22 Creative Spring Crafts For Kids

Perfect for an unexpectedly gloomy day, when your craft closet is looking a little bare.

1. Spring Cleaning (Really!). Use the promise of an upcoming garage sale as motivation to get the kids to sort through their old toys. Have them propose prices for each of the items they're giving up, and discuss what you'll do with the (eventual) profits. You may want to consider making a donation to a charity of the kids' choice to make the project especially meaningful. (Need help? Check out our spring-cleaning checklist.)
2. DIY Time Capsule. Have kids include a letter to their future selves with information like their grade in school, summer plans, their best friends' names, hobbies they enjoy, favorite movies, songs, and more. Also include a few mementos and photos. Be sure to seal the whole thing in an airtight container (a tennis ball can or Tupperware would work well), and wait until a sunny day to bury it in the backyard. Just remember to make a note of where it is and when you want to open it!
3. Style Your Sunnies. Give plain sunglasses a seasonal update with stickers or colorful paper using craft glue. This is a great craft for a rainy day, as it will give their sunglasses plenty of time to dry before striking a pose like their favorite movie star. (Just be careful of exactly what you use to decorate the frames; nothing that could possible fall off and harm their sensitive eyes.)
4. Cardboard Vase Activity. Send your kids outside to pick a few dandelions from the lawn, then make a cute cardboard vase, using this tutorial.
5. Finger Painting. Get outside and get your little artistes good and messy with finger paint.
6. Rock Painting. Have them pick up a bunch of large-ish rocks from outside (about the size of their fist, or two of their fists together). Then use markers, paint, and/or googly eyes with glue to decorate them.
7. DIY Paper Flower Wreath. Upcycle old greeting cards and wrapping paper by turning them into a paper flower wreath! Here are 10 examples to get you started.
8. Flower Pot Decorating. This craft can be elaborate (with decoupage or hot glue) or not (just use markers or paint). Here are some ideas to spark your kids' imaginations.