It's All in the Kit!: 50 Best Summer Crafts for Kids!
- Jun 25, 2025
- 15 min read
Summer break has a way of arriving before you're ready for it. Two days in, "What are we doing today?" is already echoing through the house. But here's the thing — kids who have a craft kit in front of them are kids who are busy, focused, and genuinely proud of what they make.
We've put together this list of 50 summer crafts for kids to take the guesswork out of it. Whether you're after easy crafts for kids that little ones can tackle independently or hands-on arts and crafts for kids that turn into an afternoon project, there's something here for every age and attention span. It covers a mix of U.S.-based subscription boxes that deliver new craft ideas for kids each month and single retail kits you can order today or grab on the way home.
We'll also share how Artkive can help you preserve the best of what your kids create — so the work doesn't just pile up at the end of summer. Let's get into it!
Crafts That Deliver: Monthly Subscription Kit
KiwiCo Subscription Crates Ages: 0–16+ | Price: Starts ~$19.95–24.95/month KiwiCo is the leader in kids' STEAM and craft subscriptions. Box options range from the toddler "Koala Crate" up to the "Eureka Crate" for teens. Each monthly box centers around a fun theme and comes with all materials and instructions for hands-on learning and building.
Green Kid Crafts
Ages: 3–10 | Price: ~$28–$35/month
Green Kid Crafts is an award-winning service that delivers 4–6 science and art projects per box. Materials are eco-friendly, and the projects blend creativity with learning — think paper-mâché volcanoes and mini garden kits. It's a solid choice for kids who like to make things and understand why they work.
We Craft Box
Ages: 3–9 | Price: ~$30–$35/month
We Craft Box arrives with a unique story theme and 4–5 coordinated crafts to match. Each box has enough materials for two crafters, making it a great pick for siblings or parent-child projects. Instructions are illustrated, and everything you need is included — no last-minute supply runs.
Little Passports Craft Discovery
Ages: 5–10 | Price: $19.95/month
Little Passports (known for their geography kits) now offers the Craft Discovery subscription. Each kit features a hands-on craft that teaches something about culture, science, or nature. The "Flower Power" box, for example, lets kids build a working flower press and learn about plant pollination. It's a thoughtful monthly treat that combines art, learning, and global awareness.
Annie’s Creative Girls Club
Ages: 7–12 | Price: $19.98/month (plus shipping)
This monthly club introduces girls to painting, beading, stitching, paper crafting, and more. Each shipment includes 2 ready-to-make kits with easy instructions. Projects are engaging without being overly complex — great for building new skills with.
Annie’s Young Woodworkers Club
Ages: 7–12 | Price: $19.99/month (plus shipping)
This one's for kids who love to build. All materials and instructions are included for making real wooden toys and gadgets — birdhouses, marshmallow catapults, mini racing cars. Kits use pre-cut pieces for kid-friendly assembly. It's a great way to introduce children to woodworking, with a finished product they can actually use.
Annie’s Genius Box
Ages: 8–12 | Price: $29.00/month (plus shipping)
The Genius Box is Annie's STEM-focused craft subscription. Each shipment includes a "Top Secret Mission" envelope and materials for 3 science and engineering challenges. One month might explore aerodynamics with paper flyers; another might involve growing crystals. Perfect for curious kids who love experiments.
KidArtLit
Ages: 3–8 | Price: ~$39.95/month
KidArtLit combines story time and craft time. Each month you get a hardcover picture book plus process-art projects inspired by the story. Kits accommodate at least two children and often include multi-step activities. It's a warm choice for families who want to connect through both reading and making.
Kids Art Box
Ages: 3–7 and 6–15 | Price: Starting at ~$38/month
Kids Art Box delivers hours of artistic education in each shipment. The "Create Together" box for younger kids includes 4–5 themed art projects and a parent guide. The "My Artist Box" for older kids spotlights a famous artist each month and includes projects inspired by their work. All supplies are included, and activities are designed by a teacher.
MEL Science & MEL Kids
Ages: 5–14+ | Price: ~$30–$40/month
MEL Science sends seriously cool science experiment kits. MEL Kids boxes include comic-book style instructions for experiments tailored to younger scientists, like building a periscope. The classic MEL Science kits for older kids go deeper into chemistry and physics — think crystal growing and more. VR and live lessons are included for subscribers.
CrunchLabs Build Box
Ages: 8–12+ | Price: ~$29.99/month
Created by engineer and YouTuber Mark Rober, the Build Box delivers a build-it-yourself STEM toy each month. Kids might construct a coin-spinning machine or a mini disk launcher. Each kit comes with quality parts and a link to an exclusive 15–30 minute video where Mark walks through the project and the science behind it.
Spangler Science Club
Ages: 5–12 | Price: ~$29.99/month
Celebrity science teacher Steve Spangler created this monthly club. Each box includes 5–8 hands-on STEM experiments. Choose from the Junior Level for younger kids or the STEMlab Deluxe for more advanced challenges. Past kits have explored bioluminescence, bubbly chemistry, and more. These might just inspire your kid's next science fair project.
Raddish Kids Cooking Club
Ages: 4–14 | Price: $24–$28/month
Raddish Kids is a popular monthly cooking kit that gives kids real ownership in the kitchen. Each box includes 3 illustrated recipes with step-by-step instructions, a new kitchen tool or collectible, a patch, and a grocery list. Themes rotate monthly, and kids as young as 4 can participate with adult help.
Brick Loot
Ages: 6–12 | Price: ~$27–$30/month
Perfect for LEGO lovers, Brick Loot is a monthly box filled with LEGO-compatible building kits, mini-figures, and unique accessories. Each month's build centers on a theme — space, medieval, superheroes — and kits are designed by LEGO creators. It's creative building play that exercises both imagination and STEM thinking.
Pipsticks Sticker Club
Ages: 3+ | Price: $11.95/month
Pipsticks sends a monthly packet of stickers kids can use for art, journaling, decorating, and more. The Kids Club pack includes 15+ sheets of high-quality stickers and DIY paper goodies. Kids can make sticker collages, decorate scrapbooks, or create their own illustrated stories. Simple craft projects like this one often lead to the most creative play.
Highlights High Five Activity Box
Ages: 2–6 | Price: ~$35/month
From the makers of Highlights magazine, the High Five Activity Box delivers games, crafts, and puzzles designed for preschoolers and parents to explore together. Each box has simple crafts like sticker collages and matching games, plus hidden-picture puzzles and stories. If you have a younger child, this is a reliable source of summer fun and bonding time.
One-Time "Grab-and-Go" Craft Kits & Projects
Creatology Foam Flowers Kit (Michaels)
Price: ~$10 | Includes: Pre-cut foam flower shapes, leaves, pipe cleaners, and assembly pieces for a 20+ flower bouquet
This kit is fun for kids as young as 4. No glue needed — just layer and stick the foam pieces onto the stems to build a vibrant bouquet. The pieces are large and easy for little hands to manage.
Creativity for Kids “Hide & Seek Hydro Dip Rock Painting” Set (various craft stores)
Price: ~$13 | Includes: 10 natural rocks, patterned hydro dip skins, paint, and supplies
Kids ages 6+ choose a printed film, dip it in water to activate, and wrap it around a rock to transfer the pattern. It creates decorated stones with tie-dye and marbled effects. They can hide the rocks outdoors for others to find or display them at home.
Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Party Kit (craft stores)
Price: ~$25 | Includes: 18 bottles of one-step fabric dye, gloves, rubber bands, instruction guide
This Tulip kit makes tie-dye easy. Pre-measured powders come in squeeze bottles — just add water, no soda ash needed. Set up outside and let kids scrunch, twist, and dye T-shirts, socks, scrunchies, or any white cotton items. The kit has enough dye for a group session, making it great for playdates or family gatherings.
Crafty Happitoys DIY Wood Birdhouse Kit (Amazon)
Price: ~$25 (set of 2) | Includes: Pre-cut wooden pieces, non-toxic paints, brushes, and embellishments
The pieces slot together easily. Kids paint the assembled birdhouses with the included paints — sparkly gem stickers are included for decoration too. Once dry, they can hang the painted birdhouse outside and watch birds visit. It's both a craft project and a nature activity, and the two-pack makes it a great group craft for siblings or friends.
Creative Roots Mosaic Stepping Stone (Walmart/Amazon/Target)
Price: ~$15 | Includes: One 7-inch cement stepping stone, 6 acrylic paints, and a paintbrush
This kit lets kids 8+ create a garden stepping stone that's truly their own. The stone comes pre-cast with raised mosaic-style outlines. Kids paint each section however they like. The finished stone works as patio decor or as a gift — it's an easy craft that results in something lasting.
Chiazllta DIY Picture Frame Craft Kit (Amazon)
Price: ~$12–$18 | Includes: ~30 pre-cut cardstock frames (fits 3x5 photos), 300+ self-adhesive stickers, and sticky gems
Kids pop a favorite photo into a sturdy frame, then decorate it with over 300 stickers. Each frame can be completely unique. It's a great rainy-day activity, and you end up with personalized artwork to display or gift — grandparents love these.
Made by Me! Create Your Own Window Art (Amazon)
Price: ~$10–$15 | Includes: 12 ready-to-paint suncatchers, acetate sheets, window paints, suction cups, and outlines
This kit lets kids paint suncatchers that look like stained glass. It comes with a dozen fun shapes and peel-and-stick acetate for custom designs. Children 6 and up use squeezable paints to fill in the shapes. Once dry, hang the finished pieces on windows and watch sunlight bring them to life.
Gooidea DIY Bird Feeder Kit (Amazon)
Price: ~$12–$15 | Includes: Wooden bird feeder, paints, brush, sparkly stickers, and hanging rope
Watching birds is even more fascinating when you've painted the feeder they're snacking from. This kit lets kids paint and decorate a small wood feeder with glittery gem stickers. It teaches a fun lesson about how colorful feeders attract birds — a nice blend of art, nature, and science.
Sprouting Minds Beach Sand Art Kit (Etsy & Oriental Trading)
Price: ~$13 | Includes: Peel-and-stick nautical decal cards, colored sand packets, and shell "treasures"
This sand art kit uses double-sided sticky decals — no glue, no mess. Kids (ages 3+) peel one side of a beach-shaped decal, sprinkle colored sand and shells onto it, then peel the other side to stick the finished piece wherever they like. It's a great travel or vacation craft that doubles as a unique keepsake.
Elemental Leaf Solar Printing Kit (Etsy)
Price: ~$17 | Includes: Light-sensitive cyanotype paper, acrylic sheet, and instructions
Solar printing is like magic art from science. Kids collect leaves, flowers, or objects, arrange them on the special paper, and leave it in the sun. In minutes, the sunlight exposes the paper, leaving white silhouettes on a deep blue background. Archival-quality paper means the finished prints last. Younger kids will be amazed; older ones will want to experiment with different exposure times.
Kiddo Mood Ice Pop Craft Kit
Price: ~$20 | Includes: Three wooden popsicle-shaped frames, 4 paints, a paintbrush, and stickers
Kids paint these wooden popsicle outlines in any "flavors" they can imagine — a rainbow sherbet, a galaxy pop, a watermelon swirl. Then they add sticker toppings (faces, sprinkles, fruit) to give each pop its own personality. The result is a display piece that lasts a lot longer than the real thing.
Crafty Countdown Creative Kit (Etsy)
Price: ~$18 | Includes: Build-and-decorate supplies, adhesive, and decorations
This kit provides materials for kids to assemble and personalize their own creative projects. There's enough for a playdate — siblings or friends can work on their own designs at the same time. Fine motor skills get a workout, and kids love seeing their finished creations in action.
Dreamer Kids Kaleidoscope Kit (Etsy)
Price: ~$58 (premium kit) | Includes: Wooden kaleidoscope tube, mirrors, biodegradable confetti, dried flowers, and assembly instructions
Making your own kaleidoscope is easier than it sounds, and this high-end kit proves it. Kids gather small nature items — petals, leaves, tiny flowers — and combine them with the included colorful pieces to fill the kaleidoscope chamber. The result shows beautiful, shifting patterns with every turn. It's part craft, part science, all wonder.
The Ruffled Moose Embroidery Kits (Etsy)
Price: ~$16 | Includes: Pre-printed canvas with a flower pattern, plastic embroidery hoop, plastic needle, yarn in four colors, and instructions
This kit makes embroidery easy and safe for kids. The printed canvas has large holes and pre-drawn outlines. Kids 6 and up learn basic stitches to fill in the pattern with their chosen yarn colors. When finished, they'll have yarn artwork they can hang — and new skills they can build on.
Sculpd Candle Making & Pottery Bundle (Amazon)
Price: ~$79 | Includes: Air-dry clay, tools, paints, candle wax, wicks, fragrances, and vessels
This kit combines two crafts — pottery and candle making — into one immersive project. Kids hand-build their own candle holders out of air-dry clay first, then decorate them. Once the clay dries, they use the included soy wax, scented oils, and wicks to pour their own candles. Recommended for ages 10 and up with parental help.
Mondo Llama Paint-Your-Own Wood Dinosaurs (3-pack) – (Target) Price: $5 | Includes: 3 laser-cut wood dinosaur figures, 6 mini paint pots, and a brush This kit comes with a Triceratops, T-Rex, and Stegosaurus ready to paint. Six vibrant colors are included — kids can go traditional or go wild with a rainbow T-Rex. Once painted and dried, the wooden dinos stand on their own, ready to display or join the toy collection.
Mondo Llama Create-Your-Own Suncatchers (Target)
Price: $5 | Includes: Themed cutouts, colorful tissue paper squares, an acetate sheet, and glue
Kids make their own suncatchers by layering colored tissue behind themed frames. Arrange and glue tissue pieces on a clear sheet, mount the frame on top, and hang it in a window. The finished piece glows like a mini stained-glass scene in sunlight. It's a low-mess craft for ages 5 and up.
Mondo Llama Cross Stitch Embroidery Kit (Target)
Price: ~$17 | Includes: Embroidery hoop, printed fabric with design, embroidery floss, plastic needle, and instructions
The pattern is printed on the cloth, so kids know exactly where to stitch. They make "X" stitches following the printed guide — it's easier to follow than blank canvas embroidery. Little ones might need help threading the needle, but they'll love the rhythm of making each stitch. Older kids and adults often find cross-stitch surprisingly relaxing.
Mondo Llama “Stick Character” Kit (Target)
Price: $5 | Includes: Pre-cut shapes, googly eyes, foam or paper pieces, craft sticks, and stickers
This kit is about easy, open-ended fun. There's no right or wrong way to make a character — the precut shapes and embellishments can go in any direction. Once made, the characters can join playtime or go straight to the fridge.
Mondo Llama Flower Press Kit (Target)
Price: ~$17 | Includes: 2 press plates, 2 wood frames, tweezers, glue, and instructions (add your own florals)
Nature-loving kids will find a lot to like here. Send them outside to gather leaves and flowers, then use the wooden press to flatten and dry the specimens. After a few days, the blooms are ready to use in art, journaling, or framing. It's a great way to bring outdoor exploration into a craft project. Recommended for ages 10 and up with some adult guidance.
Creativity for Kids Grow ‘n Glow Terrarium (Michaels|Amazon|Walmart)
Price: ~$15 | Includes: Plastic mason-jar terrarium, potting mix, chia and wheatgrass seeds, decorative sand and stones, glow-in-the-dark stickers, plant mister
This kit lets kids create a real terrarium that glows at night. It's part science experiment, part art project — kids layer the materials, plant the seeds, and watch things grow. It teaches plant life cycles and responsibility, and the finished piece sits happily on a bedroom windowsill.
Alex DIY Ultimate Friendship Bracelet Party (various)
Price: ~$25 (makes 30 bracelets) | Includes: 2 bracelet weaving wheels, 1 braiding loom, embroidery floss in 22 colors, beads, needle, and instructions
This kit has everything needed to create up to 30 bracelets in all kinds of patterns. The instruction book covers stripes, diamonds, hearts, and flowers. Plenty of beads and charms are included too. For kids 8 and up who are into jewelry and craft projects, this one delivers hours of screen-free fun.
Crayola Washable Paint-Pour Art Set (Crayola)
Price: ~$20 | Includes: 3 canvas boards, 10 bottles of washable paint, mixing cups, tools, and drip tray
This kit supplies everything for kids to try paint pouring without permanent stains — the paints are washable. Kids set a canvas in the tray, mix paints in a cup, then pour and tilt to let colors flow and swirl. The result is three framed canvases with modern, marbled patterns that genuinely look gallery-worthy. Designed for ages 8 and up.
Klutz “Make Your Own Mini Erasers” Kit (various)
Price: ~$15–$25 | Includes: 8 colors of eraser clay, shaping tool, decorative molds, and 48-page instruction book
Kids sculpt their own tiny erasers from brightly colored eraser clay. The instruction book includes 35 design ideas, or kids can invent their own. An adult helps bake the finished pieces in a regular oven, and once cooled they're actual working erasers. It's a great craft for older kids who like detail work and collecting things.
Dan&Darci Light-Up Terrarium Kit (Dan & Darci)
Price: ~$25 | Includes: Plastic jar with LED lid, charging cable, soil, sand, rocks, wheatgrass and chia seeds, mini figurines, and instructions
Similar in concept to the Grow & Glow Terrarium, this version adds a light-up lid that turns the jar into a night-light. Kids layer soil, blue sand, and rocks, plant the seeds, and decorate with the included mini figurines. It's both an educational project about ecosystems and a piece of decor that lasts long after summer ends.
Elmer’s Glow-in-the-Dark Slime Kit (various)
Price: ~$17–$25 | Includes: Glow-in-the-dark PVA glue, blue translucent PVA glue, and 2 bottles of slime activator
This Elmer's kit makes slime-making practically foolproof. Kids mix the ingredients to create stretchy, squishy slime that charges under light, then glows in the dark. They can combine colors or add glitter. Since the activator is included, there's no need to handle borax or measure contact solution — easier and safer for kids 6 and up.
Baketivity Kids Baking Kit (Baketivity)
Price: ~$35 per kit | Includes: Pre-measured ingredients, illustrated recipe cards, and baking tools or decorations
Each Baketivity kit is a themed baking project — cookie burgers, cupcake cones, galaxy donuts. Kids as young as 5 can help mix and decorate, while older ones can follow the recipe cards mostly independently. It's a fun way to build real kitchen skills, practice basic math, and end up with something delicious.
Alex Toys “My First Sewing Kit” (Amazon)
Price: ~$20 | Includes: Plastic needles, pre-cut felt shapes, stuffing, thread, ribbon, scissors, pin cushion, measuring tape, and instructions
Designed for ages 7–12, this kit is a gentle introduction to sewing. An illustrated guide walks kids through using a needle and thread safely. Pre-cut shapes take the intimidation out of starting. Kids learn to stitch seams, sew on buttons, and add embellishments. It's a quiet-time activity that builds fine motor skills and patience.
Just My Style Personalized ABC Beads Jewelry Kit (Amazon)
Price: ~$10 | Includes: 1,100+ beads and charms, elastic string, key ring, and design instructions
This jumbo bead kit lets kids spell out their style with custom name jewelry. Hundreds of alphabet beads in different colors and styles make it possible to create bracelets and necklaces with names, words, or fun phrases. There are enough supplies for 10 or more bracelets — a perfect activity for a friendship bracelet session or birthday party.
National Geographic Kids Pottery Wheel Kit (Amazon)
Price: ~$60–$70 | Includes: Electric pottery wheel with foot pedal, 2 lbs. air-dry clay, carving tools, paints, brush, apron, and an illustrated learning guide
This is a step up for creative kids who want to try throwing clay. The wheel is plug-in with a foot pedal for speed control. The kit includes enough clay for several small bowls or vases — no kiln needed. A NatGeo learning booklet on the science and history of pottery comes included too.
Shrinky Dinks Craft Sets (Just Play | Amazon)
Price: ~$12–$20 | Includes: Pre-printed plastic sheets, colored pencils, accessories (key rings or stands), and instructions
Shrinky Dinks have been a beloved kids' craft for decades. Kids color in designs on special thin plastic sheets. An adult then helps place them in the oven, where the pieces shrink to about a third of their original size and thicken into hard plastic charms. It's a fast craft that combines coloring, science, and a satisfying keepsake at the end.
Craft-tastic DIY String Art Kit (Amazon)
Price: ~$20 | Includes: 2 foam canvases, 3 patterns, 120 pins, 5 colors of string, felt backing, and instructions
String art is a classic craft with a satisfying, polished result. This kit includes patterns for an owl, a geometric "YAY" sign, and a third design — or kids can freestyle their own. Ages 10 and up will have the patience for it. It's a great pick for that in-between age group that wants something more sophisticated to show for their time.
Summer Fun Craft Box (Michaels)
Price: ~$12.99 | Includes: Pre-cut foam and felt pieces, googly eyes, yarn, pom-poms, stickers, and step-by-step instructions
This craft box keeps kids creatively busy with a cheerful mix of animals and nature motifs. Each project uses peel-and-stick or glue-on components — clean, simple, and easy to finish. It's a solid summer craft for preschoolers and elementary-age kids who need something they can do mostly on their own.
Mumaloo Surprise Craft Box (Mumaloo)
Price: ~$29.99 | Includes: 10 individually packaged craft kits, each with pre-measured materials, child-safe glue, and picture instructions
The Mumaloo Surprise Craft Box hides each craft behind its own mystery flap — similar to an advent calendar. Kids ages 4–8 open one compartment at a time and discover a new project inside. The crafts are colorful, engaging, and easy to complete independently. It's a great way to stretch the fun across several days instead of burning through everything at once.
How Artkive Preserves Your Kids' Summer Crafts
As you work through these kits, the finished pieces will start to add up — painted birdhouses, tie-dyed shirts, pressed flowers, slime jars, kaleidoscopes. Some of it will find a home on a shelf. A lot of it won't have anywhere obvious to go.
Artkive is a concierge service that professionally photographs your child's artwork and handcrafted creations, then turns them into a beautiful, printed memory book. You send the pieces, the Artkive team handles the photography and layout, and you get back a keepsake that your kids can actually flip through.
One customer, Lisa Burnett, described the experience this way: "The book is beautifully done and truly feels like a memory capsule of special school moments, art, and classwork. Seeing the work thoughtfully preserved and organized in one place is something really special."
It's a good way to honor what your kids made this summer — without holding onto every single piece.
Here’s to a summer full of creative discovery, and a home full of cherished memories!
