Keep your kids busy + your mind sane this Summer -- Crafts, Activities, + Projects for kids ages 6-16
- Leighann Manross
- Jun 4
- 3 min read
Summer break is here—and if your house is anything like mine, “I’m bored!” becomes the new anthem within a week. Whether you're trying to limit screen time or just want to spark some creativity, having go-to activities on hand can be a lifesaver (for you and your kids). And the best part? Everything you need is just a click away on Amazon!
**As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn on qualifying purchases.
As a mom of two teenage boys and a 7-year-old girl, I’ve gathered some of our absolute favorite summer boredom-busters that keep everyone engaged, learning, and having fun—without needing a full-blown vacation itinerary.
Creative Craft Kits (Ages 6–16)
Crafting is a great way to let kids express themselves while developing fine motor skills and patience. Here are a few hits in our house:
DIY Slime Kits – Pre-measured and mess-contained! A perfect hands-on project for younger kids.
Friendship Bracelet Makers – A timeless craft that’s especially fun for tweens and teens.
Resin Art Starter Kits – Great for older kids to make keychains, jewelry, and custom gifts.
Diamond Painting Sets – Surprisingly relaxing and loved by kids across all ages!
STEM & Learning Projects
Learning can still be fun in summer—promise! These STEM kits and project sets sneak in education while keeping things cool.
Solar Robot Kits – A hands-on way to learn about solar power and engineering.
Crystal Growing Kits – Perfect for rainy days and curious minds.
Microscope Science Sets – Keep your budding scientists exploring all summer long.
Coding Robots – Techy and creative, with beginner-friendly interfaces.
Art & DIY Must-Haves
Keep their creative minds and hands moving with these all-in-one sets:
Acrylic Paint Sets with Canvas – Pair it with an easel for an at-home art studio.
Watercolor Kits with Brush Pens – Mess-free and portable for outdoor painting days.
Clay Modeling Kits – Air-dry clay is perfect for making figurines, keychains, and desk décor.
Outdoor Fun for All Ages
Because sometimes you just need them outside:
Chalk Mandala Stencil Kits – Turn your sidewalk into a masterpiece.
Backyard Obstacle Courses – A huge hit for siblings or neighborhood playdates. This one specifically can bear up to 440lbs.
Bubble Machines – Simple joy for younger kids, with surprisingly long entertainment value.
Kite Kits to Decorate and Fly – Add a creative twist to a classic summer activity.
Cooking & Kitchen Projects
Yes, kitchen time counts as a summer activity (and snack prep!).
Ice Cream Maker – Let them customize flavors and learn the science behind it.
Kid-Friendly Cookbooks – Combine reading, math, and independence in one tasty package.
Smoothie Station – Empower older kids to make healthy snacks with style.
Let’s Make This Summer Unforgettable
From arts and crafts to science experiments and outdoor adventures, these Amazon finds are my secret weapon to keeping summer fun and functional for all ages. And as an Amazon affiliate, I’ve linked everything directly in this post so you can grab what you need and start planning your next boredom-busting activity day.
Ready to create, explore, and stay sane this summer?☀️
Click the links throughout this post to shop my Amazon picks and start building your summer activity stash now!
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