Creative Crafts for Older Kids

I still remember the first time I tried doing a “simple” craft project with a group of older kids—I thought it’d be easy. Spoiler: it wasn’t. They looked at the materials, looked at me, and I could almost hear them thinking, “Uh… this is kinda boring.” That’s when I realized something important: older kids want crafts that feel fun, grown-up, and actually exciting to make. Maybe you’ve felt that same pressure too? Trying to keep them engaged without turning your living room into a glitter explosion? I get it.

In this article, I’m going to walk you through some genuinely cool crafts for older kids—the kind they’ll actually want to do. We’ll talk about what works, what doesn’t, and little tricks that make crafting feel easy instead of stressful. By the end, you’ll have fresh ideas, practical tips, and maybe even a few “wow, that turned out awesome” moments waiting for you.

Crafts for Older Kids

Crafts for older kids should feel fun, creative, and a little more challenging to match their growing skills. These projects help them express themselves while building confidence and hands-on abilities.

Paper Quilling Art

I’ve always had a soft spot for paper quilling because it looks way more complicated than it really is. Honestly, the first time I tried it, I thought I’d end up with a tangled mess of paper strips, but once you get the hang of twirling them around the needle tool, it becomes almost calming. Older kids actually love the feeling of building something delicate out of nothing more than paper. I usually tell them to start with simple circles and teardrop shapes—no need to jump straight into elaborate flowers.

And to be fair, the best part is arranging all those tiny shapes into a picture. I’ve seen kids create spiraled animals, geometric patterns, even little quote frames for their rooms. I’ve found that using bright-colored quilling strips makes the whole thing instantly look fancy. If they want a project that feels artsy without being stressful, this is my go-to.

DIY Slime Jars

I know slime sounds like a “little kid thing,” but older kids still enjoy it when you give it a twist—like designing their own aesthetic slime jars. In my opinion, the magic is in letting them choose the theme. Galaxy? Cotton candy? Neon madness? Whatever they vibe with, let them decorate the jar first. Stickers, glitter tape, paint pens—just go wild. The jars almost become mini artworks before the slime even exists.

Then comes the slime part, which never fails to bring back that “oh wow” moment. I’ve found that older kids prefer clearer slimes or thick butter slimes, especially when they can mix in charms or beads. Honestly, half the fun is layering different colors inside the jar and watching it settle. These jars look adorable on desks, and kids love opening them during study breaks just to squish a little stress away.

Friendship Bracelet Weaving

Friendship bracelets have this nostalgic charm, and older kids somehow pick it up faster because they love patterns. The first time I re-learned the chevron design, I messed it up twice but then got super hooked. Kids feel the same—they enjoy that satisfying moment when the pattern finally appears. I usually tell them to choose contrasting thread colors so the design pops better.

What I love most is how bracelets turn into little stories. One of my students once made a bracelet inspired by her favorite sunset colors and gifted it to her best friend. Seeing older kids put that kind of thought into something handmade is honestly sweet. I always keep a bunch of embroidery floss around because once they start, they can’t stop weaving new ones.

Clay Modeling Projects

Clay is one of those crafts older kids never get bored of because it lets them create literally anything. The first time I introduced air-dry clay in a workshop, the kids went straight from making tiny animals to building full mini-scenes. I always suggest starting with simple shapes so they feel successful early on. Smooth it with a little water, add details with toothpicks—nothing fancy needed.

And honestly, painting the clay afterward is the real fun. I’ve seen kids turn rough shapes into cool trinkets with just acrylic paint. To be fair, clay projects also make great desk décor—mini figurines, pen holders, magnets. The best part? They get to say, “Yeah, I made that,” and it feels awesome.

Origami Wall Décor

Origami always surprises me because older kids think it’s super hard… until they fold their first crane and go, “Wait, that wasn’t too bad.” I’ve found that turning origami pieces into wall décor makes it feel fresh and modern. They can fold butterflies, stars, hearts, or even modular 3D shapes.

Once they’ve got a bunch of pieces, arranging them on a board or directly on the wall becomes its own creative moment. I love watching kids experiment with patterns—scatter them randomly or create a gradient? Up to them. In my opinion, metallic or patterned papers make the whole setup look store-bought.

Tie-Dye T-Shirts

Tie-dye is messy in the best possible way. Older kids love it because the results are unpredictable and honestly, that’s the charm. The first time I did tie-dye, I stained my hands blue for two days, but the T-shirt turned out cool so I didn’t regret it. I tell kids to twist and fold the fabric however they want—spirals, crumples, stripes.

To be fair, the reveal after washing is the best moment. They’re always shocked at how professional their shirts look. I’ve noticed that older kids love using two-tone or pastel palettes instead of rainbow overload. It’s fun, wearable, and the kind of craft that feels like a mini fashion project.

Bead Jewelry Making

Bead jewelry making feels like the classic “older kid” craft because it’s fun, stylish, and super customizable. Every time I bring out the bead box, I swear the room goes silent because everyone gets into their zone. I always remind them to balance big and small beads to keep the bracelet or necklace from feeling heavy.

And honestly, kids love matching colors with their outfits or personalities. I’ve had teens make mood-themed sets or spell out their initials. In my opinion, stretchy elastic cords are the easiest for beginners, and adding a tiny dab of glue on the knot makes it last way longer.

Canvas Painting

Canvas painting sounds intimidating, but once older kids grab a brush, they relax into it. I’ve found that telling them there’s no “wrong way” instantly frees them up. Abstract backgrounds with bold strokes? Soft landscapes? Silhouette art? Anything works. The key is letting them explore.

I once had a student paint a messy sunset that—honestly—looked better than some adult artworks I’ve seen. Kids enjoy using sponges, palette knives, even old toothbrushes to get textures. To be fair, canvas painting encourages personal expression like nothing else.

Recycled Cardboard Crafts

Cardboard is so underrated. Older kids don’t expect much from it until they realize they can build organizers, signs, models, even mini shelves. I’ve made so many cardboard things that my storage room looks like a DIY factory. I always suggest using a craft knife (with supervision!) for cleaner cuts.

Painting the cardboard afterward is where everything comes alive. I’ve found that bright colors hide the “recycled” look, and kids love adding stickers or fabric scraps. It’s eco-friendly and honestly budget-friendly too.

Macramé Keychains

Macramé looks complex but starts with basic knots that older kids pick up quickly. The first time I tried it, I watched three tutorials and still messed up, but after one successful knot, everything clicked. I always tell kids to start with small keychains so they don’t get overwhelmed.

And in my opinion, using colorful cord makes it instantly trendy. Add a bead, a charm, or leave it clean—either works. The final product looks surprisingly professional, and kids love clipping them onto backpacks.

Mandala Stone Painting

Painting on stones feels strangely calming. Older kids really enjoy creating mandala dots because the process is repetitive but satisfying. I once sat beside a group painting stones and noticed how quiet and focused they became—it’s almost meditative.

I usually tell them to start from the center and work outward. Dotting tools or even the ends of pencils work fine. Honestly, metallic paints look gorgeous on dark stones. These painted stones make cute paperweights or little décor pieces.

Photo Frame Decorating

Older kids love personalizing photo frames because they get to display their favorite memories afterward. I’ve found that giving them a plain wooden frame and a table full of materials—buttons, shells, beads, ribbons—instantly triggers creativity.

To be fair, they enjoy mixing textures the most. One of my students used broken jewelry pieces on a frame, and it looked incredible. Once everything is glued and dry, a quick coat of varnish makes it look store-bought.

Miniature Diorama Building

Dioramas are one of my favorite older-kid crafts because they combine imagination with hands-on building. I still remember making my first tiny room model and obsessing over the miniature books. Kids get hooked the same way—they love details.

I always tell them to start with a shoebox or sturdy base. Clay, paper, sticks, fabric scraps—everything becomes miniature furniture or scenery. In my opinion, older kids love that they can build worlds that feel magical yet personal.

Washi Tape Bookmarks

Washi tape is a miracle craft supply, honestly. Older kids enjoy making bookmarks because it’s quick and still feels stylish. I’ve found that mixing patterns—stripes, florals, metallics—gives the bookmark personality.

I usually tell them to layer the tape over cardstock and trim the edges. Add a ribbon or punch a hole if they want flair. These bookmarks make great gifts, and kids love swapping them.

DIY Dreamcatchers

Dreamcatchers always end up being crowd favorites. Older kids love weaving the center pattern—it feels tricky at first but becomes rhythmic. I still remember my first dreamcatcher looking lopsided, but I adored it anyway.

I tell kids to pick colors that match their room décor. Feathers, beads, ribbons—it all adds charm. Honestly, dreamcatchers make beautiful wall pieces, and kids love that they can personalize every bit of it.

Tips for Crafting With Older Kids

Crafting with older kids is a great way to help them explore their creativity and learn new skills. They enjoy having more freedom, so giving them space to experiment makes the activity more fun and meaningful.

Helpful Tips

• Let them pick their materials:
  Allow kids to choose colors, textures, and tools. This gives them confidence and makes the craft feel more personal.

• Encourage creativity instead of perfection:
  Remind them that there is no “right” or “wrong” in art. Focus on ideas and effort, not perfect results.

• Keep tools safe but accessible:
  Offer age-appropriate tools like scissors, glue guns (low-heat), and craft knives, but supervise when needed. Easy access helps them work independently.

• Provide step-by-step guidance only when needed:
  Older kids like freedom. Give instructions when they ask or seem stuck, but let them try their own methods first.

• Offer a display space for finished crafts:
  Create a corner or shelf to show off their work. This boosts their confidence and encourages them to keep creating.

FAQ

What kind of crafts are best for older kids?

Older kids enjoy crafts that are creative but slightly challenging, such as clay modeling, canvas painting, jewelry making, paper quilling, and recycled art projects.

Do older kids need supervision while crafting?

They don’t need constant supervision, but an adult should be nearby when using tools like scissors, glue guns, craft knives, or paints to ensure safety.

How do I keep older kids interested in crafting?

Let them pick their own materials, give them creative freedom, and introduce new techniques like tie-dye, embroidery, or advanced origami.

Are crafting activities expensive for older kids?

Not always. Many fun projects use simple or recycled materials like cardboard, old magazines, paper, or bottle caps. You can choose budget-friendly supplies.