As moms, we’re always looking for meaningful ways to connect with our kids while keeping them entertained. One of the best ways to do that? Crafting and hands-on activities! Whether it’s painting, DIY projects, or sensory play, these activities aren’t just fun—they help kids learn, spark creativity, and strengthen the bond between parent and child.
In today’s world of screens and busy schedules, taking time for simple, creative play can be a breath of fresh air. Here’s why crafting with your kids is so important and some amazing activity ideas to get started!
Why Crafting & Activities Are Important for Moms & Kids
✅ Encourages Creativity – Crafting helps kids express themselves in unique ways, whether through painting, drawing, or making fun DIY projects.
✅ Develops Fine Motor Skills – Cutting, gluing, and coloring all help strengthen little hands and prepare kids for writing and other skills.
✅ Boosts Confidence – Completing a craft or project gives kids a sense of accomplishment, building their self-esteem.
✅ Creates Quality Bonding Time – Spending time together away from distractions strengthens the connection between moms and kids.
✅ Reduces Stress (for Both of You!) – Arts and crafts can be calming and relaxing, giving both mom and child a chance to unwind and enjoy the moment.
10 Fun Craft & Activity Ideas for Moms and Kids
1. DIY Handprint Art ✋🎨
Handprint art is a classic keepsake craft that captures a special moment in time. Try making handprint animals, trees, or a family handprint collage.
Why It’s Fun: It’s easy, messy (in a good way!), and makes a beautiful memory to display or gift to loved ones.
👉 Amazon Pick: Washable Paint Set – Safe, non-toxic paints perfect for little hands!
- Crayola Washable Finger Paints (6ct), Toddler Paint Set, Nontoxic Finger Paint for Kids, Arts & Crafts Supplies for Todd…
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2. Make Your Own Playdough 🌈
Homemade playdough is easy to make with just flour, salt, water, and food coloring. Let kids mix and mold their own creations!
Why It’s Fun: Sensory play like this helps develop motor skills and keeps kids entertained for hours.
👉 Amazon Pick: Rolling Pin & Playdough Tools Set – Fun accessories for shaping and designing playdough!
- Creative Bundle: The Melissa & Doug Clay Play Activity Set Includes Two Craft Kits With Play Clay And Wooden Tools
- So Much To Do: Bundle Includes Shape, Model, And Mold Set (5 Wooden Stamping Cubes, 3 Rolling Pins, 4 Tubs Of Modeling D…
- Artists At Work: This Bundle Encourages Creative, Imaginative Play
3. DIY Jewelry Making 💎
Use beads, string, and charms to create cute bracelets, necklaces, or keychains together.
Why It’s Fun: Kids love designing their own jewelry, and it’s a great way to practice patience and coordination.
👉 Amazon Pick: Kids’ Bead Craft Kit – Includes colorful beads and strings for hours of creative fun!
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4. Story Stones 🏞️
Paint small rocks with different images (animals, people, objects) and use them to create and tell imaginative stories.
Why It’s Fun: Encourages storytelling and helps develop language skills while being an engaging craft!
👉 Amazon Pick: Acrylic Paint Pens – Great for rock painting and other fun crafts!
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5. DIY Slime Making 🧪
Mix glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution to make homemade slime! Add glitter or small toys for extra fun.
Why It’s Fun: Slime is a sensory favorite and keeps little hands busy with stretching and squishing.
👉 Amazon Pick: Slime Making Kit – Everything you need for the perfect slime experience!
- 25-piece slime craft kit to create the best sparkly, colorful galaxy slime fluffy for kids DIY fun!
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- Twist the slime to form awesome glitter galactic slime & create cosmic slime for science activities, birthday and easter…
6. Nature Collage Craft 🍂
Take a walk outside and collect leaves, flowers, and small twigs. Use them to create a beautiful collage on paper.
Why It’s Fun: Combines outdoor exploration with art, making it a great two-in-one activity!
👉 Amazon Pick: Kids’ Nature Explorer Kit – Perfect for collecting outdoor treasures and learning about nature.
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7. Baking & Decorating Cookies 🍪
Turn baking into a creative activity by decorating cookies with colorful icing, sprinkles, and edible markers.
Why It’s Fun: A hands-on way to teach kids about measuring, mixing, and of course—eating delicious treats!
👉 Amazon Pick: Kids’ Baking Set – Safe and fun baking tools for little chefs!
- 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗞𝗶𝗱𝘀 – Our kids kitchen set real cooking & baking supplies includes: a 6QT mixing bowl with a silic…
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- 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗞𝗶𝗱𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 – Most kids baking sets use flimsy materials that break easily, ruining your cu…
8. Paper Plate Animals 🦁🐻
Use paper plates, paint, and construction paper to make fun animal masks or decorations.
Why It’s Fun: Simple and inexpensive craft that sparks creativity and pretend play!
👉 Amazon Pick: Craft Supplies Kit – Includes paper plates, googly eyes, glue, and more for endless crafting!
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9. Create a Family Scrapbook 📔
Print out photos and work together to create a scrapbook filled with memories, drawings, and fun stickers.
Why It’s Fun: A wonderful way to relive family memories while making something special together.
👉 Amazon Pick: Kids’ Scrapbook Kit – Comes with stickers, fun papers, and glue for easy scrapbooking!
- 453 scrapbooking essential supplies
- Preserve your favorite moments with this hardcover book that comes with stickers, gems, paper, glue, ribbons and more
- Make a keepsake book of your groovy life
10. Build a DIY Fort & Have a Movie Night 🎥
Use blankets, pillows, and fairy lights to create a cozy fort, then pick a favorite movie to watch inside.
Why It’s Fun: Combines creativity with relaxation—perfect for a cozy bonding night!
👉 Amazon Pick: Glow-in-the-Dark Fort Building Kit – A fun way to build epic forts together!
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Final Thoughts: Craft, Connect, & Create Memories!
Crafting and activities aren’t just about keeping kids busy—they’re about spending quality time together, fostering creativity, and making lifelong memories. Plus, you don’t have to be a Pinterest-perfect mom to enjoy these simple and fun ideas!
So grab some glue, paint, or even just some paper and start creating with your little one today!
Which craft will you try first? Let me know in the comments! 👇🎨
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