10 Creative & Cheap Dollar Tree Summer Acivities for Kids (#8 is SO Cool!)

Create inexpensive fun for the littles with these Dollar Tree summer activities for kids!

If you’re looking for simple but fun summer activities for kiddos to do this summer without breaking the bank, consider heading to your local Dollar Tree! You can grab most of the supplies you need for these Dollar Tree kids crafts for around $1.25 each – or you may even have some of these items on hand already.

Who knew a Dollar Tree DIY summer could be so entertaining? 🤩

1. Ice Castle Painting

Supplies:

• sand castle molds
• watercolor paint

Save this one for when you’re short on time (or patience ❤️)! This low-effort craft is easy for kids and parents, plus you can “wash” the ice castles and create new designs again and again before it melts!

2. Pool Noodle Sprinkler

Supplies:

• pool noodle
• screwdriver from home
• hose from home

This is one of our favorite Dollar Tree summer activities for kids! Just poke holes in a pool noodle using a screw driver, cover one end with duct tape or a cork, insert a hose in the opposite end and turn on the water. Enjoy!

See what all the fun is about in our viral sprinkler video! 🤩

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3. Magnetic Activity Board (or Chalkboard)

Supplies:

• baking sheet
• magnets or chalk
• chalkboard paint (optional)

Grab a baking sheet, paint it with chalkboard paint, and the kids have an activity board to use in the car! Stick some magnetic letters on it as well for some educational fun. 😉

4. Foil Bugs

Supplies:

• foil
• sharpies or markers
• hot glue
• cardboard from home

Kiddos can create their own bug display – no real creepy crawlies required! 🪲😉  Plus, this three-step activity is easy and wall-worthy! Simply outline a bug on cardboard with hot glue, press foil over the design, and color!

5. Foil sculptures

Supplies:

• foil
• cardboard from home

Aluminum foil is so bendable and easy for little hands to shape into fun sculptures! Encourage kiddos to think of their favorite activity (swimming, playing soccer, basketball, etc.) and display those actions.

6. 2-Ingredient Play Dough

Supplies:

• Conditioner (or use what you have at home)
• Cornstarch from home

If you’re looking for easy Dollar Tree kids crafts to do with the kiddos this summer, try making this easy homemade playdough using just conditioner and cornstarch! The result is a super soft play dough you can mold.

7. Duct Tape Pouches

Supplies:

• quart-sized slider bags
• duct tape in various colors or patterns
• ruler from home
• 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!

8. DIY Window Clings

Supplies:

• 3-4 tablespoons white glue
• 3-4 drops dish soap
• 8 drops food coloring
• sheet protectors

Repeat the recipe above for each color desired. Paint fun shapes on the sheet protectors and let them dry overnight. The following day, gently peel the shapes from the sheet protectors and stick onto windows – it really works!

9. Shaving Cream Marbled Paper

Supplies:

• shaving cream
• cardstock
• ruler from home
• baking sheet
• disposable gloves (optional)
• food coloring 
• wood skewers or toothpicks from home

Try this Dollar Tree summer activity for kids by marbling paper using shaving cream and food coloring to make really cool artwork! Such an artsy summer activity to spark the creativity in your child! 😍.

10. Glow-In-The-Dark Table Lantern

Supplies:

• glow sticks
• glass jar from home
• glitter (optional)
• dish soap

Crack the sticks to activate the glow and insert them into the jar. Then fill the jar with water just below the rim & add glitter + drops of dish soap.

30+ more summer fun activities to add to your list!