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Looking for an easy summer craft that kids can make and play with afterward? This paper popsicle craft is simple to set up, easy to customize, and can be made with basic art supplies you probably already have at home.

We originally made these on a summer day when we were looking for something creative to do indoors. I cut out several popsicle bases and different paper “toppings,” then let the kids mix, match, and decorate their own. Some became colorful popsicles, while others got pom-poms, googly eyes, sprinkles, and plenty of personality.

Once they were finished, the popsicles became part of the activity too. Kids can use them for pretend play, set up an ice cream or popsicle shop, or simply keep making new designs.

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PAPER POPSICLE CRAFT MATERIALS

• Craft sticks
• Cardstock
• Construction paper or colored paper
• Scissors
• Glue sticks and liquid glue
• Markers, colored pencils, or crayons
• Optional decorations: pom-poms, googly eyes, stickers, glitter glue, dry pasta, and other craft supplies

More About the Materials

You don’t need anything fancy for this paper popsicle craft, and you probably already have many of these supplies at home. I recommend using bright cardstock for the base so the finished popsicles are sturdy enough for kids to play with afterward. Construction paper or other colored paper works well for adding the different layers, flavors, and toppings.

For glue, we used both glue sticks and liquid glue for different parts of the project. Glue sticks work well for attaching paper pieces, while liquid glue is helpful for attaching the wooden craft sticks and heavier decorations like pom-poms or dry pasta.

The decorating supplies are where kids can really make their popsicles their own. Markers, colored pencils, pom-poms, googly eyes, stickers, glitter glue, and even dry pasta can become sprinkles, toppings, faces, or whatever else they come up with.

Want all the supplies in one place? I put together a list of our favorite kids’ art and craft supplies with paper, glue, markers, craft sticks, pom-poms, googly eyes, and other basics we use for projects like this.

How To Make A Paper Popsicle Craft

The basic popsicle is simple to make, and once you have the shape, kids can decorate it however they want. You can make tall, skinny popsicles, wider ones, or several different shapes and sizes.

1. Make the popsicle base

Cut a popsicle shape from cardstock. Use a craft stick to help determine the size and proportions. You can draw your own shape or use the free printable popsicle templates I’ve included below.

2. Cut the colorful paper pieces

Use construction paper to create different colors, layers, drips, stripes, and other shapes for your popsicle. Kids can recreate a favorite frozen treat or invent their own.

3. Glue the paper together

Arrange the construction paper pieces on the cardstock base and attach them with a glue stick.

4. Decorate your popsicle

Add details with markers or colored pencils, or use pom-poms, googly eyes, stickers, dry pasta, and other craft supplies to create toppings, sprinkles, or silly faces.

5. Add the craft stick

Use liquid glue to attach a wooden craft stick to the back and let it dry completely. You can also attach the stick before decorating, but I found it easier to work on a flat surface and add the stick afterward.

Turn It Into A Kids’ Activity

For younger kids, I found it easier to do some of the prep ahead of time. I cut out several cardstock popsicle bases along with different shapes, colors, and “toppings” from construction paper. Then I spread everything out on the table with markers, pom-poms, googly eyes, craft sticks, and other decorations and let the kids create their own.

You can prep as much or as little as your kids need. Older kids can cut and design everything themselves, while younger kids can start with the pieces ready to mix, match, and decorate.

It makes an easy indoor summer activity for a hot or rainy day, but it would also be fun for a playdate or summer party. And once the popsicles are finished, kids can keep using them for pretend play—set up a popsicle stand, ice cream shop, or make up their own flavors.

Free Paper Popsicle Craft Templates

Want to skip drawing the popsicle shapes yourself? I made a set of free printable popsicle templates you can use as the base for this craft.

The printable includes several popsicle shapes and sizes, so kids can choose their favorites or use different templates to create a whole collection.

More Creative Activities for Kids

Looking for another hands-on project? Here are a few more ideas to try:

• Eric Carle Inspired Collage Craft for Kids
• 50+ Creative Pool Noodle Activities for Toddlers
• Paper Roller Coaster STEM Project