40 Bug Crafts for Kids

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Who doesn’t love a good bug craft?

Summer is coming and no doubt you will be looking for things to do with your kiddos. Arts and crafts for kids are not only super fun, but they are also very educational. Pair a bug craft with a coordinating book and you will never worry about summer regression again.   

Photo Credit: “Homemade Sidewalk Chalk” by Finding Zest

I had to tell you about this one first because it is one of those “shout it from the rooftops” amazing projects. Did you know you could make your own sidewalk chalk? And I don’t mean one of those crush it up and reshape it projects. I mean, did you know you could MAKE your own sidewalk chalk? You can! I was completely floored by Finding Zest‘s Homemade Sidewalk Chalk because I never knew you could make it at home. I’m not sure why I thought you couldn’t, but I didn’t know you could! Does that make sense? Hop over to Finding Zest to learn all about sidewalk chalk and how to make it for yourself with supplies most crafty mamas already have!—–>HERE.

Save those paper towel rolls!

Photo Credit: “Paper Towel Butterfly” by Skip To My Lou

Skip To My Lou has a fun butterfly craft that your kids can do on a whim with items you likely already have on hand. The next time your kids start running about with boredom, tell them to grab a few paper towels and meet you at the craft/kitchen table! Don’t spoil the surprise, just tell them to meet you there while you mix up a few bowls of colored water! Using a simple tie-dye technique, your children will create beautiful symmetrical butterflies. Read the full tutorial—–>HERE.

While you’re at it, don’t throw away those toilet paper rolls!

Photo Credit: “Toilet Paper Roll Dragonfly” by Red Ted Art

If you aren’t using toilet paper rolls in your crafting, you’re missing out! Just a quick Pinterest search will display thousands of results for toilet paper art, upcycles, and crafting ideas. There are entire blogs devoted to turning toilet paper rolls into home decor! It’s amazing to me that something most of us toss out can be used in such an amazing way! This cute little dragonfly is one of those projects, but I have my own spin on it too. Before painting your dragonfly body, tape the front end of your toilet paper roll, to completely seal this end. Now, once your dragonfly is finished, insert a small straw into the back end of your dragonfly — blow! Now your dragonfly will actually FLY! Learn how to make your Toilet Paper Roll Dragonfly—–>HERE.

Photo Credit: “Bug Magnets” by The Country Chic Cottage

No set of bug craft ideas would be complete without a bottle cap craft.

I know what you’re about to say, “I love these bottle cap bug magnets, but we don’t have bottle caps at home!” That’s okay! You can order sets of bottle caps in an array of colors for less than $5 online! You can find caps with designs on them, colored caps, all sorts of options out there for you before you start this cute project. And hey, who doesn’t NEED more magnets on their fridge? I know I always need them! These little bug magnets are the perfect size to hang your child’s latest projects because they don’t take up so much room, the kids made them, AND they are cute! Grab The Country Chic Cottage‘s easy tutorial—–>HERE.

Photo Credit: “Pipe Cleaner Snail” by Artsy Craftsy Mom

Save a few googly eyes from your bug magnet craft for this adorable Pipe Cleaner Snail! You may even be able to make your snail small enough so it will rest directly on top of one of your bottle cap magnets too! Your fridge will be covered in bug and snail magnets, just in time for Spring! This is an easy peasy project that is perfect for little hands. Not only is it a fun activity for them, but twisting the pipe cleaners is also a grasping and fine motor strength activity. Visit Artsy Craftsy Mom to read her craft directions—–>HERE.

Every day is a new adventure, a time to play, and a beautiful day to have fun!

Take a look at my list of FORTY backyard critter crafts. Complete one craft daily this spring or summer, and you will have a collection of beautiful butterflies, fireflies, bees, and bugs to enjoy! Click on the links below to read the tutorial. Please leave a comment letting my friends know you found them at Sweet Fireflies!

40 Fun Backyard Critter Crafts for Kids

1. Bottle Cap Lady Bug Magnet by Suburbia Unwrapped
2. Golf Ball Lady Bug by Turning the Clock Back
3. Toilet Paper Roll Dragonfly by Red Ted Art
4. Hungry Caterpillar Craft by Artsy Craftsy Mom
5. Coffee Filter Ladybug by Look were Learning
6. Homemade Sidewalk Chalk by Finding Zest
7. Paracord Dragonfly by Red Ted Art
8. Stick and Leaf Butterfly Craft by Artsy Craftsy Mom
9. Paper Towel Butterfly by Hustle Mom Repeat
10. Bug Magnets by The Country Chic Cottage
11. Stick Bug by Mom Endeavors
12. Butterfly Finger Puppets by Or So She Says
13. Toilet Paper Roll Mini Beast by Red Ted Art
14. Toilet Roll Butterfly by Look Were Learning
15. Critter Cave by Mama To 6 Blessings
16. Butterfly Button Art by Or So She Says
17. Pinecone Butterfly by Inspiration Made Simple
18. Easy Paper Butterfly by Red Ted Art
19. Egg Carton Caterpillars by Skip To My Lou
20. Candy Butterflies by Mom Endeavors
21. Craft Stick Dragonfly by Artsy Craftsy Mom
22. Butterfly Straw Shooters by Inspiration Made Simple
23. Ladybug Tic Tac Toe by Chicken Scratch NY
24. Popsicle Stick Lizards by Mama To 6 Blessings
25. Bumblebee Garden Stake by Coffee With Us 3
26. Butterfly Finger Knitting by Red Ted Art
27. Lady bug Hotel by Pink Fortitude
28. Crepe Paper Butterfly by Artsy Craftsy Mom
29. Ladybug Whimsy by Mainly Homemade
30. 3D Paper Lady Bug by Crafting Reality
31. Green Bug Slime by Mom Luck
32. Upcycled Herb Planter by Pillar Box Blue
33. A is for Ant by Eating Richly
34. Accordion Fold Paper Butterfly by Artsy Craftsy Mom
35. Handprint Butterfly by A Mom’s Inspiration
36. Rock Garden Caterpillar by Nellie Bellie
37. Paper Towel Butterfly by Skip To My Lou
38. Pipe Cleaner Snail by Artsy Craftsy Mom
39. Button And Pipe Cleaner Caterpillar by Coffee With Us 3
40. Thumbprint Bug Art Flower Pot by Mom Always Finds Out

BONUS Worksheets & Recipes:

1. Find The Bugs Worksheet by Aimee Geroux
2. Bug Theme Pom Pom Match Game (Worksheet) by Artsy Craftsy Mom
3. Peanut Butter Bumble Bees Recipe by Eating Richly
4. Ladybug Dirt Cupcake Recipe by Arts and Crackers
5. Tangerine Butterfly Snack by Eating Richly