25 Fun Back to School Activities and Ideas for Kids

Looking for creative ways to kickstart the academic year? Our list of 25 fun back to school activities and ideas for kids offers a wide range of DIY crafts that cater to children’s interests while also sharpening their skills. These activities are not just fun; they pave the way for an exciting learning journey ahead. Crafting these projects can help children adjust to the back to school spirit, fostering both excitement and a sense of preparedness as they head into the new school year.

Getting started with DIY back to school crafts is easier than you might think. From selecting the perfect project that resonates with your child's interests to gathering the necessary supplies, and setting up a conducive crafting space — we've got you covered. These activities are designed to be engaging, igniting creativity, and offering practical skills. Stay with us as we guide you through each step, ensuring your crafting experience is both memorable and fruitful, ready to explore the exciting projects we have lined up?

Benefits of Back to School Activities

Discover the numerous benefits of back to school activities for children, including improved social skills, enhanced learning, and increased physical fitness.

Creativity: Crafting allows children and adults alike to express their creativity. It's a fun way to make unique items that stand out, reflecting personal style and preferences. Whether it's designing a notebook cover or making a pencil case, the process encourages imaginative thinking.
Bonding Time: Engaging in craft projects can be a wonderful bonding experience for parents and children. Working together on a back to school craft provides quality time, fostering communication and making lasting memories before the busy school year begins.
Cost-Effective: Many DIY crafts can be made with items you already have at home or with inexpensive supplies. This makes preparing for the new school year more budget-friendly, as you can personalize and make useful items without breaking the bank.
Educational: Crafting can be educational. Projects like making a homemade bookmark or a desk organizer teach valuable skills such as following instructions, measuring, cutting, and the importance of organization. These activities can also enhance fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities.
Sense of Achievement: Completing a craft project gives a sense of accomplishment. For kids, using an item they made themselves can boost confidence and excitement about going back to school. It's a tangible way to show off their hard work and creativity.
Personalization: DIY projects offer the opportunity to personalize school supplies. From customizing a backpack with paint to making unique locker magnets, these crafts make it easy to have items that are one-of-a-kind.

The goal is to have fun and prepare for the school year in a creative and personal way. Happy crafting!

How to Get Started with Back to School Crafts and Activities

Starting back to school crafts can be an exciting way to gear up for the academic year ahead. Not only do these projects foster creativity and skill development, but they also offer a chance to make the back-to-school transition more personal and enjoyable. Here’s a simple guide to help you begin with confidence and creativity.

Choosing Your Project

Identify Your Needs: Start by considering what you or your child might need for the upcoming school year. This could range from personalized pencil cases to custom bookmarks. Understanding these needs helps you pinpoint the projects that will be most beneficial and fun to work on.

Consider Time and Skill Level: Be honest about your crafting skills and the amount of time you have. If you’re new to crafting, opt for simpler projects like customizing notebooks or making keychains. More complex projects can be saved for when you’re more comfortable with crafting or have more time.

Gathering Supplies

Inventory Your Home: Before heading out to buy new materials, check what you already have. You might be surprised to find that you already own many of the necessary items like glue, markers, and fabric.

Make a List: Once you’ve selected your project, make a detailed list of all the materials you'll need. This will streamline your shopping trip and ensure you don’t overlook anything important.

Shop Smart: Keep an eye out for sales at craft stores and consider visiting dollar stores for basic supplies. Planning and buying smart can help you save money.

Setting Up Your Crafting Space

Find a Comfortable Spot: Choose a well-lit and spacious area where you can spread out your materials and work comfortably. A clean and organized space can significantly enhance your crafting experience.

Organize Your Materials: Keeping your supplies neat and organized is key. Use containers or zip bags for smaller items to make them easy to find and to simplify cleanup.

Crafting with Kids

Safety First: When crafting with children, ensure all materials are safe and suitable for their age. Supervise the use of scissors, glue guns, and other potentially hazardous items.

Let Them Lead: Allow children to express their creativity freely. The aim is for them to enjoy the process and be proud of their creations, even if they’re not perfect.

Incorporate Learning: Crafting can be a wonderful opportunity for learning. Engage with your child about colors, shapes, and following instructions, turning the crafting session into a fun educational experience.

Completing Your Project

Follow Instructions: If you’re using a tutorial or guide, read through it completely before starting. This will help you understand the steps involved and minimize mistakes.

Take Your Time: Rushing through a project can lead to errors and frustration. By taking your time, you ensure a more enjoyable crafting experience and a better end result.

Embrace Mistakes: Remember, crafting is a process of learning and discovery. Mistakes can often lead to creative solutions and improvements.

By following these straightforward steps, you’re well on your way to creating unique and personalized items that will make the back-to-school season special and memorable. Enjoy the process and the quality time spent on these creative endeavors. Happy crafting!

FAQs on Fun Back to School Activities and Ideas for Kids

Back to school is an exciting time for both parents and kids. To make this transition smoother and more enjoyable, here are some of the most commonly asked questions and their answers.

What are some simple back to school crafts for kids?

DIY Washi Tape Feather Topped Pens: Using colorful washi tape and feathers to decorate pens.
Homemade Bookmarks: Crafting personalized bookmarks with cardstock and decorative elements.
Personalized Pencil Cases: Decorating pencil cases with fabric paints or vinyl stickers.
Decoupaged Tile Magnets: Creating unique magnets using ceramic tiles and scrapbook paper.

How can I make back to school more exciting for my child?

Involve Them in Crafting: Let your child choose and create their own back-to-school supplies.
Create a Countdown Calendar: Build anticipation with a fun countdown to the first day of school.
Plan a Back-to-School Shopping Trip: Make shopping for school supplies a special event.
Organize a Get-Together: Host a back-to-school party or playdate with their friends.

What are some budget-friendly back to school craft ideas?

Recycled Projects: Use materials like toilet paper rolls or old magazines for crafting.
Dollar Store Crafts: Utilize affordable supplies from dollar stores for your projects.
DIY Organizers: Create desk organizers from boxes or jars you already have at home.
Customized Notebooks: Use washi tape, stickers, or paint to personalize plain notebooks.

How can crafting benefit my child's back-to-school preparation?

Enhances Creativity: Crafting encourages imaginative thinking and problem-solving.
Improves Fine Motor Skills: Activities like cutting, gluing, and sewing enhance hand-eye coordination.
Boosts Confidence: Completing a project can give children a sense of achievement.
Promotes Organization: Making organizers or planners can help children learn to manage their time and belongings.

Are there any educational crafts that can help with learning?

DIY Flashcards: Creating flashcards for study aids.
Homemade Bookmarks with Vocabulary Words: Encouraging reading and learning new words.
World Map Projects: Crafting a map to learn about geography.
Science Experiments: Conducting simple experiments at home to spark curiosity in science.

How can I involve my child in back-to-school planning?

Set Goals Together: Discuss what they hope to achieve this school year.
Choose Projects Together: Let them pick which crafts or activities they want to do.
Organize Together: Work on creating an organized study space together.
Discuss Expectations: Talk about what the new school year might bring and how to handle challenges.

By incorporating these fun activities and ideas, you can help your child start the school year on a positive note. Remember, the goal is to make learning enjoyable and to foster a lifelong love for education.

25 Fun Back to School Activities and Ideas for Kids

Discover 25 creative back to school activities for kids to make the transition fun and educational. Boost excitement with these creative ideas!

1. DIY Washi Tape Feather Topped Pens

Discover how to transform ordinary pens into charming Washi Tape Feather Topped Pens with a guide from The Crafting Chicks. Perfect for Thanksgiving or as a whimsical touch to your stationery, these pens are adorned with colorful feathers and wrapped in washi tape for an added flair.

All you need are some feathers, a variety of washi tape, and a few pens. This DIY project is ideal for dressing up your holiday table or making a unique writing accessory. Gather your materials and follow these easy steps to craft your own feather-topped pens that are sure to make writing more enjoyable and festive.

2. How to Make Bookmarks at Home

Engage students with back to school activities that build excitement and camaraderie. Dive into the charming project of making a homemade bookmark with a comprehensive tutorial from My Designs In the Chaos. This engaging guide provides a step-by-step process for crafting a personalized and durable bookmark that's perfect for gifting or personal use.

Ideal for book lovers and craft enthusiasts, the tutorial explains how to use cardstock, adhesive vinyl, and a laminator to produce a bookmark complete with a hand-made tassel. It's a great way to add a personal touch to reading time and make a thoughtful present for friends, teachers, or any avid reader in your life. Get creative and tailor this delightful project to suit any style or occasion.

3. Unique DIY Cricut Notebook Cover in 10 Minutes

Transform a plain notebook into a stunning, personalized accessory with this easy-to-follow DIY notebook cover tutorial from Make Life Lovely. In just 10 minutes, you can make a beautiful and unique cover using a Cricut machine and some simple materials like premium vinyl and transfer tape. With step-by-step instructions, the process is made simple, even for those new to crafting.

Customize your notebook with mermaid and ocean-themed designs, or choose your own motifs for a cover that reflects your personal style. Perfect for jazzing up your stationery or giving as a thoughtful handmade gift, this project promises to be both enjoyable and rewarding. Dive into crafting your own DIY notebook cover and make your notes stand out!

4. Fun Unicorn Pencil Case for School

Make a magical unicorn pencil case with cricut holographic vinyl and cricut permanent premium vinyl for a fun and durable addition to school supplies. Everyday jenny offers An easy-to-follow tutorial that teaches you how to personalize and craft this whimsical storage solution.

Not only is this project engaging, but it also yields a practical and eye-catching item. Kids will adore having a unique case featuring their name, while parents appreciate the straightforward instructions. Dive into crafting this adorable accessory that is sure to bring a touch of enchantment to any student's day.

5. Make a Spray Painted Backpack

Kick off the new school year with a burst of creativity by transforming a basic white backpack into a personalized fashion statement with Kid Made Modern. Follow our instructive guide to using textile spray paint, crafting unique zipper danglers from vibrant beads, and customizing with monograms and galactic patches.

Ideal for parents and kids seeking a fun project, this DIY activity not only ignites the imagination but also results in a practical, eye-catching accessory for school. Get ready to step into the classroom showcasing your own bespoke, stylishly handcrafted backpack.

6. Quick and Easy Decoupaged Tile Magnets

Make a great first impression with first week of school activities that foster community. Make a set of charming decoupaged tile magnets with just a few supplies and some creativity. Positively Splendid guides you through a simple process using small ceramic tiles, attractive scrapbooking paper, and Mod Podge to craft unique magnets that can adorn your fridge or office space.

Start by separating the tiles if they come in a sheet, trace and cut your selected paper, and apply it with Mod Podge. After it dries, affix a small magnet with hot glue for a quick and delightful way to display notes and photos. Perfect for gifting or personalizing your space, these magnets add a touch of handmade flair wherever you place them.

7. DIY Felt Pencil Toppers for Kids

First day of school activities that ease anxiety and promote friendships. Dive into a crafting adventure with your little ones by making charming felt pencil toppers guided by Lia Griffith's creative patterns. These delightful designs are perfect for adding a personal touch to school supplies, and the project is both fun and educational.

With options like cute apples, playful bunnies, friendly bears, and sweet kitties, there's a style to capture every child's imagination. Each topper is simple to craft, even for children, with eyes and cheeks easily attached using safe adhesives. Introducing youngsters to sewing with a basic blanket stitch helps enhance their fine motor skills and gets them excited for the school year.

Plus, coordinating these pencil toppers with printable stationery labels and lunch labels from Lia Griffith can bring an extra level of coordination and fun to school preparations. Embrace the joy of crafting together and prepare for back to school with these adorable felt pencil toppers.

8. DIY Desk Organizer Using Toilet Paper Roll

Enhance learning with interactive activities for elementary students. Making a tidy workspace is fun and easy with the DIY Desk Organizer project from Design Improvised. Ideal for kids, this craft transforms everyday cardboard rolls into a vibrant and practical desk accessory. Start by having an adult safely cut craft rolls into varied sizes.

Kids will enjoy personalizing each roll by wrapping them with colorful origami paper. Secure everything with craft glue, adding a touch of sparkle with mini rhinestones and rick rack. For detailed instructions and a full supply list, visit Design Improvised. Engage your child's creativity and organizational skills with this playful craft.

9. Making a Personalized Acrylic Keychain

Discover how to make personalized acrylic keychains with this engaging tutorial by Amy Latta Creations. A perfect gift for dads, grads, and loved ones, these keychains are not only easy and fun to make but also cost-effective.

This step-by-step guide ensures a smooth crafting experience, from selecting your design in Cricut Design Space to the final assembly with pliers. With a wide array of images and phrases to choose from, you can tailor each keychain to match the recipient's tastes. Dive into this creative project, and delight friends and family with a handcrafted, customized keepsake.

10. Fancy Cut Floral Planner Pages Ideas

Enhance your planner with a personal touch by making fancy floral cut pages using a Cricut machine. Jen Goode from 100 Directions guides you through the process with her easy-to-follow instructions and a downloadable SVG file. You'll need some colorful cardstock and a little bit of time to craft dividers and pages that add charm to your daily organizing.

By customizing the colors and materials, you can match these pages to your style, ensuring your planner is not only functional but also a reflection of your creativity. Dive into more DIY ideas with additional SVG organizing cut files available, providing endless possibilities to spruce up your planner or any organizational project.

11. Emoji Squishy Stress Balls Filled With Slime

Discover fun activities for elementary students to make learning enjoyable. Dive into a fun crafting experience with Hello Creative Family's DIY Emoji Squishy Stress Balls guide! Perfect for kids' parties or as playful stress-relievers, these squishy creations combine the allure of emojis, the fascination of squishies, and the gooey fun of slime.

Follow an easy step-by-step process to craft these delightful stress balls using a Cricut or pre-printed emoji balloons for added convenience. Ideal for Easter baskets or birthday favors, this engaging activity is sure to bring smiles to both crafters and recipients. Get hands-on with materials like slime, balloons, and vinyl to make your very own squishy companions.

12. Sew a Fabric Lanyard and Badge Holder

Make your own stylish fabric lanyard and badge holder with a free sewing pattern from Bombshell Bling. Ideal for teachers, students, or office employees, this practical and personalized accessory adds flair to your daily essentials. The tutorial is split into clear, manageable steps for crafting both the lanyard and badge holder, allowing you to make one or both according to your needs.

You'll find a list of materials to get started, such as fabric, a swivel hook, clear vinyl, and more. The instructions are easy to follow and designed to help you complete this project quickly – it's a perfect blend of functionality and fun!

13. Make Your Own Pencil Case

Make a charming pencil case with ease using this DIY guide from Smiling Colors. You'll be walked through the process of crafting a personalized, no-sew pencil case using simple materials like felt and glue. Ideal for back to school preparation or a fun craft project, this tutorial provides clear, step-by-step instructions and a handy video tutorial.

Learn to cut pattern pieces, assemble them with glue, and add your own creative embellishments for a unique touch. This engaging and helpful guide is designed to make your crafting experience enjoyable and fulfilling, offering a creative way to organize your pencils and pens in a case that's all your own.

14. DIY Portable Homework Station

Innovative back to school ideas to kickstart the academic year. Making a functional and tidy space for your child's schoolwork is essential, especially in a small home. Small Stuff Counts offers a practical guide to assembling a portable homework station that keeps supplies organized and accessible. Emily Counts details on how to select the right container, utilize compartments, and stock it with all necessary items.

By adding personalized labels and designating a specific spot for the station, maintaining order becomes simpler. This approach not only caters to parents seeking efficient organization but also supports children in staying focused and productive with their studies.

15. How to Make Your Own Locker Magnets

Struggling to spot your gym locker in a sea of identical doors? 100 Things 2 Do offers an ingenious and simple solution: DIY locker magnets. These custom-made magnets are both a functional accessory and a personal touch to your gym routine.

Easy to craft from basic supplies like business card magnets, colored cardstock, and a touch of washi tape, you can make a standout piece that marks your locker distinctly. Plus, a quick spray of clear, semi-gloss paint ensures durability against wear and tear. With this helpful guide, navigating the locker room will be a breeze, leaving you more time to focus on your workout.

16. Rainbow Pencil Holder Using Cardboard Tubes

Involve students in fun school activities for a memorable school experience. Craft a vibrant rainbow pencil holder with ease by following the detailed tutorial on Crafting Cheerfully. This project is perfect for adding a pop of color and organization to your workspace. Using cardboard tubes, cardstock, and a touch of creativity, you can make a personalized desk accessory.

The Cricut machine cuts precise rainbow and cloud shapes, but for those without one, a handy PDF pattern is also available. Not only is this an enjoyable craft to make, but the finished holder is a charming and functional piece for holding pencils, markers, and scissors. Step-by-step instructions guide you through each part of the process, ensuring a rewarding crafting experience and a cheerful outcome.

17. Work It’ Back to School Clipboard

Get ready for the school year or refresh your office space with an easy-to-make DIY 'Work It' Back-to-School Clipboard, courtesy of Dream Green DIY. This simple craft transforms a basic clipboard into a personalized and motivational workspace accessory in under five minutes. All you need is a clipboard and some alphabet stickers, which can be found at Target's Dollar Spot.

Begin by planning your desired phrase to fit on the board, then peel and stick the letters in place. Perfect for students, teachers, or anyone looking to add a touch of creativity to their desk, this DIY project is both fun and functional. Make sure to grab your supplies and give your clipboard a custom makeover that will inspire you to "Work it" all year long.

18. Colorful Back to School Pillow Wreath

Embrace the back to school season with a creative touch by crafting your very own pillow wreath, perfect as a thoughtful gift for educators or as a vibrant addition to your home learning area. Crafting Cheerfully provides a detailed and engaging guide to making this colorful wreath, complete with a free pattern for an adorable pencil pillow.

The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, helping you make a cheerful decoration that celebrates the spirit of learning and teaching. Gather your fabrics, stuffing, and ribbon, and enjoy the process of assembling a unique and personalized wreath that's sure to bring joy to any classroom or study space.

19. All About Me Caterpillar for Preschools

Kick off the year with exciting back to school games that everyone loves. Explore the joys of crafting with your little ones using the preschool all about me caterpillar activity from Happy Tot Shelf. Engage preschoolers in a creative project that captures their growth and preferences with an easy-to-use free printable. Ideal for commemorating the first day of preschool or marking a birthday, this activity invites children to answer fun prompts about themselves, fostering a sense of self and memory-making.

Cut out and assemble the circles to form a personalized caterpillar, and look back on them each year for a trip down memory lane. Helpful for teachers, parents, and caretakers, this activity is a perfect blend of learning and play, encouraging children to express themselves in an artistic format. Visit Happy Tot Shelf for the printable and further instructions to make a keepsake that's as educational as it is adorable.

20. How to Make Yarn Apple Garland

Get ready to add a cozy, autumnal touch to your home with the yarn apple garland DIY project from the best ideas for kids. this simple and enjoyable craft is perfect for a fall-themed activity with children. Gather some green and red yarn, green felt, twine, scissors, and hot glue to make these charming yarn apples.

After looping the yarn around your fingers and securing it with twine, you'll fluff it into an apple shape and attach a felt leaf. Finally, tie your collection of yarn apples onto a length of twine to make the garland. Whether displayed on a mantel or gifted to a teacher, this garland will surely bring a touch of handmade warmth to any setting.

21. How to Do You Make Luggage Tag

Planning a summer adventure or gearing up for back to school? Fun back to school activities to welcome students and set a positive tone. Stand out with custom luggage tags you can make yourself! Handmade Charlotte offers a DIY guide that transforms everyday items like small plastic toys, beads, and yarn into one-of-a-kind tags to adorn your luggage or backpack. It's a perfect crafting project for those looking to add a personal touch to their gear.

To make your tags, start by painting the toys in your favorite colors. Next, make a hole at the top of each toy to attach it to your tag. For sturdier attachments, you can use wire loops secured with glue. String beads onto a durable cord, adding a handcrafted tassel for flair, and then attach the toy. These custom tags are not only fun to make but also make identifying your belongings a breeze.

22. Back to School Whiteboard Upgrade

Get ready to enhance your study space with a creative DIY whiteboard project from The House That Lars Built. Perfect for educators, students, or anyone looking to add a personalized touch to their office, this guide offers clear, step-by-step instructions to make a unique and functional whiteboard.

With a bit of basic math and some crafting flair, you can transform an ordinary whiteboard into an engaging, squiggle-bordered centerpiece for your room. The instructions provided are straightforward and simple, ensuring that you'll have a fun and productive crafting experience. Dive into this DIY task and make your study or teaching environment more inviting and inspiring for the upcoming school year.

23. Customizable Water Bottle Labels

Engaging and educational activities for kids in school to encourage active learning. For basketball enthusiasts looking to add a personalized touch to their hydration game, Designs By Miss Mandee offers a slam dunk solution with their customizable water bottle labels. Ideal for sprucing up water bottles for a child’s basketball team or any sports event, these labels allow you to add player names, numbers, or mascots for a unique flair.

The tutorial is straightforward, guiding you through the process of personalizing and waterproofing your labels, ensuring they stay intact even in a cooler full of ice. With just a printer, scissors, and some contact paper, you can transform ordinary water bottles into engaging, team-spirited refreshments that are both fun and functional.

24. Fun and Easy Back to School Supplies

Get your school gear ready with a personal touch using the DIY back to school supply ideas from A Princess and Her Pirates. This engaging guide helps you transform everyday school items into unique and creative expressions of your style. Learn to adorn notebooks, pencil boxes, and more with fun dance quotes, your favorite colors, or characters using adhesive vinyl.

Tips provided ensure that your designs are bold, legible, and durable to withstand the school year. From selecting the perfect font to applying permanent vinyl, this instructive resource makes crafting your school supplies straightforward and enjoyable. Dive into these easy-to-follow steps and turn basic school essentials into cherished personalized items.

25. Print Custom Sticky Notes With Google Slides

Looking to enhance your classroom or office notes? Explore gentle and engaging back to school activities for kids of all ages for early learning fun. Learning in Hand with Tony Vincent offers a creative solution by utilizing Google Slides to print custom designs on sticky notes. This instructive guide walks you through a simple process, from setting up a printing template to designing and printing your personalized sticky notes with ease.

Perfect for educators, students, and professionals, this method allows you to bring a personal touch to reminders, to-do lists, and group work roles. Not only is the process helpful and engaging, but it also provides a way to turn ordinary note-taking into a more visually appealing and organized experience. Get ready to add a pop of customization to your communication with these practical tips.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, diving into 25 fun back to school activities and ideas for kids not only fuels their creative spirits but also prepares them for the upcoming academic year in a unique and enjoyable manner. From choosing the perfect project to gathering supplies and setting up a crafting space, every step of making DIY back to school crafts offers an opportunity for bonding and learning.

These activities not only enhance your child's skills and confidence but also provide practical, cost-effective solutions for personalized school supplies. Moreover, DIY crafts serve as wonderful tokens of appreciation for teachers and classmates. So, why wait? Start planning your back to school crafting today and make this academic year unforgettable for your kids.