Easy crafts for kids are the difference between a quiet and engaged activity and one that involves spending £15 and drinking bad coffee (we mean soft play). We found 50 crafts to do that are fun, cheap, and so simple.
As parents, research is always on, it starts with Googling 'best travel strollers' and it just never ends, you're Googling the best places to take kids, things to do with kids, and films to watch with kids. We know you're always on the lookout for the kids, especially at weekends or during the school holidays. And sometimes the weather puts a dampener on our ready-made outdoor plans. This is why we’ve created a handy list of craft ideas that are the perfect indoor activities for kids. And sure to save any long wet weekend.
While there's always a place for a kids movie on Netflix, sometimes we want to get them doing, not watching. Our crafts for kids are easy to do - so it doesn’t matter if you’re a complete craft beginner (like us) or already a creative pro. Plus, crafting can be a great mindfulness activity for kids too.
Whatever your budget, and whether you've minutes or hours to dedicate to getting creative, we have 50 fantastic craft ideas for you to choose from.
Easy crafts for kids:
1. Homemade play dough
There's something both therapeutic and educational about moulding fresh play dough into shapes, especially for little ones. Young muscles can develop strength, control and fine motor skills, whilst experiencing the feel of different textures with this squidgy craft number. Better than buying some from the shops, our easy play dough recipe is as good (if not better and cheaper) than the shop-bought kind.
Get the method: Our best play dough recipe plus 7 fun things to make
2. A chatterbox or fortune teller
It doesn't get much simpler than this - with our origami chatterbox craft requiring just a few pens and a piece of paper to do. A playground favorite, kids will love decorating this toy and playing it with their friends and family.
Get the method: How to make a chatterbox
3. DIY stickers
What child doesn't love stickers and a good sticker book? This is one of our favorite crafts for kids, allowing your little ones can create their own personalized stickers and allow their imagination to run riot. This might just be the perfect activity for a rainy afternoon.
Get the method: How to make stickers
4. Lava lamp
Lava lamps are a great sensory stimulus for little ones, while showing bigger kids the science behind the cool chemical reactions. Making a lava lamp might seem like a big step forward if you're not a keen crafter, but this DIY tutorial is really easy to follow and requires mostly regular kitchen items to get stuck in.
Get the method: How to make a lava lamp with children
5. Jolly jellyfish
These jolly jellyfish another favorite craft for us. They also make for a great bedroom decoration when hung above a bed, or from a curtain pole. If you don't fancy forking out for googly eyes, the eyes can be drawn on instead. All other equipment like ribbons, tissue or wrapping paper, should be readily available in your house too.
Get the method: How to make a jellyfish
6. Rainbow wand
This rainbow wand is a fun activity, while doubling as a toy or handy dressing-up accessory. We've used glitter card, colorful ribbons, scissors and glue to assemble. Kids can always go wild and add extra customization with beads, gems or anything else that feels fun.
Get the method: How to make a rainbow wand
7. Rainbow decorations
Another hugely popular DIY activity, this time featuring the enduring popularity of rainbows. This is one of our easiest crafts for kids, with only five items of equipment needed. We reckon these rainbow decorations would go down well at any kids party too; just set up a craft table with the ready-cut card and ribbon, and be on hand to show children the ropes.
Get the method: How to make your own rainbow decorations