Summer activity ideas using paper for little ones.

Keeping young children engaged and entertained away from a screen can sometimes be a challenge, but paper and card crafting activities offer endless possibilities for fun, creativity, and learning.

Here are some wholesome activities that parents can do with their kids using paper and card. These projects are not only enjoyable but also help develop fine motor skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. A lot of the materials can be found round the house, making these projects are simple and affordable for endless fun and learning. Gather your materials, set up a crafting space, and let the creativity flow!

1.  Paper Plate Animals - Transform simple paper plates into adorable animals with a bit of paint, glue, and creativity.
   Materials Needed:  Paper plates Paints or markers Glue Googly eyes Construction paper for ears, tails, etc.
   Instructions: Choose an animal and paint the paper plate accordingly. Cut out ears, tails, and other features from construction paper. Glue the features onto the plate. Add googly eyes to complete the animal's face.
2. Cardboard Tube Binoculars - Create a pair of pretend binoculars for your child's next adventure using empty toilet paper rolls.
   Materials Needed: Two empty toilet paper rolls Paint or markers Glue String Stickers or decorative tape (optional).
   Instructions: Paint or decorate the toilet paper rolls. Glue the rolls together side by side. Attach a string to each side of the binoculars for a neck strap. Let your child use their new binoculars for outside exploration.
3. Handprint Art  - Use your child's handprints to create beautiful and memorable art pieces. Materials Needed: Construction paper Paint Paintbrush Markers or crayons Instructions: Paint your child's hand with their favorite color. Press their hand onto a piece of construction paper to make a handprint. Once dry, transform the handprint into various animals or objects by adding details with markers or crayons. For example, a handprint can become a turkey, a tree, or a fish.
4. Paper Chain Garlands  - Make colorful garlands to decorate your child's room or for special occasions.
   Materials Needed: Coloured or plain paper, even old magazines/newspapers, Scissors Glue or tape
   Instructions: Cut strips of construction paper about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long. Form a loop with the first strip and secure it with glue or tape. Thread the next strip through the loop and secure it to form a chain. Continue until you have a garland of the desired length.
5. DIY Greeting Cards - Encourage your child to create personalised greeting cards for family and friends.
   Materials Needed: Blank Cards, pens, crayons, or colored pencils Stickers, glitter, or other decorations Glue. Have a look at our blank greetings cards here that you can buy in small quanities with or without envelopes.
   Instructions: Let your child decorate the front and inside of the card with drawings, stickers, and messages. Add some glitter or other embellishments to make it special.
6. Origami - Introduce your child to the art of origami with simple folding projects.
   Materials Needed: Origami paper or any square piece of paper
   Instructions: Start with easy designs like a paper boat, hat, or crane. Follow step-by-step instructions or videos together. Let your child decorate their creations with markers or stickers.
7. Papercraft Masks - Make fun masks for pretend play and dress-up.
   Materials Needed: Construction paper or cardstock Scissors Elastic string Glue Markers, crayons, or paint Decorative items like feathers, glitter, or stickers
   Instructions: Cut out a mask shape from the construction paper or cardstock. Decorate the mask with colors and embellishments. Punch holes on the sides and attach the elastic string. Let your child wear their new mask for imaginative play.
8. Paper Fortune Teller - Make a classic paper fortune teller for hours of fun and laughs.
   Materials Needed: A square piece of paper Markers or pens
   Instructions: Fold the square paper diagonally in both directions to form an "X" crease. Fold each corner into the center of the paper. Flip the paper over and fold the corners into the center again. Fold the paper in half horizontally and then vertically to form a small square. Insert your fingers into the flaps on the underside. Use markers or pens to write numbers, colors, and fortunes inside the paper fortune teller.

Paper and card activities are a fantastic way to spend quality time with your children while fostering their creativity and fine motor skills. These projects are simple, affordable, and offer endless opportunities for fun and learning. Gather your materials, set up a crafting space, and let the creativity flow! Happy crafting!