Summer weather is a theme that never gets old for kids, teachers, and parents looking for hands-on activities. This list covers ten concrete weather crafts that use common supplies like paper plates, cotton balls, and paint. Whether you’re planning a classroom lesson, a rainy-day activity, or a camp project, these ideas are tested and simple to set up. Each one teaches a small weather concept while keeping little hands busy.
Paper Plate Sun with Handprint Rays
Trace your child’s hand on yellow construction paper, cut out several prints, and glue them around a painted paper plate to make sun rays. Add a cheerful face with markers or googly eyes. This craft is a classic for toddlers and preschoolers because it works on fine motor skills and color recognition. For a twist, use a paper plate that’s already yellow to skip the painting step.
Rain Cloud in a Jar
Fill a clear jar most of the way with water, top it with a layer of shaving cream, and drop blue food coloring on top. The color slowly seeps through the “cloud” and rains into the water below. It’s a science-meets-craft activity that demonstrates how clouds hold water until they get heavy. Use a tall glass jar for the best effect, and have paper towels ready for spills.
Cotton Ball Cloud Mobile
Flatten cotton balls and glue them onto cardstock cloud shapes, then hang them from a stick or wire hanger with string. You can make different cloud types: use a single layer for cirrus, a puffy bunch for cumulus, and a gray-painted layer for nimbus. This craft is great for older kids learning cloud names. Hang the mobile near a window so it catches the light.
Rainbow Suncatcher
Cut a rainbow shape from clear contact paper, then have kids stick small squares of tissue paper in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Fold another piece of contact paper over the top to seal it, then cut out the rainbow. Tape it to a window and watch the colors glow. This is a no-mess craft that works well for group settings.
Painted Wind Chime
Use a paper cup or small terra cotta pot as the top, paint it with bright colors, and tie strings with beads or old keys underneath. When the wind blows, the beads clink together. You can also use recycled plastic lids or bottle caps for a louder sound. This craft teaches about wind and sound, and it makes a nice gift.
Thunderstorm Sensory Bottle
Fill a clear plastic bottle about halfway with water, add a few drops of blue food coloring, and fill the rest with baby oil. Seal the lid tightly with hot glue. When you shake it, the oil and water create a swirling effect that mimics a storm. Kids can watch the “lightning” as the bubbles move. This is a calming, mess-free craft for younger children.
Weather Wheel
Cut two circles from cardstock, one smaller than the other. On the larger circle, draw or paint sections for sunny, cloudy, rainy, windy, and snowy. On the smaller circle, cut out one wedge and attach it to the center with a brass fastener. Kids spin the wheel to match today’s weather. This craft is perfect for a morning routine and helps with observation skills.
Raindrop Name Craft
Cut out a large raindrop shape from blue construction paper, then have kids write their name in white crayon or glue on letter stickers. Add a few smaller drops around it with glitter or sequins. This is a simple name-practice activity for preschoolers. You can also turn it into a class display by hanging all the drops from a string.
Sunny Side Up Egg Carton Craft
Paint the inside of an egg carton cup yellow for the sun’s center, and glue on orange pipe cleaners as rays. Add a face with markers. This is a great way to recycle egg cartons and works well for a solar theme. Kids can make a whole family of suns and practice counting the rays.
Wind Sock with Streamers
Use a paper towel tube or a plastic cup as the base, decorate it with stickers or paint, and tape colorful crepe paper streamers to one end. Hang it from a tree or porch and watch it flutter in the breeze. This craft is ideal for a windy day and teaches about air movement. You can also use a large yogurt container with the bottom cut out.
How to Choose
When picking a weather craft, think about the age of the kids and the mess level you can handle. For toddlers, choose crafts with large pieces and no small parts, like the paper plate sun or the sensory bottle. For older kids, the cloud mobile or weather wheel offers more learning depth. Also consider the supplies you already have—many of these use items like paper plates, cotton balls, and paint. If you’re short on time, the rain cloud in a jar is quick, while the wind chime takes longer. Always check for allergies if using food coloring or latex.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age are these crafts suitable for? Most are adaptable for ages three to eight. Toddlers need adult help with cutting and gluing, while older kids can do more independently.
Can I use these crafts for a classroom? Yes, many work well for group settings, especially the weather wheel and the suncatcher. Just prepare materials in advance.
How do I make the rain cloud in a jar work better? Use a thick layer of shaving cream and add the food coloring drop by drop. The color will sink faster if you use a dropper.
Are these crafts safe for kids with allergies? Most use basic paper, glue, and paint. Avoid latex balloons or nuts if needed, and use washable paints.
Can I do these crafts outdoors? Yes, but wind can blow away light materials. Do the wind sock and cloud mobile outside, but keep the sensory bottle inside.
What if I don’t have all the supplies? Many crafts have simple substitutes—use cardboard instead of paper plates, or cotton balls instead of tissue paper.
Final Thoughts
Weather crafts are a fun way to blend creativity with science learning. These ten ideas cover sun, rain, clouds, and wind, so you can pick one for any day. Gather your supplies, let the kids lead the way, and don’t worry about perfection—the mess is part of the fun. Try one this week and watch your little meteorologists light up.