17 Creative Paper Plate Crafts for Summer Kids and Parties

When the summer heat keeps you inside, a simple craft can be the perfect way to keep kids busy and creative. We rounded up 17 delightful paper plate crafts for summer that are easy, affordable, and fun for a range of ages. From toddler-friendly projects to crafts with moving parts that older children will enjoy, there’s something here to spark imagination on rainy or sweltering days.

Cute Paper Plate Crafts for Summer

Paper plates are inexpensive and versatile, making them ideal for summer craft sessions. Below you’ll find bright, seasonal ideas you can make with basic supplies: paint, construction paper, glue, and a few found items like bubble wrap or craft sticks. These projects are great for summer themes—ocean life, backyard bugs, Fourth of July decorations, and sweet treats—so they also work well for classroom units or themed playdates.

Paper Plate Octopus

This octopus craft uses recycled materials like bubble wrap for textured tentacles, creating a lifelike and tactile result. It’s an excellent choice for ocean-themed lessons and encourages sensory play while being simple enough for young children with adult help.

Garden Paper Plate Craft

Create a cheerful flower garden on a paper plate and add a buzzing bee for summer flair. Swap in sunflowers or other favorite blooms to reflect late-summer colors. This craft is great for practicing cutting, gluing, and simple collage skills.

Uncle Sam

Celebrate patriotic holidays with an Uncle Sam paper plate craft. This project is a fun way to introduce children to national symbols while creating festive decor for July 4th or Veterans Day.

Paper Plate Parrot

Bright and bold, a paper plate parrot adds color to any room. This project is perfect for rainforest or bird-themed activities and makes a cheerful decoration for a playroom or classroom.

Rainbow Fish

Pair this sparkly Fish craft with a reading of The Rainbow Fish for a creative literacy activity. Use sequins or shiny paper for shimmering scales and practice fine motor skills while gluing each piece in place.

Paper Plate Boat

This charming boat craft is decorative and helpful for developing scissor and assembly skills. Finish it with paint or patterned paper for a nautical-themed display.

Swimming Jellyfish Craft

A movable jellyfish on a paper plate is delightful for preschoolers. Kids can make tentacles that sway and create a little underwater scene—perfect for imaginative play.

Sun Craft

Make a cheerful sun with bright yellow paint and radiating rays. This sunny face is a quick, uplifting project that looks great hung in a window.

Goldfish Bowl

This moving goldfish craft mounts the fish on a stick so it can swim around the bowl. Adding textured “sand” like bubble wrap gives the scene extra interest and tactile appeal.

Related: 15 Cool Bubble Wrap Art Ideas for Kids

Rocking Crabs

These paper plate crabs have pincers that open and close for playful movement. They’re simple to assemble and perfect for small hands practicing coordination.

Paper Plate Beach Ball

Create a colorful beach ball by tearing and arranging pieces of construction or tissue paper in different hues. This collage-style craft is bold, bright, and easy for preschoolers.

Seashell Paper Plate Craft

Turn paper plates into pretty seashells to celebrate beach memories. This is a relaxing craft that invites creativity with paint, glitter, or brown paper accents.

Paper Plate Ice Cream

Make sweet ice cream cones from paper plates and add sprinkles, glitter, or confetti for tasty-looking toppings. This colorful craft is quick and great for hot afternoons when you want a cool-themed activity.

Pufferfish Craft

A pufferfish made with fork-stamped paint looks spiky and fun. This technique is a clever way to explore texture and pattern while painting.

Sunflower Paper Plate Craft

Make cheerful sunflowers from paper plates—young children can help paint the center and glue on petals. These look lovely displayed as a group and brighten any room.

American Flag Paper Plate Craft

Use paint or colored paper to create a red, white, and blue flag. It’s a festive craft for learning about national holidays and can double as a classroom display.

Popsicle Paper Plate Craft

Create colorful twin popsicles from paper plates for a playful reminder of summer treats. This project lends itself to bright designs and pattern play.

Scuba Diver Mask Craft

Turn a paper plate into a pretend scuba mask for imaginative undersea play. Kids love dressing up and acting out ocean adventures with a simple mask they helped make.

Frog Paper Plate Craft

Celebrate backyard wildlife with a paper plate frog that can sit on a lily pad. This playful project connects outdoor observations to hands-on crafting.

Paper Plate Watermelon

A simple and quick watermelon craft uses red and green paint and black seed details. It’s an easy win for a 20-minute activity that still looks festive and summery.

Rocking Submarine Craft

A rocking submarine made from a paper plate encourages pretend play and can entertain a child for hours. Add windows and tiny paper sailors to enhance the scene.

If you enjoyed these paper plate crafts for summer, try other seasonal activities to keep kids entertained and learning all season long.

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Related Summer Crafts and Activities for Kids

• Hanging jellyfish and other ocean-themed crafts
• Simple beach activities for family fun
• Practical tips to keep kids cool during hot days
• Budget-friendly ways to stay comfortable all summer
• Toddler-friendly summer activities

Post originally published June 12, 2017. Updated June 13, 2021.

Paper Plate Crafts for Summer