10 Summer Crafts To Keep Tweens Out of Trouble

It’s that time of year again… when the words “I’m bored” start being uttered over and over again on those lazy, hot summer afternoons. Just because the kids are heading into their teens doesn’t mean they don’t still need some help brainstorming activity ideas. Today I’m sharing colorful crafts for tweens that are perfect for those long summer days. These DIY projects are easy enough for them to do on their own (perhaps with a bit of adult supervision) while still being complex enough to keep them occupied for hours at a time. Because, while they aren’t teens quite yet, tweens are capable of getting into a bit of trouble if they have too much time on their hands!

Keep reading to check out these ten favorite crafts for tweens that will get their creative juices flowing this summer.

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10 Colorful Summer Crafts For Tweens

DIY Crystal Paracord Bracelet

Elevate a simple DIY paracord bracelet with this glitzy embellishment! Tweens will love learning how to incorporate a string of Swarovski crystals into a basic paracord bracelet.

Photo and Tutorial: So, I Make Stuff
Paint Chip Name Garland

The next time you're at your local home improvement store, have your tween grab a few paint chips in their favorite colors... then transform them into a colorful name garland!

Photo and Tutorial: Small For Big
DIY Cupcake Lip Balm

What's better than making your own custom flavored lip balm? Making your own cupcake lip balm! And this one even includes sprinkles in a rainbow of colors for an extra festive touch.

Photo and Tutorial: DIY Projects For Teens
Colorful Yarn Wrapped Letter

Give a boring monogram a colorful makeover! Spend an afternoon on this mindless craft with your tween and you'll end up with a unique, colorful letter that they can hang on the wall or prop on a shelf in their bedroom.

Photo and Tutorial: Momtastic
DIY Emoji Lantern

Your kids will love this easy emoji lantern project... just grab a couple of yellow lanterns and download the free emoji templates and you'll be well on your way to some fun new lighting.

Photo and Tutorial: Frog Prince Paperie
Hexagon Tile Wall Art

You might want to get in on this clever project too... this technicolor wall art is actually made out of hexagon backsplash tiles! The paint colors and layout are completely customizable, so everyone's project will be unique.

Photo and Tutorial: A Little Craft In Your Day
Beaded Fringe T-Shirt

Clothing refashion projects are popular these days... this one shows how to add beaded fringe to the bottom of a plain white tee. Bonus: you can also download the popsicle design to transfer onto your shirt!

Photo and Tutorial: Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom
DIY Galaxy Jar

If your tween is into cosmic colors, then they'll love this unique galaxy jar that's made with paint, cotton balls and of course – glitter! It would be a fun decorative piece for a shelf or desk.

Photo and Tutorial: Bitz & Giggles
Layered Rainbow Soap

Soap making is a great craft that is having a resurgence lately... this layered rainbow version will be especially entertaining for kids to make. Any soap dye colors can be used, so get creative!

Photo and Tutorial: ArtBar
Homemade Bath Bombs

Bath bombs from the trendy (and expensive) store Lush have been all the rage for quite some time, but here's the good news... you can easily make your own Lush-inspired bath bombs at home with your kids. They're less expensive and more fun – win win!

Photo and Tutorial: Chica Circle