[For Upper Elementary Students] Simple but Awesome! A Collection of Summer Vacation Craft Ideas
Summer vacation crafts—especially for older elementary students—can feel like a dilemma: “Simple projects aren’t satisfying,” but “overly difficult ones are a problem,” too, right? The truth is, by getting creative with materials and tools, you can make projects that look and function like the real deal.
Here, we’re sharing craft ideas—like coin banks, motor-based projects, and food replicas—that will make your friends say, “Wow!” They’re simple to build, yet fun to use even after they’re finished.
Use these as inspiration and add your own twists to create an original masterpiece!
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[For Upper Elementary Students] Simple but Amazing! Summer Vacation Craft Ideas (91–100)
A climbing ladybug!
Here’s how to make a ladybug toy you can play with using magnets.
First, decorate a half-sphere of Styrofoam to look like a ladybug using pens or any materials you like.
Attach a magnet to the back of the ladybug with double-sided tape.
Next, flatten a toilet paper tube and cut it in half.
Use double-sided tape to fix the cut piece around a wooden stick to form a ring, then attach a magnet so it attracts the ladybug’s magnet.
Make a “tree” using a plastic wrap (cling film) tube, and insert the stick inside the tube.
When you move the stick up and down, the ladybug will move too! It’s also fun to make other bugs or your favorite characters instead of a ladybug, so give it a try!
How to make a paper popper
Here’s how to make a simple paper pop gun using a plastic wrap core.
First, roll up some paper to make a small ball about 1 cm in diameter.
Cut a balloon around the middle and attach it to the end of the wrap core.
Secure it with a rubber band so it doesn’t come off, and you’re done! Put the paper ball inside, pull the balloon back, and launch the paper ball you made.
You can also decorate the gun however you like or use cardboard to give it a cool gun shape.
Have fun with your own original ideas!
[For Upper Elementary Students] Simple but Awesome! Summer Vacation Craft Ideas (101–110)
Balloon pistol
You can play a fun target game using the power of a balloon! Use decorative pom-poms as the balls.
First, cut a balloon around the middle and attach it to a paper towel roll core.
Secure it with a rubber band so it won’t come off, and it’s ready! Put the decorative balls inside, pull back the balloon, and launch the balls to play.
Make the targets out of milk cartons.
It’s also recommended to decorate the launcher and shape it like a cool pistol using cardboard or any decorations you like.
Have fun with your own original ideas!
Balloon pistol
You can play a fun target game using the power of a balloon! Use decorative pom-poms as the balls.
First, cut a balloon around the middle and attach it to a paper towel roll core.
Secure it with a rubber band so it won’t come off, and it’s ready! Put the decorative balls inside, pull back the balloon, and launch the balls to play.
Make the targets out of milk cartons.
It’s also recommended to decorate the launcher and shape it like a cool pistol using cardboard or any decorations you like.
Have fun with your own original ideas!
How to make a pencil case
You can stand your favorite pens upright! Here’s how to make a cute pen case using a plastic wrap core.
First, cut the wrap core to a length that fits your pens.
It’s tough, so kids should have an adult help.
Next, place the core on thick paper, trace around it with a pencil, cut it out, and glue on a lid and a base for the case.
Once the glue dries, decorate it with your favorite wrapping paper or stickers.
Finally, roll up some thick paper, push it into the case, and trim any excess—and you’re done!
telescope
Believe it or not, you can make a telescope using only items from the 100-yen shop! Doing some stargazing with a handmade telescope sounds super exciting, doesn’t it? If you’re an elementary school student interested in making things or in astronomy, definitely give it a try! The key for the telescope’s lenses is to combine a pair of reading glasses with a magnifying glass.
A potato chip tube works perfectly for the telescope body, so it’s highly recommended.
It’s fine to observe the Moon with your finished telescope, but be sure never to look at the Sun! Have fun making a telescope you can proudly show off to your friends and family.
Plastic bottle wind chime
Here’s an idea for an easy wind chime you can make with a plastic bottle.
Cut the bottle in half across the middle and make a hole in the center of the bottom piece.
Thread a string through the hole, attaching a strip of paper (tanzaku) and a bell to it.
Decorate the bottle, and you’re done.
Pens, nail polish, and decorative parts work well for embellishment.
To keep the string from slipping out, tie a short piece of a toothpick along the string as a stopper.
By taking advantage of the bottle’s translucence, you’ll get a cool, refreshing look.
If you’re looking for a summery craft idea, give this a try.
