Spring break is one of those “tough times”. If you’re already hearing “I’m bored” on repeat, you’re not alone. Let’s turn the chaos into something semi-productive with a few easy crafts that don’t require a craft store haul or a Pinterest degree. Here are some practical craft ideas that are low-lift, budget-friendly, and pass the “can they mostly do it without me hovering?” test.
No expensive supplies. No complex prep. Just simple projects that work.
Nature Crafts With Stuff Literally Outside
Send them outside. I mean, how many times did you hear that from YOUR parents?? “Get outside, go out and play, etc etc”? Fresh air is good for them and your sanity. Grab leaves, sticks, rocks, whatever isn’t nailed down. Then try this:
- Crayon leaf rubbings (bonus if they remember not to snap the leaves in half)
- Paint rocks and pretend it’s a bonding activity, not just a glitter bomb waiting to happen
- Build tiny fairy houses out of sticks and bark. No magic required
Got a recycling bin? Great! Egg cartons = caterpillars. Toilet paper rolls = binoculars for backyard safari time. Cereal boxes = anything you want them to be if you squint hard enough.
Upcycled Projects That Don’t Look Like Trash (Even If They Are)
You probably dread the thought of looking in here, but your junk drawer is full of opportunity. Try this:
- Sensory bottles: water, glitter, beads, and a prayer
- Magazine mosaics: therapy for you, art for them
- DIY picture frames out of cereal boxes. Add brass sheets if you’re feeling fancy
Brass sheets? Yes!. Hear me out – the versatility of commercial brass sheets can add an exciting metallic touch to crafts. They’re thin, shiny, and make kid projects look legit. Cut them up for bookmarks, wind chimes, or tags for backpacks. They’ll feel like pros.
Pair with a printable scavenger hunt or color challenge and call it “structured play.”
Crafts That Turn Into Entertainment (So You Can Sit Down)
These crafts double as time-fillers and activities:
- DIY game night kit: buzzers, scoreboards, trivia cards. Let them quiz each other while you drink your reheated coffee
- Sock or paper bag puppets. Add googly eyes and you’ve got a show
- Let them write a play, make props, and put on a post-dinner performance. Broadway vibes on a juice box budget
Keep It Cheap and Doable
Hit the dollar store. Or don’t. Just use what you already have.
Make a printable checklist of crafts so they feel accomplished (and you look organized). Toss in some coloring pages or drawing prompts if you need to buy yourself five minutes.
You don’t need a whole plan. You just need a few supplies, a window of time, and the willingness to let them get a little messy. That’s spring break crafting. Survival mode, with a glue stick.
