[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 (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!
gemstone soap
How about making pretty, gem-like “jewel soaps” that look just like real gemstones? With a jewel soap kit, which lets you color glycerin soap, it’s surprisingly easy.
Simply mix your desired colors into glycerin soap, melt it in the microwave, pour it into a mold to set, then cut it into any shapes you like.
Try making one in your birthstone color, or experiment by blending different hues.
With a small twist to shape it like a crystal, you’ll end up with a beautiful soap that will amaze everyone!
No-bake shrink plastic keychain
Non-bake shrink-plastic keychains are a super easy craft, so they’re highly recommended.
Since you can make them without baking, there’s no worry about them warping in the oven and failing.
Just stick a sticker onto the plastic sheet, cut it to your preferred size, and apply a self-adhesive laminate film on top.
Then punch a hole and thread the strap—done! Try using illustrations or photos to enjoy your own original designs.
With a bit of creativity, you can handmake all kinds of keychains, and making them with friends doubles the fun!
A bento made with sweets
At first glance, it looks like a cute, ordinary bento—but what if it were made entirely of sweets? Why not try making a bento like that? For the “rice,” use traditional puffed rice snacks.
You could pretend colorful round chocolate candies are green peas, and turn salami sticks into little octopus sausages.
Many snacks we casually eat can look like bento side dishes with just a bit of creative cutting.
Have fun, like playing house, and make a cute, sweet bento!
How to make a watermelon bar squishy
Looks just like a real ice pop!? Juicy to the eye and satisfyingly squishy to the touch, the “Watermelon Bar Squishy” is an adorable handmade craft perfect for summer.
It’s an easy yet highly polished project, especially recommended for upper-grade girls.
Start with a sponge from the 100-yen shop and cut it into the shape of a watermelon ice bar.
Carefully paint a red–green–white gradient with acrylic paints.
Recreate the seeds realistically using black paint or clay.
A wooden stick works perfectly for the ice pop handle.
People are sure to say, “That looks delicious!” It’s cute to look at and fun to touch—give this delightful summer science/craft project a try!
drink bar
Wouldn’t you want to show off to your friends if you had a drink bar like the ones you see at family restaurants right at home? Let’s make a stylish and cool drink bar with a simple structure! It’s also highly recommended as a summer vacation craft project, so give it a try with your child and have fun together.
By making a hole in a plastic bottle cap with a screwdriver and attaching a valve, you can twist the valve to dispense the drink just like a real drink bar.
The main body uses cardboard, so even kids can easily assemble it! It would be great to customize the design to your liking, too.
Recreating Disney park food!
Perfect for a summer vacation science project! Let’s make a “Little Green Men Squishy.” You know them as popular Disney characters.
These cute and unique Little Green Men can be turned into a squishy with a soft, bouncy feel.
It’s a hands-on craft where you can create a mysterious toy that looks just like the real thing and feels great to squeeze.
All you need are liquid foundation sponges from the 100-yen shop, fast-drying clear glue, and acrylic paint.
Finish a Disney park-style treat that looks real, and enjoy your summer vacation!