[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 Yet Amazing! Summer Vacation Craft Ideas (11–20)
Sunflowers to make with kids
@silk_haru3mama Summer craft: Making sunflowers with kids 🌻Summer Vacation CraftTranslationMontessori Educationbasting (stitch); tackingworkSummer vacation#AtHomePlay
♬ Don!! – Ryokuoushoku Shakai
This is a sunflower craft whose finely layered petals evoke the fun of summer.
First, make the center part out of cardboard or thick paper, then attach the petals to it.
Punch holes in the round center piece and thread string through them to faithfully recreate the look of a sunflower’s center.
After that, just glue the petals around the edge and you’re done—the key is how you choose the petal colors and how you layer them.
For a more realistic look, it’s also recommended to curl the petals to add a three-dimensional effect.
Crafts you can play with

In this Reiwa era, where digital devices have surrounded us since the day we were born, it’s nice to enjoy some analog play from time to time.
So here’s a summer craft you can make and play with right away: the “Wobbly Tree.” Glue a branching tree onto half of a toy capsule.
Hang rubber bands from the branches one by one, and the person who knocks the tree over loses.
If you substitute the toy capsule base with something else, you can make an even bigger tree.
There are also videos introducing other playable crafts, so if you’re interested, be sure to check them out.
Surprising Craft

An unexpected surprise! Here’s a craft project full of excitement that sparks curiosity.
At first glance, it looks like an ordinary envelope, but when you open it—“brrrriip!”—it makes a ripping sound! The method is simple, making it perfect for a summer vacation project.
First, prepare a bag handle, rubber bands, and a ring like the kind used for word-card binders.
Attach rubber bands to both sides of the ring, then tie them to the handle—and you’re done.
Wind the ring up and place it inside the envelope.
Feel free to draw on or decorate the envelope as you like.
The mechanism is that the ring spins when the envelope is opened, creating the sound.
It’s easy, so make a bunch and have fun playing with them!
Lots of soap bubbles with DIY
https://www.tiktok.com/@sachimama_asobi/video/7268883132554808578Let’s have fun making soap bubbles using short-cut straws! First, cut a long strip of double-sided tape and line up the straws, sticking them onto it.
Apply double-sided tape to the other side as well, then roll the straws up tightly from the edge into a spiral and secure it.
Glue on a ring cut from a plastic bottle to serve as a frame, and attach a stick as a handle to finish.
Dip it in bubble solution and blow.
Bubbles will come out from each straw, creating a beautiful effect, and lots come out at once, so even small children can enjoy it.
sniper chopstick gun

If you want to build a chopstick rubber band gun that can accurately hit targets, the sniper-style chopstick gun is recommended! The materials are disposable chopsticks, rubber bands, glue, and a paper clip.
Cut the chopsticks into the required lengths for each part, glue them together to form the gun’s frame, and you’re almost done.
Finally, thread the paper clip—which acts as the trigger—through the chopsticks and secure it with a rubber band.
Since rubber bands are only used for the clip section, this design is also great for those who struggle with standard chopstick guns where wrapping the rubber bands can be tricky and unstable.
rubber band powered boat

If you’re unsure what to make for your summer break craft or independent research project, how about building a rubber-powered boat? It’s a charming craft you can make with simple materials like a milk carton, a kamaboko board, and a plastic bottle! Build a cool, moving boat and surprise your friends and teacher! The power unit is made by combining a cut milk carton with rubber bands.
Despite its simple structure, it moves steadily, so it could be fun to make them with friends and race them together.
You can also decorate the exterior of the boat however you like and try a design full of originality!
[For Upper Elementary Students] Simple but Amazing! Summer Vacation Craft Ideas (21–30)
Handmade shaker coaster

Introducing original handmade “shaker” coasters that capture the feel of the seasons.
Gather styrofoam board, background design paper, a clear file, plastic sheet, double-sided tape, beads or seashells, and sand, and let’s get started.
First, decide what kind of coaster you want to make.
Cut the styrofoam board to create the coaster base.
Attach the base pieces together for the bottom section.
Apply masking tape around the edges, add seashells and sand inside, then seal it with the lid using double-sided tape—and you’re done! Give it a try!



