I love this candle project idea! It’s made from an old outside light fixture and a couple bottle lids. I see those things kicking around at garage sales all the time but it never occurred to me to try something like this. Jane Lake gives us detailed instructions with more ideas on different ways to make faux candle lamps. See the Faux Oil Lamp Project on All Free Crafts for more.
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20 Easy and Fun Toddler Crafts for Summer: Sensory Play, DIY Art And Seasonal Activities
Looking for screen-free ways to entertain your toddler this summer? These easy and fun toddler crafts are exactly what you need to spark creativity, build motor skills, and keep little hands busy during those long, sunny days. Perfect for parents, caregivers, and early childhood educators, these craft ideas are designed with simplicity and sensory exploration in mind—because we know toddlers love to touch, squish, swirl, and splatter!
Whether you’re crafting indoors to escape the heat or setting up a creative station outside in the shade, this roundup includes mess-friendly and age-appropriate activities that toddlers will actually enjoy. From colorful rainbow sorting games and paper plate animals to squishy play dough aliens and calming sensory bottles, each project encourages open-ended play while supporting early development skills like color recognition, hand-eye coordination, and imaginative thinking.
These toddler summer crafts use inexpensive, everyday materials—like tissue paper, popsicle sticks, paper plates, and glue—so you don’t have to worry about fancy supplies or last-minute store runs. Plus, many of the ideas included are seasonal and themed around summer fun, nature, holidays, and even space adventures—making it easy to tie into themed learning or just spontaneous play.
Whether you’re prepping for a rainy day, planning summer camp crafts, or simply looking to make memories with your little ones, this collection of toddler craft ideas is filled with inspiration. Dive in and discover simple projects that are big on fun, gentle on mess, and perfect for tiny creators!
Toddler Craft Tissue Paper Sun Catchers
Fun and simple toddler craft! These DIY Tissue Paper Sun Catchers are a hit with toddlers and preschoolers alike.
Get the Tutorial: Toddler Craft Tissue Paper Sun Catchers
Toddler Valentines Heart Bouquet
Create a simple Valentines Heart Bouquet with your toddler or preschooler. A fun seasonal activity that encourages creativity and fine motor skills.
Get the Tutorial: Toddler Valentines Heart Bouquet
Toddler Rainbow Activity
This “I Can Make a Rainbow” activity is perfect for color recognition, fine motor development, and sensory exploration for toddlers.
Get the Tutorial: Toddler Rainbow Activity
Paper Plate Brachiosaurus Craft
A dino-themed craft for toddlers and preschoolers! Use a paper plate to make a fun and educational brachiosaurus together.
Ladybug Paper Craft for Toddlers
This ladybug paper plate craft is perfect for spring or summer and helps toddlers with creativity, cutting, and gluing skills.
Get the Tutorial: Ladybug Paper Craft Toddler Craft
DIY Butterfly Sensory Bottle
Easy Pumpkin Crafts for Toddlers
These no-fuss pumpkin crafts are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers and are a great addition to your fall fun lineup.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Crafts For Toddlers
DIY Spider Craft with Popsicle Sticks
A fun and spooky-themed craft using popsicle sticks! Perfect for Halloween or “The Very Busy Spider” story time.
Get the Tutorial: DIY Spider Craft for Toddlers
Rainbow Wheel Color Matching Game
Practice color recognition and sorting with this clever DIY matching game using basic household supplies. Great for early learning!
Shape House Toddler Craft
Teach shapes and build coordination with this simple yet fun house-shaped craft using paper cutouts and glue.
Get the Tutorial: Shape House Toddler Craft Idea
Ladybug Suncatcher Craft
Make a ladybug-themed suncatcher to brighten any window! Easy enough for preschoolers to do with a little help.
Easy Flower Craft for Toddlers
Use basic craft materials to create colorful flowers with your toddler—ideal for springtime fun or rainy-day activities.
Get the Tutorial: Easy Flower Craft For Toddlers
Painting Poppy with a Balloon
This sensory-friendly painting activity uses a balloon as a paintbrush to create poppy flowers. A fun and safe option for toddlers!
Get the Tutorial: Painting Poppy for Toddlers
Valentine’s Day Picture Frame Craft
Make adorable popsicle stick photo frames for Valentine’s Day. Perfect for toddlers to gift to parents or grandparents!
Get the Tutorial: Valentine’s Day Picture Frame Craft
Wood Slice Christmas Ornaments for Toddlers
Decorate wood slices with your toddlers to create DIY Christmas ornaments. A sweet seasonal tradition for all ages.
Get the Tutorial: Christmas Ornaments for Toddlers
Play Dough Aliens for Space Week
Create cute alien creatures from play dough for an out-of-this-world toddler activity. Add books or songs for a complete theme day!