12 printable crafts kids will love
The summer holidays are here, and finding exciting, off-screen activities to keep the kids entertained can be a challenge. Enter the wonderful world of crafts! Crafting is a great way to get little ones to develop new skills and tap into their creative side.
It doesn’t have to be expensive either. If you’re not ready to invest in all the kit, there are plenty of craft activities that only require a few things you already have around the house. Printable crafts are a fantastic example – all you need is a printer, some basic art supplies and a little imagination. Plus, with tons of free printable crafts for kids available online, getting started will cost you virtually nothing.
Keep reading for our pick of inspiring printable crafts for kids. We’ve included something for children of all ages and abilities, so you’ll be sure to find a project that suits your child. Encourage them to give this enriching pastime a go today – it might be the start of a lifelong passion!
12 printable crafts for kids
1. Snail colouring page and craft
This free printable craft is the ideal project for toddlers. Print off the template of a smiley snail and leaf shape and allow tiny tots to practice their colouring skills. Once they’ve finished shading in the shapes, you’ll have to assist them with cutting out and rolling up the snail’s body.
Voila! Your child has an adorable snail friend that they can play with. And it’s far less work than a real pet.
- Get the free printable by signing up to YES! We Made This
2. Free printable colouring pages
If your child is crazy about colouring in, they’ll love our free printable colouring pages, available here on Gathered. With three gorgeous designs of cute animals, tropical fruits and kitchen shelves packed with kitchenware and baking goods, these printables are the perfect way to keep kids entertained all afternoon.
- Get the 3 free printable colouring pages on Gathered
3. Printable umbrella craft
Printable crafts for kids that can be turned into decor are a big yes from us! The Pinterest Parent shows us how to make mini umbrellas using just their free printable template, pipe cleaners, tape, and paints or coloured pens.
Have your child make multiple umbrellas and decorate each template individually for a beautiful selection of bold and bright canopies. When they’re complete, attach them to a piece of string and hang them up in your home for a touch of handmade style. This craft activity is a fantastic project for a rainy day.
- Find the free spring umbrella craft printable and tutorial on The Pinterest Parent
4. Printable crown templates
Your little prince or princess deserves a crown! The Kitchen Table Classroom has four different crown designs for you to choose from, including full colour and black and white versions that kids can colour in themselves.
Get your child to pick their favourite and watch as they engage in hours of imaginative play, from embarking on quests to defending their kingdom.
- Find the printable crown templates on The Kitchen Table Classroom
5. Printable octopus craft
These cheeky characters are sure to bring a smile to any child’s face. Head to Simply Full of Delight’s website for the free printable and follow the easy step-by-step instructions to bring your eight-armed friend to life.
- Get the octopus craft for preschoolers printable on Simply Full of Delight
Discover more child-friendly paper crafts
Looking for more crafts youngsters can make with just some paper? Check out our round-up of fun paper crafts for kids to try here on Gathered.
6. Printable clothespin crocodile
This craft is snappy to make in more ways than one! Krokotak has provided useful photo instructions and an in-depth YouTube video to help you make your paper crocodile in no time. We love how they’ve used a clothes peg to recreate the iconic, strong V-shaped jaw.
- Get your clothespin crocodile printable template on Krokotak
7. Printable boat in a bottle paper craft
Take to the sea with this free printable craft for kids. Your little sailor will love colouring in the template and assembling a 3D scene of a sailboat exploring open waters. Once their creation is complete, they can display it in their bedroom and showcase their creativity.
- Find the printable boat in a bottle paper craft on Ayelet Keshet
8. Printable mask templates
Make dress-up even more exciting for little ones by having them make their own mask. From superheroes and dragons to adorable animals, Childhood Magic has plenty of printable masks to pick from.
- Check out the selection of printable mask templates on Childhood Magic
9. 3D printable paper house templates
If your child’s a fan of model making, they’ll love this printable craft from Easy Peasy and Fun. Get them to decorate and assemble houses using the free template and watch as they create their own little town. They can also place figurines or small toys amongst the houses to make this miniature world come alive.
These sweet paper houses would also make a wonderful handmade Christmas decoration. Encourage kids to decorate the templates by drawing on fairy lights and fake snow, then place them on a mantelpiece or windowsill over the festive period.
- Get the 3D printable paper house templates on Easy Peasy and Fun
10. Free printable paper glasses template
Who doesn’t love a pair of silly glasses?! Invite kids to explore their personal style and inner artist by decorating one of Picklebums’ fabulous paper glasses templates. With a range of designs available, from retro aviators to glasses with funky heart-shaped lenses, your child can make their dream pair that they’ll never want to take off.
- Get the free printable paper glasses templates on Picklebums
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11. Forest animal finger puppets printable
Put on a puppet show with this fun craft idea from Kindergarten Worksheets and Games. Featuring an adorable collection of forest-dwelling animals, this craft activity is perfect for little animal lovers and budding zoologists.
- Get the forest animal finger puppets printable on Kindergarten Worksheets and Games
12. Free birthday party patterned papers
There’s nothing more special than a handmade card and we have a lovely selection of birthday printable papers here on Gathered. All you have to do is print out these beautiful papers, featuring designs of scrumptious cakes, colourful party hats, and cheerful birthday messages. Then let your kids cut and stick them together to make a personalised card that friends or family members will cherish.
- Get your free birthday party patterned papers on Gathered
Time to get printing
We’ve loved sharing our selection of printable crafts for kids with you! Hopefully, they’ve inspired you to switch on your printer and get little ones to explore their creativity.
With endless free printable crafts for kids to choose from, there’s something every age will enjoy. It’ll provide them with hours of fun without costing you a thing.
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