Looking for the best arts and crafts for kids this summer? Whether you’re heading on a family holiday, spending sunny afternoons in the garden or preparing for the inevitable rainy day, a few creative activities can keep children entertained without another screen in sight.
From Minions and Harry Potter Crystal Art® to embroidery and magical drawing, these summer craft kits for kids are easy to enjoy at home or pack for a family holiday.
Craft Buddy Crystal Art®: Minions and Harry Potter
For children who love crafting and their favourite films, Craft Buddy Crystal Art® turns much-loved characters into sparkling works of art.
Similar to painting by numbers, children place hundreds of colourful crystals onto a numbered adhesive template to reveal the finished design. It’s simple, satisfying and absorbing, making Crystal Art® a great summer holiday activity for quiet afternoons at home, in the garden or away.
Harry Potter fans can bring a little Hogwarts magic to their summer with officially licensed Crystal Art® designs inspired by the Wizarding World, while this summer also sees some particularly mischievous new arrivals.
Following the release of this summer’s biggest family film, Craft Buddy has launched a new collection of officially licensed Minions & Monsters Crystal Art® kits.
The collection includes Crystal Art® Buddies featuring Ron, Tim, Gus and Gru. Each kit allows children to recreate their favourite character by placing colourful crystals onto a numbered template before transforming the finished creation into a freestanding display piece.
From Ron’s standout charm and Tim’s playful energy to Gus’s fun-loving personality and Gru’s unmistakable look, the designs capture the humour that has made the characters instantly recognisable around the world.
Compact and self-contained, Crystal Art® kits are an easy addition to a children’s holiday activity bag, ready for a quiet afternoon at a villa, hotel or around the garden table.
Paraffle Cherry Blossom Hoop Kit
For older children and teenagers looking for a new creative skill, the Paraffle Cherry Blossom Hoop Kit is a beautiful introduction to embroidery.
The floral embroidery kit allows budding crafters to stitch their own delicate cherry blossom design while learning techniques they can use for future projects.
Embroidery is particularly suited to slower summer afternoons because it encourages concentration and patience without feeling like homework. The portable hoop also makes it an excellent craft activity to take on holiday, whether you’re stitching beside the pool, relaxing in the garden or winding down after a day exploring.
Once complete, the finished cherry blossom hoop becomes a pretty piece of handmade art to display at home.
Marvin’s Magic Art Collection Bundle
For children who like their arts and crafts with a little extra magic, Marvin’s Magic Art Collection Bundle combines creativity with visual illusion.
Rather than simply drawing a picture, children can experiment with magical art effects and then show off their creations to family and friends.
It’s a particularly fun choice for summer playdates and family holidays, where an afternoon of creating can turn into its own little performance. Set everything up at the garden table, let children master their favourite effects and finish the afternoon with a magic art show.
The Best Summer Arts and Crafts for Kids
A good summer craft doesn’t need to be complicated. The best activities are those children genuinely want to return to, whether they’re carefully adding crystals to a favourite Minion, learning embroidery, experimenting with magical artwork or making friendship bracelets beneath the garden parasol.
Keeping a small summer craft bag ready with paper, pencils, stickers and a couple of creative kits can also be invaluable during family holidays and long days at home.
Most importantly, arts and crafts give children an opportunity to slow down, use their imagination and create something of their own — making them one of the simplest ways to fill those wonderfully long summer days.
