20 Fun Crafts to Do with Your Grandkids
Make lasting memories with your grandkids through these 20 fun, easy crafts that spark creativity and laughter.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 6 min read
Spending time with your grandkids is even more special when you’re creating something together. These 20 craft ideas are not just fun but also simple enough for little hands and enjoyable for all ages. From colorful paper crafts to nature-inspired projects, these activities will bring out the artist in both of you.
1. Handprint Family Tree
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Capture tiny hands in paint and create a beautiful family tree on canvas. Let the kids add names, drawings, or stickers to personalize it. This craft is not just adorable—it becomes a keepsake that grows with them. Warning: giggles and messy hands are guaranteed.
2. DIY Bird Feeders
Thirdman on Pexels
Turn pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed into a feast for your feathered friends. Hang them outside and watch the birds flock in for a snack. It’s a great way to teach kids about nature while making a simple, rewarding craft. Plus, you enjoy seeing their excitement every time a bird visits.
3. Sock Puppets
Ivan Samkov on Pexels
Grab those lonely, mismatched socks and turn them into hilarious puppet friends. Add googly eyes, yarn hair, and funny voices to bring them to life. Once they’re done, put on a silly puppet show together. Bonus: It’s the perfect way to give socks a second chance at life.
4. Painted Rock Animals
Magda Ehlers on Pexels
Collect smooth rocks and transform them into colorful animals with some paint. Ladybugs, turtles, or even imaginary creatures—let the kids decide! These make cute garden decorations or thoughtful gifts. Just be prepared for a rock-collecting obsession to start.
5. Homemade Playdough
Alexander Grey on Pexels
Mix flour, salt, water, and food coloring for easy, squishy, and safe playdough. Let the grandkids shape it into animals, pretend food, or whatever wild ideas pop into their heads. Unlike store-bought versions, this one stays fresh for weeks in an airtight container. The best part is that it has mystery ingredients.
6. Paper Plate Masks
Artem Podrez on Pexels
Transform simple paper plates into animals, superheroes, or monster masks. With markers, feathers, and glue, kids can design their wild characters. Once they’re done, have a mini costume parade around the house. Be warned: they might refuse to take them off.
7. Nature Collage
Taryn Elliott on Pexels
Go on a mini adventure to collect leaves, flowers, and twigs in the backyard or park. Use them to create a beautiful collage on cardboard with glue. This craft doubles as a scavenger hunt and a lesson in nature appreciation. Plus, each collage is as unique as the grandkids themselves.
8. Tie-Dye T-Shirts
Teona Swift on Pexels
Let’s get messy with a splash of color! Use fabric dye to turn plain white t-shirts into one-of-a-kind masterpieces. The swirling patterns and surprise results make it an exciting process. Just don’t forget to wear gloves—unless you want rainbow hands for a week.
9. Story Stones
MART PRODUCTION on Pexels
Paint small rocks with simple pictures—like a sun, a cat, or a house. Toss them in a bag and have the grandkids pick out a few to create a story on the spot. It’s a fantastic way to boost their imagination and storytelling skills. Plus, no two stories will ever be the same!
10. No-Sew Sock Bunnies
Leeloo The First on Pexels
Fill socks with rice, tie them off, and add a face to create adorable bunny friends. These soft little critters make great gifts or snuggly companions. The best part? No sewing is required, just a few clever folds and rubber bands. Bonus points if you make a whole bunny family!
11. Bubble Wrap Painting
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Turn leftover bubble wrap into a textured painting tool. Dip it in paint, press it on paper, and create fun, bumpy patterns. It’s a great way to explore different textures while sneaking in some sensory play. Also, popping the bubbles afterward is absolutely allowed.
12. Cardboard Castles
Ron Lach on Pexels
Old boxes become magical castles with a few snips and some imagination. Cut out doors and windows, then let the grandkids decorate their fortress. Once done, they can use it for pretend play with dolls, action figures, or even their sock puppets. Warning: you might end up with a kingdom of cardboard creations.
13. Homemade Wind Chimes
Miguel Á. Padriñán on Pexels
Use seashells, old keys, or beads to create a beautiful wind chime. String them together and hang them outside to catch the breeze. Every time it chimes, your grandkids will remember the fun they had making it. Plus, it adds a lovely touch to any porch or garden.
14. Pom-Pom Monsters
Edoardo Colombo on Pexels
Fluffy, googly-eyed, and totally wacky—pom-pom monsters are a hit with kids. Glue yarn pom-poms together, add silly features, and give them crazy names. They can be tiny desk buddies or part of an entire monster crew. Get ready for a full-on monster invasion!
15. Leaf Print Art
Hanna Auramenka on Pexels
Dip leaves in paint and press them onto paper for a nature-inspired masterpiece. The intricate details create stunning prints, making every piece unique. It’s a great way to celebrate the changing seasons while getting a little artsy. Plus, no two leaves will ever look the same.
16. Pasta Necklaces
wedfort wedplanners on Pexels
Dye dry pasta in fun colors and string them together for one-of-a-kind jewelry. Let the grandkids mix and match shapes to make necklaces or bracelets. It’s a great way to practice fine motor skills while creating something wearable. Just remind them that the noodles are for crafting, not snacking!
17. Glitter Jars (Calm Down Bottles)
Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels
Fill jars with water, glitter, and glue for mesmerizing, swirling magic. When shaken, the glitter dances around before slowly settling. These are great for calming down after an energetic play session. Bonus: Adults love them just as much as kids do.
18. Paper Chain Decorations
Greta Hoffman on Pexels
Turn strips of colorful paper into long, looping chains. Use them to decorate for birthdays, holidays, or just to add some fun to the playroom. It’s an easy, classic craft that teaches patience and pattern-making. Also, the longer, the better!
19. Egg Carton Critters
Eva Bronzini on Pexels
Cut up egg cartons and turn them into caterpillars, turtles, or tiny bugs. With some paint and googly eyes, these recycled critters come to life. They make adorable desk buddies or garden decorations. Who knew egg cartons could be so cute?
20. Sun Catchers
Chris F on Pexels
Use clear contact paper and tissue paper to make beautiful, colorful sun catchers. Stick them to a window and watch how the light transforms them into glowing art. They’re easy to make but look absolutely magical. On rainy days, they bring a little sunshine inside.