Bring on the crafts! Next time your child is looking a little bored, bust out all your best supplies, and get to work. Not only will they enjoy making their creation, they'll have something to show for it the rest of the summer, too.
Egg Carton Animals
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Turtles, caterpillars, frogs--your child can choose from any of these cute critters as they fashion a recycled egg carton into the perfect little pet.
Salt Fireworks
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This painting project has one special ingredient--table salt. By sprinkling salt in the glue, your child's finished product will really shine, and you'll get serious bonus points for creativity.
Paper Plate Ice Cream
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I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Your kid can commemorate the joy of the perfect summer cone by making their own with a handy paper plate.
Water Bottle Wind Art
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It's hard not to feel guilty about those extra plastic bottles lying around. Give them a second life by turning them into colorful outdoor decorations!
Sidewalk Chalk Pops
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Half popsicle, half drawing chalk, this craft will make any kiddo the hit of the neighborhood. Better yet, making the craft is just the start. Expect hours of drawing to follow, freeing you up to relax.
Newspaper Sharks
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You may not want to see any sharks during your annual trip to the beach, but these made from leftover newspaper aren't so bad. Don't forget the googly eyes!
Fireworks Painting
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Fireworks are fun, but free-drawing those suckers is pretty hard for children to do. Enter the humble toilet paper tube. By shredding the end, you can create a breathtaking show--genius!
Paper Bowl Jelly Fish
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These easy-to-make jellyfish are sure to delight your child with their long, spectacularly colored tentacles. Just make sure to supply kid-safe scissors.
Popsicle Stick Tent
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Who doesn't love a summer night under the stars? Help kids craft their own tent with popsicle sticks, cardstock and paint. Then make s'mores to celebrate!
Paper Plate Watermelon
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Another paper plate classic, this watermelon craft adds black beans for a 3-D touch that will bring this summer fruit to life.
Recycled CD Ladybug
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CDs bit the dust in favor of streaming, but how many of us have extras still lying around? Put them to good use with this ladybug craft.
Tissue Paper Turtle
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Use the free printable template (score!) to fashion the brightest turtle your kid has ever seen. They'll love layering on the strips of tissue paper.
Pipe Cleaner and Button Bracelets
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Homemade jewelry for the win! This simple craft will keep little hands busy. Plus, they'll have a fun bracelet they can wear all summer long.
Heart Strawberries
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It's hard to find a cuter craft than this guy. With oversized eyes and a heart-shape body, we bet you can't help but go, "Awww!"
Celery-Stamped Rainbow Fish
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Who says you can't play with your food? Use the end of a celery stick to get the perfect fish scales.
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