate the start of summer.

Also try: Rainbow Do A Dots

www.icanteachmychild.com

Tie Dye Baby Wipes Butterflies

Used-and-dried baby wipes make a surprisingly colorful activity for the last week of school, especially if you already have markers on hand. Color the wipes with markers, let them dry, pinch the center and secure with a clothespin, then add googly eyes and pipe-cleaner antennae.

Stick a magnet on the back if you want a keepsake that can hold summer artwork on the fridge.

Related: Butterfly Do A Dots

www.firefliesandmudpies.com

Caterpillar Suncatcher

Upcycle spare Play-Doh lids into a bright window decoration that feels like a fun “school's almost out” art project. Connect the lids with Glue Dots, add wiggly eyes and a marker smile on the larger lid, then snip pipe cleaners for antennae and legs.

A loop of clear tape on the back makes hanging easy, so kids can watch the colors glow once summer sunlight hits.

Also try: Caterpillar Worksheets

www.craftymorning.com

Egg Carton Butterfly

An empty egg carton becomes a bold, neon art piece that's perfect for an end-of-year activity when supplies are running low. Cut out a four-cup section, twist a pipe cleaner around the middle for the body, then paint rings of bright color and pull a brush through them for a cool tie-dye effect.

Kids can pick their own color combos, making each one feel like a personal “hello, summer” creation.

Related: Butterfly Torn Paper Craft

Tropical Crafts

Flamingo Paper Bag Puppet

A plain brown lunch bag turns into a playful character kids can act out after the last day of school. Print the template on colored cardstock, cut the pieces, then glue the head to the bag flap and add the wings and legs in the folded sections.

After art time ends, kids can put on a quick show as a fun end-of-year classroom reward.

play-trains.com

Pipe Cleaner Palm Tree

Pipe cleaners and felt turn into a sturdy little tree that stands on its own—great for end-of-year small-world play. Twist brown pipe cleaners into the trunk, wrap beige ones around it for texture, then cut green felt fronds and attach them (hot glue or Velcro works, depending on how interactive you want it).

Brown pom poms at the top add a playful detail, making it feel like a mini vacation scene even after the school year ends.

intheplayroom.co.uk

Paper Summer Surfboard

A rocking paper scene makes a fun end-of-school-year project because kids can play with it long after the glue dries. Print the free template, cut the pieces, use colored pencils to decorate, then glue everything onto a folded blue construction paper circle so it gently rocks.

The moving base feels like a mini toy, which is perfect for a “summer break starts now” celebration.

frugalfun4boys.com

Paper Bowl Sea Turtle

Disposable paper bowls become a cute 3D animal art that kids can finish during those final, lighter school days. Use the printable pattern to cut the head and flippers from cardboard or cardstock, paint everything, then draw shell details with a black Sharpie.

After gluing the pieces under the bowl and adding the googly eyes, kids create a sturdy little critter to take home for summer.

Also try: Turtle Handprint Craft

happytoddlerplaytime.com

Beach Bucket

Save a few shells from a class field trip or family outing, then turn them into a sweet end-of-year paper keepsake. Trace the template onto blue construction paper, punch holes for a yarn handle, and glue on shells before brushing yellow paint across the top for a sandy look.

The finished hanging art makes a great “school's out” decoration for a bedroom door or summer-camp cubby.

Related: Under The Sea Worksheets

artsymomma.com

Pink Flamingo Black Glue And Watercolors

Black-glue outlining plus watercolors creates a stained-glass effect that feels special for the end of the school year. Mix black paint into glue, trace the printable outline on white cardstock, let it dry, then paint the sections with watercolors and a brush.

Mount the finished art on colored cardstock so kids can bring home a polished piece to celebrate summer break.

Also try: Flamingo Name Craft

More Fun Kid’s Ideas

30 Cool Ice Cream Craft Ideas for Kids to Make This Summer
18 Colorful & Fun Summer Popsicle Stick Crafts For Kids
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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