Summer is moving quickly, but there’s still time for children to unplug, get creative and make a few more memories before school begins.
These easy activities require little preparation and can work for different ages.
1. Cardboard Creation Challenge
Save a few delivery boxes and let children transform them into a robot, castle, animal, vehicle or miniature town. Add markers, tape, paper and recycled materials, then let their imaginations take over.
2. Make Homemade Puffy Paint
Combine shaving cream with white glue and add a small amount of washable paint or food coloring. Children can create clouds, ice cream cones, rainbows or textured abstract art.
Adult supervision is recommended.
3. Create a Family Talent Show
Children can sing, dance, perform a magic trick, tell jokes or display artwork. Make simple tickets and programs, then let everyone take a turn on the “stage.”
4. Try a STEAM Building Challenge
Give children paper cups, craft sticks, tape or blocks and challenge them to build the tallest tower, strongest bridge or most creative structure.
5. Make Air-Dry Clay Creations
Use air-dry clay to make animals, food miniatures, jewelry dishes or small sculptures. Once dry, children can paint and decorate their creations.
6. Start a Summer Memory Book
Children can draw their favorite summer moments, add photos, write short captions and decorate each page. It becomes a meaningful keepsake rather than another craft that gets thrown away.
7. Have a Tie-Dye or Wearable-Art Day
Decorate an old white shirt, canvas tote bag or bandana with fabric markers or tie-dye. Children get both an activity and something they can use afterward.
Looking for more hands-on creativity?
All Children’s Art Center of NJ in Bound Brook is offering flexible Creative Art Camp options during the remaining weeks of summer.
Camp may include painting, clay, slime, tie-dye, STEAM projects, theater, music and games.
Limited-time Bound Brook pricing:
$35 per day or $145 for the full week
📍 15 John Street, Bound Brook
📞 Call or text: (908) 753-6243
🌐 www.acacnj.org
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