I love paper plate crafts, they’re perfect for keeping a group of kids entertained at once, they’re cheap and most importantly there’s so many different ways that you can use them! Today I’m sharing some ideas for summer paper plate crafts your kids can make including ocean crafts, paper plate suns and flowers.
One of the things I love about kids crafts is seeing the different ways in which kids take an idea and change it into something different. A ball might become a sun or a boat or a fish – I know there’s lots of times my kids have seen something they’ve wanted to make on Pinterest that they’ve wanted to make but that we haven’t had all the materials for (yes, despite my insanely big craft cupboard that happens to us too) but they’re normally pretty good at changing ideas and making them their own, using coloured paper or pens when there’s no paint around or tin foil when something metallic is needed.
As usual all the crafts that I’m sharing today should be seen as a starting point, go with your child’s interests and abilities and have a look through to find the things you think will interest them the most. You’ll also find all the crafts listed in the same order that they appear in the collages below to make finding any instructions you need that little bit easier for you.
Like what you see? Make sure that you bookmark this page or pin an image so that you’ve got all these fun ideas to hand when you need them the most plus keep reading for more fun summer crafts for kids to make with ideas for camping crafts, painted rocks and some fun DIY bird feeders.
Summer Paper Plate Crafts
We loved making these paper plate crabs which are great for fine motor skills too – plus they rock!
This paper plate sun was a collaborative art project between both my kids made when my daughter was only one.
Non-Toy Gifts shares a tutorial for how to make a pirate ship out of a paper plate – it rocks too!
Create some cheerful paper plate flowers like this one from Crafty Morning.
Make a simple paper plate fish craft like this one from Natural Beach Living – older kids can came and decorate the scales while younger ones will enjoy painting the fish itself.
I love this donut craft from Happy Hooligans, what colour frosting and sprinkles would your child use for it?!
My kids loved making these easy paper plate parrots with their feather tails.
Follow the tutorial from Kids Craft Room and make these paper plate portals with mermaids or boats that can move!
Make a cute paper plate jellyfish (or narwhal!) like these ones.
I Heart Crafty Things has a very sweet sun craft which kids can ‘colour’ the middle of by using sewing.
Sharks are always super popular round our house and I know my kids will love to make Kids Craft Rooms paper plate sharks which use sewing to make the shark’s faces.
Watermelons are definitely a summer fruit and these paper plate watermelons are really easy for kids to make.
Another rocking paper plate craft that I just couldn’t resit – this submarine craft from Red Ted Art looks fantastic.
Ocean themes are perfect for summer crafting, especially if you’re planning a trip to the beach. We love this easy ocean themed paper plate craft with its little fish and seaweed.
This sun craft from Kids Activities Blog would be a great way for kids to practice their scissor skills and I love the funky sunglasses they’ve created too!
This paper plate starfish craft from J Daniel 4’s Mom would be great to make after a trip to the beach.
This paper plate craft from I Heart Crafty Things with a movable fluttering butterfly is super pretty.
These paper plate masks with their sunburn from Red Ted Art made me giggle and are a good reminder to make sure you all grab the suncream this summer!
Be brave and grab the black paint to make this paper plate orca.
This ice cream craft is made with paper bowls rather than plates but swapping it for a plate would be absolutely fine!
Create a sea turtle using a paper plate and some coloured paper.
Make a fun paper plate pirate like this one from I Heart Crafty Things.
I am totally in love with this mermaid twirler that Red Ted Art have made from a paper plate and it comes with a free printable so that kids can colour their own mermaid.
Blowing dandelion seeds is one of those simple but perfect summer activities and this paper plate craft from A Little Pinch of Perfect shows you how to make your own one to keep.
Powerful Mothering shares how to make a seahorse from a paper plate.
More Summer Crafts for Kids
Rock painting is a great craze that I’m very happy is here still as it’s such a fun way to encourage creativity as well as getting your kids outdoors while they hide or hunt for rocks. We’ve got lots of summer themed rock painting ideas – I love the little fairy door ones!
Creating bird feeders is a great way to encourage kids to be interested in the wildlife that lives in your neighbourhood and we have 15 fun bird feeders kids can make to try out.
Love camping? We do and these camping crafts for kids are a great way to keep the fun going when you’re at home.