There are quite a few kids here in our Apartment complex and they are bored because there is nothing for them to do since the swimming pool isn’t going to open. I’ve been helping the office set up a craft station for the kids to use during the Camp we are sitting up. We’ve come up with10 Dollar Tree Summer Crafts Kids Will Love. I thought you might want to share these crafts with your friends and family.
Summer vacation brings plenty of opportunities for fun, but it can also leave parents searching for affordable ways to keep children entertained. Fortunately, you don’t need expensive craft kits or elaborate supplies to create meaningful family memories. Some of our favorite summer activities start with a quick trip to Dollar Tree.
Crafting gives children an opportunity to explore their creativity, practice important skills, and spend less time in front of screens. Whether you’re homeschooling year-round, looking for rainy-day activities, or simply trying to keep boredom at bay, these simple summer crafts are budget-friendly and fun for kids of all ages.
1. Paper Plate Sun Catchers
One of the easiest summer crafts for younger children is creating colorful sun catchers. Using paper plates, tissue paper, contact paper, and a little imagination, kids can create bright decorations that look beautiful hanging in a sunny window.
This activity encourages creativity while helping younger children practice cutting, gluing, and color recognition skills. I want to make one of these paper plate sun catchers to hang on the balcony.
2. Summer Memory Jar
Summer always seems to pass too quickly. A memory jar helps families capture special moments throughout the season.
Simply decorate a jar with stickers, paint, ribbon, or markers. Throughout the summer, family members can write down favorite memories and place them inside. At the end of the season, gather together and read each memory aloud.
This simple project becomes a treasured keepsake while encouraging writing and reflection.
During the year you can use these memories in your creative writing class if your #homeschooling your children.
3. Painted Flowerpots
Dollar Tree flower pots can easily become personalized works of art. Children can paint flowers, animals, inspirational messages, or colorful patterns before planting herbs, flowers, or vegetables.
Not only is this a fun craft, but it can also spark an interest in gardening and nature.
In our Apartment were going to have each family that wants to to create a flowerpot for us to use in a Garden we plan on creating on our deck.
4. Popsicle Stick Picture Frames
Summer is full of family adventures, making it the perfect time to create picture frames for favorite photos.
Using popsicle sticks, paint, glue, and decorative embellishments, children can design unique frames that display memories from vacations, park visits, family gatherings, or everyday moments.
Father’s Day is around the corner so let your children create a frame for their dad.
5. Ocean Sensory Bottles
Bring a little bit of the ocean indoors with sensory bottles.
Fill clear plastic bottles with water, blue food coloring, glitter, shells, beads, and small ocean-themed items. Children enjoy shaking the bottles and watching the contents swirl around.
These sensory bottles can also provide a calming activity for younger children.
I can’t wait to make an Ocean Sensory bottle to decorate our back porch with.
6. Homemade Bird Feeders
Summer is a wonderful time to learn about local wildlife. Homemade bird feeders are easy to make using birdseed, peanut butter, pinecones, or recycled materials.
After hanging the feeders outdoors, children can observe visiting birds and learn more about the animals that share their neighborhood.
This project combines crafting with science and nature study.
Its’ going to attract Birds to our homes so when sitting outside we can Bird watch. Would you want to join us?
7. Foam Shape Art
Dollar Tree often carries colorful foam shapes that can be transformed into countless creations.
Children can use these shapes to build animals, flowers, landscapes, signs, or imaginative scenes. There are no rules, making this a great activity for encouraging creativity and problem-solving.
They can also be used when painting.
8. Friendship Bracelets
Friendship bracelets have remained popular for generations because they’re simple, affordable, and meaningful.
Using embroidery floss or colorful string, children can create bracelets for friends, siblings, grandparents, or neighbors. These handmade gifts teach patience while helping children develop fine motor skills.
I can’t wait to make a friendship bracelet for myself and my best friend Debbie. Would you want a friendship bracelet with us?
9. Nature Collages
Take a nature walk and collect leaves, flowers, twigs, feathers, and other natural treasures.
Back at home, use the collected items to create collages that celebrate the beauty of the season. Nature crafts encourage observation skills and help children appreciate the world around them.
10. Painted Rocks
Painted rocks continue to be one of our favorite low-cost crafts.
Children can decorate rocks with inspirational messages, colorful designs, animals, insects, or seasonal themes. The finished rocks can be displayed in gardens, hidden around the community for others to find, or given as gifts.
Painting rocks in one craft Charlie and I’ve always loved doing. I can’t wait to make more rocks with Charlie to hide in our complex. Would you want to help us?
Why My Family Loves Dollar Tree Crafts
One of the biggest reasons my family loves Dollar Tree crafts is that they prove family fun doesn’t have to be expensive. A few simple supplies can lead to hours of creativity, learning, and quality time together.
Crafting encourages children to use their imaginations, practice problem-solving skills, and express themselves in unique ways. Many of these activities also support homeschool learning by incorporating art, science, writing, and observation skills.
As parents, we’re always looking for ways to create meaningful memories without breaking the budget. These Dollar Tree summer crafts offer the perfect combination of affordability, creativity, and family fun.
What are your favorite Dollar Tree crafts?
Share your ideas in the comments below. We’re always looking for new ways to keep summer fun, creative, and budget-friendly for families.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
