17 mess-free summer craft ideas for kids

From paper plate bunnies to macaroni necklaces, there's something for everyone.
Table of Contents
- Try these 17 mess-free crafts to develop and hone your little one's creativity skills:
- 1. Macaroni necklaces
- 2. Bead necklaces + keychains
- 3. Color by number
- 4. Shoe lace projects
- 5. Paper plate bunnies
- 6. Basket decorating
- 7. Tissue paper animals
- 8. Bubbly wrap noise making
- 9. Rainbow cards
- 10. Sponge ring pulls
- 11. Paper chains
- 12. Spoon art
- 13. Stick wind chimes
- 14. Paper bird wings
- 15. Yarn butterflies
- 16. Spirit frames
- 17. Felt animal masks
Summer is here and I’m so excited to bring on the crafts. But if quarantining at home with my kids has taught me anything, it’s that crafts are fun, but they are much better when they don’t require a huge clean up. I’m not complaining, but if I have to scrub paint off the wall one more time, I won’t be happy. If you’re looking for screen-free activities that don’t create a lot of mess, you’ve come to the right place.
Try these 17 mess-free crafts to develop and hone your little one’s creativity skills:
2. Bead necklaces + keychains

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Crafts are much better when you can wear them.
4. Shoe lace projects

Turn old shoe strings into a craft that also teaches fine motor skills.
5. Paper plate bunnies

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Bunnies are much more fun when made of plates.
6. Basket decorating

Decorate your favorite storage basket in beautiful summer colors.
7. Tissue paper animals

Kids will have tons of fun making animals with tissue paper.
9. Rainbow cards

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Make cards for family and friends you haven’t seen in ages.
13. Stick wind chimes

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Wind chimes are fun for every age to create and you can actually use them outside.
15. Yarn butterflies

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Older kids will enjoy this slightly advanced craft that takes a little more focus.
16. Spirit frames

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Create summer frames to display new words or sentences learned (or just a positive message!).
17. Felt animal masks

Bring out their inner animal with these simple masks.