If you’re looking for simple but fun activities that the kiddos can do this summer without breaking the bank, consider heading to your local Dollar Tree! You can grab most of these items for just $1 each to make the following easy activities/crafts – or you may even have some of these items on hand already!
1.) Pool Noodle Sprinkler
Supplies Needed:
- Pool Noodle $1
- Sprinkler from home
Just poke holes in the pool noodle, cover one end with duct tape, insert hose in the opposite end and turn on water. Enjoy!
Result:
2.) Magnetic Activity Board (or Chalkboard)
Supplies Needed:
- Baking Sheet $1
- Magnets or Chalk $1
- Chalkboard Paint (optional – can buy at Walmart)
Grab a baking sheet and some magnetic letters or chalk (if you choose to make the chalkboard) and let the kids use it as an activity board in the car!
Result:
3.) Color Mixing Paint Station
Supplies Needed:
- Egg Plate or Veggie Tray $1
- Paint $1
- Paintbrushes $1
- Paper from home
Keep the paints contained and give the kids a fun way to mix their paints with this easy idea!
Result:
4.) DIY Birdbath
Supplies Needed:
- Plate or Tray $1
- Large Clear Bowl $1
- Colorful Rocks or Stones $1
- Plastic Birds $1
The kids can create their own birdbath and watch the birds flock to it all summer!
Result:
5.) Hula Hoop Bubbles
Supplies Needed:
- Hula Hoop $1
- Bubbles $1
- Baby Pool from home
Who doesn’t love bubbles? Fill a baby pool with bubbles and create GIANT bubbles with hula hoops!
Result:
6) 2-Ingredient Play Dough
Supplies Needed:
- Conditioner $1 (or use what you have at home)
- Cornstarch from home
If you’re looking for something fun to do with the kiddos, try making this easy homemade play dough using just conditioner and cornstarch!. The result is a super soft play dough you can mold.
Result:
7.) Paper Clip Jewelry
Supplies Needed:
- Paper Clips $1
- Washi Tape or Duct Tape $1
- Optional Beads or Small Pendants $1
Check out this super cute and fun to make DIY jewelry using paper clips and craft tape – so fun!
Result:
8.) Craft Stick Bracelets
Supplies Needed:
- Craft Sticks $1
- Decorative Craft Washi Tape $1
- Mod Podge Decoupage $1
- Scrapbook Paper $1
Make fun wearable bracelets out of ordinary craft sticks! Simply boil jumbo craft sticks in water to soften the wood, shape into curved bracelets, and then embellish or paint them however you’d like.
Result:
9.) Duct Tape Pouches
Supplies Needed:
- Quart sized slider bags
- Duct tape in various colors or patterns
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Sharpie
Try making these simple pouches with duct tape and slider bags that are super handy for holding pencils, crayons, jewelry, craft supplies, or even money. The kids will love them!
Result:
10.) Shaving Cream Marbled Paper
Supplies Needed:
- Shaving Cream $1
- Wood Skewers or Toothpicks $1
- White Card Stock Paper $1
- Ruler $1
- 9×13 Baking Dish $1
- Disposable Gloves $1
- Food Coloring from home
Try marbling paper using shaving cream and food coloring to make really cool artwork!
Result:
Written by Mary for Hip2Save. Mary is a proud mom to 3 kids in Austin, TX, who thrives off running long distance, bargain shopping, warm weather, a yummy latte…and a little Candy Crush from time to time. She loves quality time with family & friends and sharing great deals with others.
