[Childcare] Fun craft ideas and craft activities perfect for summer
Summer is full of fun events at daycares and kindergartens! With water play, festivals, and fireworks events, children really get a feel for the season.
Here, we’ll introduce craft ideas recommended for summer.
You can make all sorts of things like colorful fireworks, delicious-looking shaved ice, beautiful morning glories, and cute beach sandals.
These activities let you enjoy the summer atmosphere through crafting, so please use them as a reference! Some projects use unique techniques, so be sure to make fun summer memories together with the children.
Since the works created by children are regarded as artworks, the term “seisaku” (制作) is used in the text.
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[Childcare] Fun Summer Craft Ideas and Craft Activities (1–10)
A small and cute lantern

Round shape! Here are some ideas for small, cute lanterns.
Are you thinking of making lanterns for a festival event or to decorate a wall? These ideas feature colorful, rounded designs that are perfect if you’re imagining adorable lanterns.
You’ll need four sheets of origami paper, two additional sheets of origami paper, wire, glue, scissors, a craft knife, a pencil, and a ruler.
Since wire is used, please be very careful not to injure your fingers on the ends, and make sure to cut it safely.
Cute origami lantern

Mini-sized and perfect for decorating anywhere! Here are some cute origami lantern ideas.
When you think of making lanterns, many people probably picture using construction paper.
This time, let’s try making lanterns with origami paper, which comes in a wide range of colors.
You’ll need origami paper, pipe cleaners, scissors, glue, and clear tape.
Plain origami works well, but using Japanese patterns or washi-style paper can create a lovely atmosphere—give it a try!
Watermelon splitting
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It’s great that you can play it over and over! Here’s an idea for a watermelon-splitting game.
Many people have probably experienced traditional watermelon splitting at the beach, river, or a barbecue in summer.
This time, let’s enjoy a pretend version using milk cartons.
What you’ll need: milk cartons, scissors, paper plates, thumbtacks, newspaper, permanent markers, colored construction paper, glue or double-sided tape, and so on.
It’s a wonderful idea that will let children feel a sense of achievement and fulfillment—like “I did it!” Be sure to give it a try.
[Childcare] Fun craft ideas and activities perfect for summer (11–20)
Make-and-play goldfish scooping
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Scoop up goldfish while keeping your balance! Here are some fun, DIY goldfish scooping ideas you can make and play with.
Many of you have probably seen goldfish scooping at summer festival stalls, right? This time, let’s try a homemade goldfish scooping game.
You’ll need a milk carton, a compass, scissors, a drain/net bag, a stapler, vinyl tape, plastic bottle caps, and a container to hold water.
It’s great that you can make it using recycled materials.
Give it a try!
cutout
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Try your hand at a traditional pastime! Here are some ideas for katanuki (cutout art).
Katanuki is a common sight at festival stalls.
How about giving this long-loved activity a try? Use a needle, toothpick, or drawing pin to cut out various designs imprinted on a flat, board-like candy.
For children’s safety, you can also adapt the activity using construction paper or other materials.
With a bit of creativity, your customized katanuki will get kids excited and engaged.
Handmade Sweets Scoop
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Enjoy the festive vibes of a Japanese fair! Here are some ideas for a DIY candy scooping game.
These ideas are perfect for anyone who wants to create an exciting corner that will thrill kids, just like at a festival.
You’ll need empty capsules, pipe cleaners, tape, masking tape, glitter origami paper, handkerchiefs or scarves, and cushioning material.
If using candy is difficult, try putting origami creations or illustrations inside the capsules instead.
Handmade Whac-A-Croc
@mammybear_ A handmade Whac-A-Gator game by a newly graduated teacher made its debut at the pretend summer festival! It was so much fun!#Summer FestivalRole play#Nursery schoolWani Wani Panic lol
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Great for kids trying it for the first time! Here are some ideas for making your own Whac-A-Gator game.
Whac-A-Gator is the game where crocodiles pop out of holes at random and you hit them with a hammer, right? This time, let’s try making a homemade version.
You’ll need cardboard or empty boxes, colored construction paper, plastic ribbon, milk cartons, tape, and more.
It looks like you can make the hammer with a paper cup and disposable chopsticks! It’s sure to be a popular station that children from infant to preschool classes can enjoy.



