happy summer- fun craft ideas for kids

wondering when is the first day of summer?  this year the first day of summer is
Friday, June 21st! the first day of summer {or the summer solstice} is the longest day of the year.  it’s the point when the sun reaches its most northern point in the sky at noon.

this also happens to be my precious sister’s birthday: 

also a yogi…

1.  Popsicle Bookmark {free printable} ~ These popsicle bookmarks are a fun way to encourage your children to read over the summer! Print the free file and let your children color their popsicle. Add it to a book and it makes a summerific gift!

2.  Printable Summer Reading Log + Summer Reading List ~ Use these printable reading logs to encourage summer reading along with a list of 50 fun books to read this summer.  I love how the logs look like old-fashioned library cards.  Rebecca also has some adorable “bookworm” treat bag toppers.  Use them for some gummy worm incentives.

3.  I’m Bored Jar of Activities {Keeping Kids Busy} ~ While this jar was created for the long summer break, it might also be a great idea to have around during the holiday break as well! With this great tutorial you’ll learn how to create a cute little jar filled with great activities to keep the kiddos busy! She even includes a printable of all the activities so all you have to do is print and cut them out!

4.  Printable Summer Bucket List  ~ The Summer is flying by and will be over before we know it.  If you are still looking for things to do with the kids, download and print this FREE Summer Bucket list with 76 Summer Activities for Kids.  It includes fun things like bowling, going to the park, dress-up, and balloon car races.

5.  Lemonade Stand ~ “Keep Calm and Drink Lemonade”, this lemonade stand is so stink in’ cute!  Fabric bunting banner, ruffled table cloth, and two adorable children…it can’t get any better than this!  Oh wait, it can, the printables are free downloads.

6.  Free Printable Citrus Splash Party Invitations ~ Summer is here and it’s time to party! Here’s a free printable citrus-inspired invitation perfect for your gathering…. Whether your having friends over for a casual pool party, having a citrus inspired cocktail party on a warm evening, or heading out to lunch for a birthday celebration, print these bright and festive invitations out to get your guests ready for the fun!  These would also be fab for a Summer baby shower.

7.  Homemade Bubbles {Summer Fun} ~ Check out this homemade bubble recipe! Who knew that you could make bubble using things you probably currently have in your kitchen! Your little one will love helping to make them as well as play with the final product!

8.  Ice Chalk {Art Project} ~ Art doesn’t have to end at the end of the school year! This post features a super fun way to create outdoor art in a fun summer-ish way! Kids of all ages will love these colored ice chalks!

9. Driveway Photography ~ Who would have thought that sidewalk chalk could be so much fun?!  It’s definitely a creative outlet and fun activity for the family.  This is a definite must for your summer bucket list.

10.  First Day of Summer Ice Cream Party ~  How about the starting the summer off with an ice cream party?  Make your own popsicles and have an ice cone bar with cute homemade  ice cream cone holders.  Hanging accordion flowers and an ice cream cone box should round out the decorations.  Just add hungry kids.

11.  Ice Cream Sundae Piñata ~  I’m in love with this ice cream sundae piñata idea.  Not only is it totally original, the piñata only takes 30 minutes to make and it’s adorable.  How cool would it be to surprise everyone on the first day of summer with a frozen piñata with ice cream sundae fixings?

12.  Summertime Activities Bucket List {free printables} ~  Start your family summer bucket list.  Print out ready made ideas, or make up your own and get started making some fun memories!

13.  Journal Your Summer {School Age} ~ Encourage creative writing for you school age children throughout the summer with these summer journaling prompts. Try starting out with a sentence or two a day, but if that becomes too much just make journal writing a weekly activity. You could even choose to wait and have your kids write in their journal at the end of summer to reminisce on all the fun they had before the beginning of the next school year.

14.  The Deluxe Kid Wash ~ The Kid Wash is crafted almost entirely from PVC pipe, a material we love not just for its low cost (about $30 for all the pieces shown here) and durability, but also for its ease of use (with all those interconnecting pieces — it’s like Tinkertoys for grown-ups).

15.  DIY Water Blob ~ The ultimate water toy for kids.   It’s made from two pieces of plastic sheeting sized 9’x12’ and duct tape.

16.  Summer Sponge Bombs ~ Instead of water balloons try making sponge bombs.  They are made from cut up strips from a mop, sponges and drawer liners.

17.  Heart Tie-Dye T-shirt ~ Make adorable heart tie-dyed t-shirts for both boys and girls. All you need is a white t-shirt, two colors of tie-dye, rubber bands, and a heart template. I promise – if I can do it, you can definitely do it and everyone will be impressed!!

21.  Jello Watermelon Slices {Edible Crafts for Kids} ~ A fun summer treat, learn how to use a lime and red jell-o to create these fun watermelon shaped gelatin treats.