Dollar store crafts are the perfect addition to your backyard summer camp. They’re easy, budget-friendly, and tons of fun for kids.
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Summer activities don’t have to cost much. In fact, starting with just a few simple craft supplies can spark all kinds of creative ideas. A trip to the dollar store is a great place to start when it comes to the supplies for these kids’ craft projects.
On the craft aisle, you’ll find pom poms, craft sticks, glue, paper and other basics. Look for other items you can repurpose in cooking, storage, clothes, and seasonal departments too.
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Painted flowerpots
The technique that Happiness is Homemade uses to make these pretty painted flower pots is very kid-friendly. Set up a place outdoors so they can have fun painting without worrying about the mess.
Macaroni cat necklace
How cute is this macaroni cat necklace at PBS! Kids can paint them in any color – and by swapping out the ears, you could make it look like a dog instead.
Foam cup frog
This cute little foam cup frog that Crafts by Amanda made is created with a styrofoam coffee cup, but you could also use a plastic one. Make a whole family of frogs, then line them up for some leapfrog fun.
Clothespin airplane
Make this clothespin airplane craft with your child, then watch them fly it around the rest of the day. Adults may need to handle a few of the steps, but kids will love getting to choose colors and put it all together, via Gluesticks and Gumdrops.
Pool noodle shark
Dollar store pool noodles come in a ton of colors and sizes. Kids will love turning one into a pool noodle shark via Mama Cheaps for Shark Week or any time.
Paper pinwheels
Make a bunch of paper pinwheels from One Mama’s Daily Drama, then line them up outside on a breezy day. They would make a fun decoration for a summer party too!
Beaded wind chime
After your kids make a beaded wind chime from It’s Simple, hang it in a sunny area. The rainbow colors look fantastic sparkling in the summer sunlight.
Button rings
Pink Stripes Socks shares how to make button rings, perfect for your kids’ dress up and pretend play activities.
Emoji stress ball
Kids love emojis, so make up a bunch of these emoji stress balls with their favorite faces. Get the instructions from Hello Creative Family.
Giant dry erase mat
If your kids love drawing, you have to try this giant dry erase mat idea from I Heart Arts N Crafts. It’s easy to fold up and take with you on the go, indoors or outside.
Soda bottle boats
Turn any thin plastic container into a soda bottle boat with a few craft supplies, by The Pinterested Parent. For a fun experiment, have your kids make boats in different shapes and sizes to see which floats best.
Paper kite
Have your kids ever flown a kite? Make one at home with this step-by-step paper kite tutorial from Dream a Little Bigger. Design a family kite or let each child decorate their own.
Paper watermelon fan
Keep cool in the summer with a paper watermelon fan, via The Kindergarten Connection. While your kids are making these, ask them to think of other fruits they could make too.
Paper clip jewelry
Grab several packages of paper clips and a few other supplies to make paper clip jewelry, via Hip 2 Save.
Custom flip flops
Pick up a pair of flip flops at the dollar store and customize them just like Diva of DIY. Once you’ve made a pair of custom flip flops, your kids may decide they need them to match every outfit.
Add a few of these dollar store crafts to your backyard summer camp plans for an easy kids’ activity to do this summer.
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