Fun DIY Craft Ideas You Can Do with Your Kids

17 September 2025

Spending quality time with your kids doesn’t always need to involve expensive outings or fancy toys. Sometimes, the most memorable and joyful moments are created right at home—armed with glue, scissors, and a little bit of imagination. Crafting with your kids isn’t just fun; it’s therapeutic, meaningful, and a great way to bond.

Whether you’re looking to liven up a quiet afternoon, spark creativity, or simply enjoy some screen-free time, I’ve got you covered. In this article, I’ll share a bunch of fun, easy, and budget-friendly DIY craft ideas you can do with your kids. Trust me—these projects will have them grinning like it’s Christmas morning!

Why DIY Crafts Rock for Kids (and Parents)

Before we dive into the craft ideas, let’s take a moment to talk about why making things with your hands is so magical. Kids love crafts because it lets them explore their imagination, develop fine motor skills, and express themselves. But let’s be real—crafting is a win-win. Parents, you’ll love it too because:

- It keeps the kids entertained for hours!
- It’s an excellent way to reduce screen time.
- It fosters teamwork (and patience, let’s be honest).
- It’s often cheaper than store-bought toys.

So grab your supplies and let’s get crafty. Ready? Let’s go!

1. Paper Plate Animals

Got some paper plates lying around? If yes, you’re halfway there! This is one of the easiest crafts to do with younger kids, and the results are absolutely adorable.

Supplies:

- Paper plates
- Paint or markers
- Googly eyes
- Construction paper
- Glue and scissors

Instructions:

1. Pick an animal—lion, frog, panda, or whatever your kid fancies.
2. Paint the paper plate to match the animal’s color scheme (e.g., yellow for a lion, green for a frog).
3. Cut out ears, tails, or other features from construction paper and glue them onto the plate.
4. Add googly eyes and draw a face.

Bonus Tip:

You can turn these creations into masks by cutting out eye holes and stapling string to the sides. Instant costume fun!

2. Colorful Pasta Necklaces

This classic craft never gets old. It’s ideal for preschoolers, and it doubles as a lesson in patterns and fine motor skills.

Supplies:

- Uncooked pasta (penne works best)
- Food coloring
- String or yarn
- Ziplock bags

Instructions:

1. Dye the pasta by placing it in ziplock bags with a few drops of food coloring and a tiny splash of rubbing alcohol. Shake it up and let it dry on a paper towel.
2. Once dry, let your kids thread the pasta onto yarn or string, creating colorful necklaces or bracelets.
3. Encourage them to experiment with patterns and color combos!

Pro Tip:

If you’re worried about alcohol, use vinegar instead. It works just fine but might take a little longer to dry.

3. DIY Slime (Without the Mess)

Kids are obsessed with slime, right? You can make your own at home using just a few ingredients. And don’t worry, I’ll show you how to keep it less messy.

Supplies:

- White school glue
- Baking soda
- Saline solution (contact lens solution)
- Food coloring or glitter (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix 4 oz of glue with ½ tablespoon of baking soda.
2. Add a few drops of food coloring or a sprinkle of glitter (if you’re feeling fancy).
3. Slowly stir in saline solution (about 1 tablespoon at a time) until the mixture starts pulling away from the bowl.
4. Knead it with your hands until it reaches the desired consistency.

Pro Tip:

Give each kid their own small batch—you’ll avoid arguments and minimize mess!

4. Painted Rock Creatures

Next time you’re on a nature walk, ask your little ones to collect some smooth, flat rocks. When you bring them home, it’s time to transform them into mini works of art.

Supplies:

- Rocks
- Paints and brushes
- Permanent markers
- Sealant spray (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash the rocks and let them dry.
2. Use paint to create fun creatures—ladybugs, frogs, or even imaginary monsters.
3. Add fine details with permanent markers once the paint dries.
4. (Optional) Seal the designs with a spray to keep them shiny and weatherproof.

Fun Idea:

Hide the finished rocks around your neighborhood for others to find. It’s like your very own treasure hunt!

5. Toilet Paper Roll Binoculars

This is a quick and easy project that kids will love, especially if they’re fans of pretend play. Once finished, these binoculars can be used for playing explorer, pirate, or birdwatcher.

Supplies:

- Two toilet paper rolls
- Paint, markers, or stickers
- String
- Glue or tape

Instructions:

1. Paint or decorate each toilet paper roll however your child likes.
2. Glue or tape the two rolls together side by side.
3. Punch holes on the sides of the rolls and tie a string to create a strap.

Added Fun:

Once the binoculars are ready, head outside for a backyard safari. Spot birds, bugs, or even imaginary dinosaurs!

6. Salt Dough Handprint Keepsakes

Want to make something meaningful to cherish for years? Salt dough handprints are perfect for that sentimental value.

Supplies:

- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup salt
- ½ cup water
- Paint and brushes

Instructions:

1. Mix the flour, salt, and water in a bowl until it forms a dough.
2. Roll it out flat and press your child’s hand firmly into it to create a print.
3. Use a toothpick to carve in a name or date (if you like).
4. Bake the dough at 200°F for 2-3 hours until it hardens.
5. Once cooled, paint the handprint for a personal touch.

Fun Twist:

Turn them into ornaments by poking a hole at the top before baking.

7. Homemade Puffy Paint Art

Messy? A little. Fun? Absolutely! Puffy paint takes regular art to the next level.

Supplies:

- 1 cup shaving cream
- 1 cup white glue
- Food coloring
- Plastic squeeze bottles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix equal parts shaving cream and glue in a bowl.
2. Add a few drops of food coloring and mix well.
3. Use a spoon or squeeze bottle to “paint” on cardboard or thick paper.

Quick Tip:

The paint will dry puffy and squishy—perfect for touchable art!

8. Paper Towel Roll Rockets

Blast off into fun with these adorable DIY rockets. They’re a hit for kids who love space and science fiction.

Supplies:

- Paper towel roll
- Construction paper
- Glue or tape
- Markers, stickers, or foil

Instructions:

1. Wrap the paper towel roll in construction paper and secure it with tape or glue.
2. Cut out fins and a cone-shaped tip from construction paper, then attach them.
3. Decorate the rocket however you like—add flames on the bottom or use foil for a metallic look.

Bonus Activity:

Turn this into a STEM lesson by chatting about real rockets and space exploration.

Final Thoughts on Craft Time

Crafting with your kids doesn’t have to be complicated or Pinterest-perfect. Honestly, it’s about the experience—not the end result. These projects will spark your child’s imagination while giving you meaningful bonding time together. Plus, let’s not forget—they’re just plain fun!

So what are you waiting for? Grab those supplies, roll up your sleeves, and dive into one (or all) of these DIY craft ideas. You’ll make memories that your kids will treasure forever—and who knows, you might find yourself enjoying it even more than they do!