There’s something magical about summer crafts. Maybe it’s the messiness we allow ourselves, or the way everything ends up with a bit of sand stuck to it.
Over the past 6 years running kids’ art workshops (plus testing a zillion ideas with my niece), I’ve collected a bunch of easy, beach-themed craft ideas that are genuinely fun, not just Pinterest-pretty.
Here are 10 that I keep coming back to. No fluff. Just practical, creative joy. And yes, a little glitter too (sorry, floors).
1. Sand Art Suncatchers
These are simple, satisfying, and turn out way cooler than you’d expect.
How to make it:
- Cut shapes from clear contact paper. Think fish, shells, or even abstract swirls.
- Peel one side, lay it sticky-side-up, and let kids sprinkle colored sand.
- Tip: You can DIY colored sand with food coloring and regular play sand. Let it dry before using.
- Seal it using another layer of contact paper, trim the edges, and tape it to a sunny window.
Why I love it:
I once did this with a group of 6-year-olds on a rainy beach camp day. The light hit the window around 3 PM, and the entire room went silent for a moment. That’s rare.
Also see: How to Create a Summer Color Palette (Simple Guide)
2. Beach Memory Stones
This one’s about storytelling, really.
What you need:
- Smooth stones (grab some from the beach or the dollar store).
- Acrylic paint, paint pens, or permanent markers.
What to do:
Paint little scenes – your favorite wave, a crab you saw, that epic sandcastle fail. I ask kids, “What was your favorite 10 seconds at the beach?” and let them paint that.
Pro tip: Spray a clear sealant on them afterward to preserve them. One teen camper kept hers on her desk through high school. I call that impact.
3. Ocean Animal Stick Puppets
Perfect for a mini puppet show and low mess.
Steps:
- Print ocean animal templates or draw freehand (sharks, dolphins, even seaweed can be fun).
- Let kids color and decorate with crayons or markers.
- Glue each to a popsicle stick.
- Done.
Add-on idea: Build a quick “stage” out of a cardboard box. I once watched two 9-year-olds create a marine soap opera featuring a jellyfish love triangle. Educational? Maybe. Entertaining? Absolutely.
4. DIY Mini Beach in a Box
This one always wins the “I want to take this home forever” award.
You’ll need:
- A small transparent plastic container or shoebox.
- Play sand (not too much, you want a thin layer).
- Mini shells, paper or plastic umbrellas, maybe a sea shells, and a miniature palm tree.
Let them build:
Add a paper towel ocean, sprinkle sand on it, draw waves on the container, and arrange all the items you brought. It becomes an entire summer world in a box.
Quick story: One kid made a “Beach Zombie Apocalypse” version. There was ketchup involved. I didn’t ask.
5. Sea Star Friendship Bracelets
Craft plus connection is gold.
How it works:
- Use blue, tan, and white beads (or even pasta painted in those shades).
- Add a foam or cardstock starfish charm in the center.
- Tie it with a stretchy cord or embroidery thread.
What’s great: These become fast gifts. Kids love making matching ones for cousins, camp friends, even teachers. My niece wore hers for 3 months. It unraveled during a swimming lesson and she legit cried. We made another right away.
6. Bubble Wrap Map Painting(Country or World)
This one is messy-delightful.
What to do:
- Paint blue and green acrylic on a sheet of bubble wrap.
- Press white paper onto it like a print.
- Once dry, decorate with country flags, names , and whatever else you want.
Kids LOVE popping the wrap after. (Tip: save a second sheet for that or chaos will follow.)
7. Sandcastle in a Jar
A calm, pretty display that even adults enjoy making.
Materials:
- Clean mason jar or any clear container.
- Sand, shells, tiny pebbles.
- Optional: a small chair and umbrella made from a paper or plastic.
Instructions:
Layer sand and shells. Add chair, umbrella and even a small castle shape (you can cut from cardstock or use a mini mold). Close the lid. Done.
I made one on a trip to Goa with my artist friends, each of us filled a jar with beach items that “summed up” the trip. Mine had a small piece of driftwood, a spiral shell, and glitter. Because I’m that person.
8. Driftwood Photo Frame
Rustic. Minimal. Very Instagram-worthy.
You’ll need:
- Plain wood or cardboard photo frame.
- Driftwood pieces (or twigs, if you’re far from the coast).
- Hot glue.
Arrange the driftwood like a puzzle and glue it around the frame edges. Add a beach trip photo and you’ve got a decor piece you’ll actually want to keep.
Insight: My friend sell versions of these at local craft fairs. Add twine and a shell charm, and they fly off the table. Just saying.
9. Ocean Sensory Bottle
Perfect for toddlers or anyone who needs a little calm.
Steps:
- Fill clear plastic bottle with water, a drop of blue food coloring, glitter, and tiny ocean toys (like fish, beads, or buttons).
- Seal it tight with hot glue.
Shake and watch: The glitter swirls like waves. It’s oddly soothing, even for adults. I’ve had one on my work desk since covid 2020. (Yes, I know that says a lot.)
10. Mermaid Scale Bookmarks
Because reading and glitter are best friends.
Here’s how:
- Cut strips of cardstock (about 6 inches long).
- Use markers, metallic pens or even paper cutouts to create scallop patterns that mimic mermaid scales.
- Add sequins, glitter glue, and in the end, a ribbon at the top.
I remember a “mermaid day” workshop I went into once, and these bookmarks were the quietest part of it. Everyone was so into drawing perfect little scales. It’s surprisingly meditative.
A Few Quick Tips from Experience:
- Let go of perfection. Kids don’t care if their jellyfish looks like a sad potato.
- Use trays for sand-based crafts. Saves your sanity.
- Ask open-ended questions. “What story is your stone telling?” sparks way more engagement than “Paint a shell.”
- Glitter hack: Mix it with Mod Podge to reduce fallout. It stays stuck but still sparkly.
Final Thoughts
Crafting beach-themed projects in summer isn’t just about keeping kids busy. It’s about capturing tiny moments, like the color of the water, the shape of a seashell, the way light hits sand, and turning them into little memories you can hold. Or at least stick on your fridge.
So, which one are you trying first? And if you come up with a twist (mer-zombie bookmark? glow-in-the-dark ocean bottle?), please tell me. I’m always collecting weird, wonderful ideas.
I hope you have loved this post on “Easy Summer Beach Craft Ideas for Kids.” Comment below your opinions, I will wait for it.
Happy crafting!