Recommended in July! Summer craft play ideas
In July, many daycare centers and kindergartens start Tanabata celebrations and pool time.
Summer is full of events kids can enjoy, like beach trips and fireworks festivals.
Here, we’re introducing craft ideas to make summer even more fun.
You can create summer-themed projects related to Tanabata, seasonal flowers, sea creatures, and cool treats.
Use these ideas as a guide to enjoy crafting with the children and spend the hot summer happily and energetically!
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Recommended in July! Summer craft play ideas (41–50)
Goldfish scooping toy
Goldfish scooping, a classic at summer festival stalls, is actually easy to make and enjoy at home! Cut a milk carton into a long strip to form a ring, attach a handle made from another piece of the carton, stretch a drain net over it, and secure it with vinyl tape to make a poi (scooper).
Next, draw fish on a milk carton, cut them out, and make your goldfish.
You can also cut goldfish from construction paper and laminate them between layers of OPP tape.
Float the goldfish in water and scoop them up with the poi.
Since the poi won’t tear, even small children can enjoy it.
Turtle’s plastic bottle bucket
Here’s an idea for a turtle-themed bucket made from a plastic bottle that kids can use to fill with water or scoop and play.
First, cut off the bottle’s mouth and protect the cut edge with tape.
Design a turtle on the side of the bottle using tape, then draw the face with a permanent marker.
Punch holes on both sides of the bottle’s rim, thread through suzuran tape (polypropylene ribbon) that has a 2 cm-wide piece of straw cut and slipped over it, and attach it as a handle to finish.
Using straws in several colors makes it bright and cute.
Water-play PET bottle toy
Let’s try making some DIY toys for water play.
Here are three types: a scoop and watering can, magic juice, and glitter juice.
For the scoop, cut a plastic bottle in half, punch holes along the rim of the bottom half to thread a string through, then stack another bottle piece upside down (with the mouth facing down) on top to finish.
For the watering can, cut a rectangular opening in a plastic bottle and make several small holes on the opposite side for the water to flow out.
Magic juice is made by filling a small plastic bottle with water, dabbing some paint on the inside of the bottle’s mouth, then sealing and shaking it so the color changes.
Glitter juice is made by putting water, liquid laundry starch (or clear glue), and sequins or beads into a plastic bottle; flip the bottle upside down and back to enjoy the movement of the liquid inside.
Summer at-home fun you can get all at the 100-yen shop!
Everything you need from the 100-yen shop! Here are some ideas for summer play at home.
Have you heard of a sensory bag? It’s a pouch-like item used as a toy to stimulate children’s senses, letting them play while engaging their perception and sensations.
This time, let’s make a DIY sensory bag and play with it! You’ll need a vacuum/compression bag, decorative pom-poms, beads, and liquid laundry starch or school glue.
You can also add glitter for extra sparkle.
The cool, chilly feel makes it perfect for summer.
Colorful ice play with pom-poms
Have fun without using colored water! Here’s a colorful ice play idea using pom-poms.
It’s easy to try because you can get all the materials at a 100-yen shop.
This time, let’s use a round ice tray and colorful decorative balls to enjoy some cool, playful ice activities.
Just put the decorative balls and water into the round ice tray, freeze it, and you’re done! You can play by touching the ice as is, or enjoy watching it melt in the bath.
Try out different ways to play.
Crispy Slime Pretzel
Just like candy! Here are some ideas for crispy slime pretzels.
They’re super cute to look at, too! We’ll show you ideas for making crispy slime.
When you think of slime, many people probably imagine a soft texture that stretches out.
This time, let’s transform slime into a crispy form and have fun with it.
What you’ll need: molds, a melamine sponge, candle wax, parchment paper, and toothpicks.
Be sure to work together with a parent or teacher when making this.
The finished crispy slime looks just like candy, but please play with it without putting it in your mouth.
yacht
Something to make in summer! Here are some yacht craft ideas.
A yacht is a boat that moves forward by catching the wind with its sails.
Even if you haven’t seen one in real life, they often appear in picture books and anime.
How about making a yacht that evokes the sea and enjoying a summer craft? All you need is a single sheet of origami paper.
The folding method is simple and easy to follow, so once you get the hang of it, kids should be able to finish it on their own.
Use origami in your favorite colors or patterns to create your own original yacht!