7 Easy Kids Arts & Crafts That Require Minimal Supplies

One of the best ways for kids to get creative and have fun at home is by doing kids arts and crafts projects. Many parents think they need to stock up on a ton of crafts and re-create an art store environment in their home – which would make anyone hesitant to encourage their kids to get crafty! But this is definitely not the case.

You’ll be relieved to know there are many wonderful, easy crafts for kids that don’t require a ton of supplies. Check out the 7 ideas for kids crafts at home below that are fun to do and only require a few materials.

Top Kids Arts and Crafts Ideas

1. Caterpillar Racing

Don’t worry, we’re not talking about racing real caterpillars! This cute activity has your kiddos (with your assistance, if needed!), make paper caterpillars and race them by blowing through straws to move them. Check out the tutorialhere.

2. Painted Rocks

Go on a rock hunt with your kids right in your yard. Collect rocks that your kids will be able to paint – small to medium ones that are about 2-4 inches in diameter work well. Clean off any dirt from the rocks you’ve gathered, give your kids some paint and they’ll be able to create a piece of art right on their rocks. Sharpie markers also work well for making designs on rocks!

Bonus: Extend this rock painting activity by making tic tac toe rocks! Check outthis tutorial to see how to make a tic tac toe board from rocks that your family will love to play with.

3. Straw Rockets

Straw rockets are a great way to take paper crafts for kids to the next level! To make them, all you need is paper, markers, scissors, covered straws and tape. After your kids have designed their rockets using paper and markers, uncover most of the straw, leaving one end covered in paper, and use tape to attach the rocket to the covered end of the straw. The rocket is now ready for blast off and will soar by blowing into the open straw end! See photos and the instructionshere.

4. Lunch Bag Kites

Put paper lunch bags to use by having your kids transform them into fun kites. Your kids can get creative when decorating and making theirpaper bag kites and will be excited to fly them on their own.

5. Microwave Puffy Paint

Microwave puffy paint is a lot of fun to make and requires just 4 ingredients from your kitchen: flour, baking powder, salt and water. That’s it! If you want colored puffy paint, then you’ll also need food coloring. Your kids will love mixing these ingredients together!

Once the paint is made, place it in a small Ziploc bag. Tie off the top of the bag with a rubber band and then snip a tiny corner tip off so your kids can pipe the paint onto a piece of paper to make a piece of art. Once done, place the painting into the microwave for about 30-40 seconds and the paint will magically puff up!

6. Egg Carton Bird Feeder

Watching birds is a relaxing activity enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Why not make your backyard a place your neighborhood birds love to hang out in by making a bird feeder? You can make a simple, yet effective bird feeder with only a few materials: an egg carton, string, glue, scissors and – of course – birdseed. Get the instructions for how to make an egg carton bird feederhere.

7. 3-Ingredient Play Dough

Yes, you can purchase play dough in the stores. But making it from scratch is half the fun! Not only is it quick and easy to make, butthis recipe only requires 3 ingredients: cornstarch, baking soda and water. If you want to make different colors, then you’ll also need food coloring.

Your kids will not only enjoy doing these simple kid crafts, but you’ll love how having a minimal amount of arts and crafts supplies helps your home stay organized. Keep this list of easy at home crafts handy and you won’t need an entire table full of materials to get your kids engaged in creative projects.

For more ways to keep your kids engaged at home, also check out our ideas for quiet indoor activitiesand our scavenger hunt ideas.