Summer has arrived, and it’s the perfect time to step away from the screens and dive into something hands-on and memory-making with your kids. At Terri’s Little Haven, we believe in simple, fun, and imaginative projects that spark creativity and laughter. These five summer hobby ideas are trending right now and are perfect for making this season unforgettable.
1. Sun Catchers Made from Recycled Plastic
You don’t need a trip to the craft store to create something beautiful. Just grab a few clean plastic containers from the recycle bin and transform them into colorful window art.
Cut the plastic into fun shapes like circles, hearts, or stars
Use transparent acrylic paints in vibrant colors
Hang your creations in sunny windows to let the colors shine
Parents are loving this eco-friendly craft idea, and it’s gaining popularity as a great way to teach kids about recycling while crafting something lovely.
2. DIY Puffy Paint Ice Cube Painting
Cool things down with this chilly, colorful activity that combines art and sensory play.
Mix equal parts of white glue and shaving cream
Add a few drops of food coloring and spoon the mix into an ice cube tray
Freeze overnight
Pop them out and let kids paint on paper using the frozen paint cubes
As the cubes melt, they create colorful, fluffy designs that dry into textured artwork. It’s science, art, and play all in one.
3. Pocket-Sized Terrariums in Teacups
Have some teacups collecting dust? Turn them into mini gardens that spark curiosity and make beautiful decor.
Start with a layer of small pebbles, then add a bit of activated charcoal to keep things fresh
Add a scoop of potting soil and plant a small succulent, air plant, or moss
Let the kids decorate the terrarium with tiny animal figurines or colorful stones
These mini ecosystems are not only fun to create, but they also teach kids how to care for something living.
4. Backyard Story-Based Treasure Hunt
Make your backyard an adventure with a personalized treasure hunt.
Write simple clues or riddles leading to different spots around your yard or home
Hide little treasures like stickers, marbles, or small toys
Create a final “treasure chest” for the grand discovery
Treasure hunts promote problem-solving and spark imagination, plus they’re a great way to get everyone moving and laughing together.
5. Painted Rocks for the Garden
A simple walk can turn into a creative afternoon with this nature-inspired activity.
Collect smooth, clean rocks from your yard or a nearby park
Use acrylic paints to decorate them with flowers, animals, or kind words
Seal with outdoor varnish to protect your creations from the weather
Use the finished rocks to decorate your garden, line pathways, or even start a neighborhood kindness rock project.
Final Thoughts
These five summer hobby projects aren’t just fun—they’re also meaningful. They encourage creativity, problem-solving, and quality time together, all without needing expensive supplies or complicated instructions. Whether you’re painting rocks in the backyard or making sun catchers for the kitchen window, every little project adds up to big memories.
So gather your supplies, round up the kids, and let the summer creativity begin.
