15 DIY Sun-catchers Kids can make

There is something wonderfully cheerful about a sun catcher. Hang one in a window, on the porch, or even from a tree branch in the garden, and suddenly ordinary sunlight turns into colour, sparkle, and little dancing reflections around the room. It is one of those simple DIY projects that feels a bit magical without needing a complicated supply list or a full weekend of crafting.

These DIY sun catcher ideas are perfect for anyone who loves easy craft projects for kids, recycled crafts, handmade window decorations, or bright home décor that costs very little to make. Depending on the project, you can use beads, tissue paper, melted crayons, old CDs, clear plastic lids, pressed flowers, glass gems, or even bits and pieces from your craft stash. You know, the pile of “too pretty to throw away” things that somehow keeps growing when no one is looking.

Sun catchers are also a lovely craft for all ages. Children can make simple tissue paper or contact paper versions, while adults might enjoy stained-glass-style designs, beaded sun catchers, resin-look ornaments, or upcycled garden sun catchers that sparkle outside. They make sweet handmade gifts, cheerful classroom crafts, rainy-day activities, and budget-friendly ways to brighten a kitchen window or patio.

This roundup of 15 DIY sun catchers is full of colourful, creative, and beginner-friendly ideas you can make at home. Whether you want a quick afternoon craft, a nature-inspired project using pressed flowers, or a recycled sun catcher made from supplies already in your cupboard, these ideas will help you bring a little extra sunshine indoors — even on the days when the weather refuses to cooperate.

Some of the suncatcher crafts that we have included here are aimed at small children, but we have also found some harder more grownup ones for older kids and adults. Looking for suncatcher kits? Check these out on Amazon.

Perfect for summertime activities, or a rainy day craft to bring back the sunshine.

Heart Suncatcher Valentines Day Toddler Craft

Suncatcher Templates — CraftBits.com

Spring Art Projects – Over the Rainbow Suncatcher Craft

Suncatcher Wind Chimes

Recycled Junk Wind Chime — CraftBits.com

Suncatchers can be hung inside or created outdoor like this.

Wind Chime Made With A Can And Egg-Shells

Spiritual Garden Charm — CraftBits.com

DIY Sun catcher/Wind chime.

Earth Day Suncatcher Craft for kids!

Faux Stained Glass Seahorse Suncatcher

Beautiful Suncatcher Mandalas Nature Craft and Symmetry Activity –

Contact Paper Suncatcher in a Wood Frame

DIY Nature Suncatcher Craft for Kids

Petal Suncatcher Craft

Craft a Pretty Nature Collage Suncatcher for Toddlers

Suncatchers are great for gift giving, as you can never have too many suncatchers, this list of DIY suncatchers is aimed at Children but some of these Kids’ craft projects are perfect for adults too.

After talking about the pirate themed chalk obstacle course the other day, I got to thinking about other easy, low prep games and activities you can do with kids outside. A lot of these are ideas I found on Pinterest that don’t link to blogs anymore if they ever did, but often that’s all the detail you need to figure out what’s going on.

First, a couple from blogs that are still alive. If you have a lot of trees in your yard or in your park, you probably also have a lot of sticks, so you can pretty easily do this stick maze activity from Mother Natured. Build the maze yourself or have one child build if for another. Either way it’s lots of fun and you can keep it built to use as a labyrinth or for pretend play.

If it’s hot where you live you might want outdoor activities that involve water like this fill the bucket relay game. The only thing you might not have at home is giant sponges, but this is still pretty low prep, inexpensive and lots of fun if you have two or more kids to play. Check out how to do it from The Resourceful Mama. And check out my post all about ice and water sensory activities for more ideas to beat the heat.

Make some x’s and o’s or use something you already have to be your game pieces (you can also just draw them on paper plates for a super fast version) and make a large tic tac toe board on the sidewalk. The bonus of reusable game pieces is kids can play with the same grid over and over, which is great if you don’t have a ton of space.

I also love the idea of drawing a big bullseye on the sidewalk or driveway and using beanbags or sponges to try to hit the target. If you have hula hoops you can also set them in a grassy area and have kids try to hit them.

Check out more fun outdoor games for kids from The Printable Princess. These are more for big groups of kids, but if you’ve got a classroom full these are good ones to have on hand for getting some energy out.

Do you have favorite outdoor games for kids to play when it’s hot? I’d love to hear about them!

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