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Crafts parents and kids can enjoy together. Recommended craft ideas to keep children entertained.

Here are some recommended craft ideas that parents and kids can enjoy together!

When you hear “crafts,” you might think of summer vacation homework.

But crafts are also perfect for everyday play and passing the time at home!

With common household items like plastic bottles, milk cartons, cardboard, and clay, you can make all kinds of fun creations.

You can have a blast making them with your child, play with what you’ve made, or even exchange your creations as gifts with each other…

You’re sure to share lots of fun moments!

These ideas will captivate both adults and kids, so be sure to enjoy them together as a family!

Crafts parents and children can enjoy together. Recommended craft ideas to keep kids entertained (251–260)

Cardboard garbage collection truck

[Cardboard Craft] Even the pros are amazed! Elementary school students recreate garbage trucks out of cardboard! Various refuse collection vehicles reproduced, including models by ShinMaywa Industries, Fuji Vehicle, and Morita Econos No. 197
Cardboard garbage collection truck

Let me introduce cardboard garbage collection trucks.

There are different types of garbage trucks, and their movements and installed parts vary.

All of the trucks being introduced are made using cardboard.

By paying attention to details—such as changing the shape of the emergency stop switch section, recreating the tail lamps with plastic sheets, and writing the manufacturer’s name—you can complete a garbage truck that looks just like the real thing.

Understanding the movements and features of each type of garbage truck also makes it easier to imagine the materials you’ll need to prepare.

Be sure to try making a garbage truck in your own style.

Crafts parents and children can enjoy together. Recommended craft ideas to keep kids entertained (261–270)

Cardboard vending machine

[Summer Vacation Craft] How to Make a Vending Machine (Cardboard & Milk Cartons) [Independent Research / Vending Machine / Upcycled Craft] How to Make an Easy Vending Machine!
Cardboard vending machine

Let’s introduce a cardboard vending machine that looks just like the real thing.

Insert a coin and press a button, and a drink will come out from inside.

Gather the materials—milk cartons, cardboard, bubble gum, rubber bands, paper clips, plastic sheets, tape, glue, a ruler, scissors, and a utility knife—and let’s get building.

We’ll start by making the internal parts of the cardboard vending machine.

The key is to carefully measure each part and cut it to the correct size before assembling.

Measure the base cardboard as well to ensure it’s the right size to hold the drinks, then build accordingly.

It also sounds fun to make your own original drinks!

Marble Maze

Marble Maze! Craft Channel for Kids
Marble Maze

Let me introduce a marble maze that’s so much fun to roll around.

Get your materials ready: a plastic board, colored construction paper, colored pencils, a ruler, a cutting mat, scissors, double-sided tape, clear tape, a ballpoint pen, and marbles.

Cut the plastic board to create the base shape of the maze.

It’s best to assemble the base by attaching pieces around the edges.

For the maze course, cut the board and adjust the sizes as you build.

Create traps by cutting construction paper and attaching them along the course.

Adding tunnels will make it even more exciting.

Roll your marble and enjoy aiming for the goal!

A Castle of Light Made with Corrugated Plastic and LEDs

Elementary 3rd–4th Grade Art Project Idea: A Craft Using Corrugated Plastic and LED Lights — “Castle of Light”
A Castle of Light Made with Corrugated Plastic and LEDs

This craft uses plastic corrugated board (known as “Pladan” in Japanese) to create a fantastical castle of light, featuring enchanting lighting effects.

Use a utility knife to cut window shapes you like into the board—stars, hearts, moons—feel free to get creative.

Once you’ve cut them out, roll the sheet into a cylinder and secure it with tape, then place an LED light inside to finish.

When you switch on the light, it shines through the windows, casting mysterious shadows around the room and creating the atmosphere of a real castle.

One of its charms is how it looks different in daylight and at night.

If you design your own and build a piece with a story, it will open up a world of imagination.

Paper Art Triangle

Paper Art Triangle: A 3D project you can make in a short time
Paper Art Triangle

This is a craft project where you can enjoy the fun of freely drawing with paper by playing with the width and shape of the strips.

Use a wide paper band to create a large triangular outer frame.

Make firm creases and then glue it down to complete the base.

Next, use narrow paper bands to create patterns on the inside.

By combining and attaching shapes you like—zigzags, waves, circles, and more—you’ll achieve a three-dimensional finish.

With creative color choices and placement, even the same triangle takes on a completely different look.

The result is a piece that showcases both mathematical elements and design appeal, and it stands out well in displays.

It’s an idea that trains creativity and concentration.

Matryoshka

[Summer Vacation Craft Showcase 1] Matryoshka-chan (A third-grade student's work)
Matryoshka

The craft of painting your own face and those of your family onto a matryoshka doll—where new companions appear one after another inside a small doll—overflows with the joy and warmth of imagination.

Start by applying a base color with acrylic paint to the surface of the wooden nesting dolls.

Once it’s dry, carefully paint expressive characters such as your self-portrait, family, or friends.

After the paint dries, add a coat of varnish to give it a sheen and significantly elevate the finish.

Each time you open it, a new face appears, making it a delight for viewers.

It also makes a perfect gift, and the key is to create it while thinking of someone special.

It’s a lovely art project that lets you feel the connection between craftsmanship and the heart.

Running Robot

Making Things | Exciting Karakuri Craft: Running Robot Edition | Toyota
Running Robot

An exciting craft! Let me share an idea for a running robot.

Some of you might want to do a craft project but can’t think of a good idea, right? This time, let’s make a running robot that uses a windshield wiper mechanism.

You’ll need a rectangular plastic bottle, bamboo skewers, straws, thick paper, cardboard, plastic bottle caps, rubber bands, and so on.

It’s a great idea that lets you learn how a wiper mechanism works through crafting! Give it a try!