It’s summer and, unfortunately, we’re still in the midst of a quasi-lockdown due to the ongoing coronavirus – but what was once a fleeting thought of what to do with the kids during their season off from school has become a challenge because of the seemingly infinite amount of available time. Indeed, summer is usually a kid’s favorite time of year – it sure was for us – yet it’s also tasking for parents, nannies and babysitters who often struggle to find fun activities to keep kids engaged…and this is now harder than ever.

The good news is there are a ton of easy summer crafts for kids, preschoolers and toddlers that are sure to provide hours of entertainment and learning. The following are the top six unique arts and crafts the Woodland Hills Magazine staff has rounded up that may just make this summer (and the kids) a little easier to deal with.

Create a Galaxy Jar

What is a “galaxy jar”? As its namesake suggests, it’s a galaxy in a jar – almost like holding all the galaxy’s wonder in your hands. More to the point, though, it’s a perfect “sensory bottle” or “calm down jar” craft that kids and adults alike will love. Some parents refer to this as a Nebula jar, but regardless of its moniker, it’s a simple craft that transforms each mason jar you use into a galactic empire from unknown regions in the Outer Rim, full of wonder and delight.

Such a jar is made by filling a third of a mason jar with water, adding several drops of acrylic tempera paint, putting the lid on the jar and shaking to mix the paint and water. From there, a bit of glitter is added to the water and paint solution – acting as the “stars” in your “galaxy” – before cotton balls are stretched out and elongated, eventually added to the water until the bottom of the jar is filled with cotton (the balls can be pressed down into the water with a stick or knife).

Then, the jar is filled with another third of water and several drops of contrasting tempera paint are added; repeat steps two through four so colors start to mix and blend into each other. The final third of the jar is then filled with water before steps two through four are repeated.

Tie Dye Creations with Markers 

Use permanent markers and rubbing alcohol to create beautiful bursts of color on fabric; this Sharpie tie dye process is perfect for decorating t-shirts, as well.

The supply list for this Sharpie tie dye approach is relatively small; you need cotton fabric (a t-shirt, cotton kitchen hand towel or cotton pillowcase, for example) in addition to small plastic cups, rubber bands, permanent markers and rubbing alcohol. Place a plastic cup inside your garment so that the fabric is stretched over the top of the cup, and secure with a rubber band. Use markers to then make a simple design with plenty of white space remaining; when we say “simple,” we mean it: Really, all you need is dots and dashes.

Use an eye dropper or paint brush to drip plain rubbing alcohol onto your permanent marker design, and then watch as colors begin to move and mix, following the alcohol.

Colorful Squirt Gun Painting

Bust summer boredom at home, school or camp with squirt gun painting, an amazing summer art experience for kids of all ages; if squirt guns aren’t your thing, you can use plastic spray bottles, as well.

In addition to a squirt gun/spray bottle, you’ll need watercolor paper, liquid watercolors and an easel. First, arrange the easel in the yard, then clip two sheets of watercolor paper to each side. Invite your kids to fill their squirt guns with liquid watercolors, then let them go to town painting. Allow the paintings to dry in the grass.

Easy Resin DIY Bracelets

What do you get when you take your favorite scrapbooking paper and add some resin? A fashionable resin bangle bracelet. Here’s what you need to get started: Resin Obsession six-ounce super clear resin, 10-ounce mixing cups, bangle bracelet mold, stir stix, Ultra Seal, Castin’ Craft mold release and conditioner, straight blade knife, ruler, scrapbooking paper of your choice, wax paper and nitrile gloves.

The somewhat complex directions for creating these masterpieces can be found here.

Fluffy Slime Recipe for Unicorn Slime

Have your kids ever made Rainbow Unicorn Fluffy Slime? It’s the perfect kid’s craft and blends three pretty pastel colors into a unicorn slime rainbow. This slime recipe includes white glue, shaving cream and a small amount of borax powder diluted in water; if you prefer not to use borax to activate the slime, use saline solution instead.

Details regarding how to make this slime can be found here.

Pool Noodle Planes

Build an airplane out of a pool noodle and some simple craft supplies; indeed, this exciting and frugal activity for kids combines fun with STEM learning as kids explore the best possible airplane design. Here’s what you need to make one: A pool noodle, cardboard from a cereal box, craft foam, scissors, hot glue, duct tape and coins for weight (we used nickels).

There are two ways to approach this project: You can either copy the process outlined here, or let your kids experiment with the best way to make an airplane without showing them these directions first.

With schools closed and many parents working from home, it can be a challenge to keep kids both busy and relaxed. Help your child unwind while staying focused with the aforementioned arts and crafts activities.