Some weekends just sneak up on you, don't they? One minute it's Friday night, the next your kids are asking, “What are we doing today?” — and you've got zero plans and no energy to go out. 😅

That was me not long ago — tired, low on ideas, and just hoping for something to keep the little ones busy (without handing them a screen). So I dug into my craft stash, tried a few fun ideas with the kids, and to my surprise... they loved it. Like, really loved it.

So today I'm sharing 6 of our favorite go-to family crafts — tested and approved by my own chaotic, creative crew. They're easy, budget-friendly, and most importantly: fun for both kids and parents.

Let's get into it 👇

🎨 1. Paper Plate Masks

This one is SO easy and never fails. Grab some paper plates, cut eye holes, and let your kids paint, glue, and decorate them into animals, monsters, or silly faces.

🖍 We use markers, pom-poms, yarn, and even pasta! Once they're done, they run around role-playing with their creations.

💡 Tip: Attach a stick to the bottom and make it a handheld mask!

🧼 2. DIY Soap Making

I found a melt-and-pour soap kit online and it's become a weekend favorite. My kids love choosing their colors and scents (we use safe essential oils), then pouring them into cute silicone molds.

✨ Bonus: We end up with handmade gifts for grandparents!

🧵 3. Button Art

We had a whole jar of random buttons — so we made art with them! Just draw a simple shape (like a heart or tree) on cardboard and glue buttons to fill it in.

📌 Great for fine motor skills, and the final piece looks super cute on the wall.

🪄 4. Magic Wand Craft

We made these using wooden sticks (even popsicle sticks work!), glitter paper stars, and ribbons. Total fairytale vibes!

🎀 They played with their wands for hours afterward — bonus points if you throw in a mini “magic show.”

🐢 5. Egg Carton Animals

We turned egg cartons into turtles, caterpillars, and even mini dragons. Just cut up the cartons, paint them, and add googly eyes.

♻️ It's a fun way to recycle AND get creative.

🧩 6. DIY Puzzle Making

We drew pictures on cardboard and cut them into puzzle pieces! Sometimes we let the kids draw their own — other times we print out family photos and turn those into puzzles too.🧠 Great for creativity and brain work.

Lykkers, if you're ever stuck on a slow weekend, these crafts might be just what you need. No fancy stuff required — just a little time, a few supplies, and lots of laughs.

Which one would your family enjoy the most? Or maybe you've got a go-to activity of your own? Share it with me in the comments — I'm always looking for new ideas (because let's be real, we parents need backups 😆).

Happy crafting! 🧡