If you need fresh ideas for entertaining your toddler this summer, our friend over at Learn Create Love has shared 10 of her favorite summer crafts and activities. Some supplies you’ll want to have on hand for projects include, but are not limited to: printer paper and/or card stock, washable paints, crayons, and/or markers, safety scissors, glue stick, and googly eyes. Enjoy!

1. Strawberry Printable

Fresh strawberries are the best summer treat, so why not decorate the kitchen with some of these adorable little guys? Your little one can practice cutting and pasting strawberry seeds while you decide if you’re going to serve ice cream or whipped cream with the strawberries tonight. 

Strawberry Printable

2. Water Beads Sensory Play

This activity will take a trip to the store to complete, but the results are worth it. Water beads are typically used as decorative accents in flower vases, but letting your little one explore these beads with their senses is a fun adventure. For those toddlers still in the mouthing phase, keep a close watch that none get in their mouth—though these beads are non-toxic, it’s always best to avoid ingesting anything that isn’t food.

Water Beads Sensory Play

3. Homemade Bubbles

Blowing bubbles is one of the easiest ways to have fun outside. Spills happen, but with this recipe you’ll never run out of bubble solution. Have your kids help you measure and pour, then let the fun commence!

4. Egg Carton Caterpillar Craft

It’s caterpillar season! Little ones love to watch fuzzy caterpillars wiggle and waggle around, so why not help make one of their own? You’ll need a pipe cleaner and some googly eyes--but if you don’t have them on hand you can always help your tot draw eyes and use paper or string for the antennae. 

Egg Carton Caterpillar Craft

5. Firefly Printable

Fireflies have lots of names; Lightning Bug, Glow Worm, Blinky… No matter what you call them, they’re fun to chase and they’re downright cute. Spend some time helping your tot hone her cutting and pasting skills with this adorable printable craft.

Firefly Printable

6. Paper Plate Ladybug

Ladybug, ladybug, fly away home… Ladybugs are great for gardens, and this ladybug is great for keeping you entertained. Make a whole family to decorate your wall, or have a ladybug theme for your summer party—these crafts would be great for every kid to make and take home.

Paper Plate Ladybug

7. Handprint Tree

Take your wee one on a nature walk. Bring a bag with you and collect some interesting leaves for later. This neat craft will allow your child to express their creativity and share their love for the outdoors. 

Handprint Tree

8. Watermelon Printable

Watermelon is a summertime favorite, and this simple craft will be a fast favorite, too. Even better, these seeds won’t get all over the place.

Watermelon Printable

9. Nighttime Sky

This craft has endless possibilities. Poke holes in paper to teach constellations, go nighttime camping during the day, or create an alien sky. The only limit is your child’s ability and imagination.

NighttimeSky

10. Scavenger Hunt Printable

Take your outdoor-time to the next level with this printable check list. Use this hunt to teach your child about what is in the backyard--or go to a sanctuary, preserve, or zoo. Choose between already-filled pages or create your own list.

Scavenger Hunt Printable