Summer is the perfect season to let your creativity shine. From long, leisurely days at home to spontaneous outings with family and friends, there are so many opportunities to get some fresh air, feel inspired, and make new memories.
Whether you’re planning activities for kids home from school, looking for a unique host gift, or simply hoping to make the most of your downtime, museum stores offer a vibrant selection of fun and thoughtful finds.
This guide is packed with summer arts and crafts ideas that spark imagination, encourage hands-on making, and celebrate beauty in all its forms.
Ready to uncover products that are equal parts playful and artful? These summer arts and crafts ideas make it easy to turn up the fun and support the museums you love.
BLOK PARTI Tote Kit
The Mint Museum
Charlotte, North Carolina
Make your own wearable masterpiece this summer with a block printing kit designed for creative fun in the sun. Each kit comes with everything you need—including hand-carved wooden blocks and vibrant, non-toxic inks—to design a one-of-a-kind cotton tote. Choose from three inspired themes: Cosmic, Tulip, or Abstract, and enjoy a relaxing, no-experience-needed project that’s perfect for solo crafting or sunny afternoons with friends.
Custom Jewelry Tool Kit
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
Design mini masterpieces with this custom jewelry tool kit that turns personal artwork into a wearable statement. Whether you choose a necklace, earrings, or a keychain, this kit makes it easy to transform your creativity into something truly one-of-a-kind. It’s a perfect summer arts and crafts idea for children, artists, and fashion lovers alike.
Barnes Artwork Playing Cards
The Barnes Foundation
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Bring your favorite masterpiece to game night with this stunning deck of Barnes artwork playing cards. Each card features a different treasure from the Barnes collection—think Cézanne, Van Gogh, Modigliani, and more—along with a brief description to spark conversation. It’s a playful, portable way to soak up world-class art all summer long.
Tia Bianchini, Merchandise Manager at the Barnes Shop, agrees: “Who doesn’t love playing a card game on summer vacation?”
Small Enameled Copper Flower – Assorted Colors
Chrysler Museum of Art
Norfolk, Virginia
Add a pop of joy to your potted plants or garden beds with handcrafted enameled copper flowers that never wilt. Made in the USA by Clever Goods Company, a woman-led studio carrying on a vibrant, decades-old tradition, each piece is torch-fired and built to last, indoors or out. It’s a cheerful, low-maintenance way to bring artistic flair to your indoor and outdoor spaces.
Cummer Museum Flower Press
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
Jacksonville, Florida
Bring a piece of the outdoors inside with this beautifully designed flower press. Both functional and artful, the compact design allows you and your little ones to press multiple flowers at once—perfect for preserving summer blooms or creating botanical art. Made from natural wood and featuring an intricate etched floral design, each press comes with everything you need to get started.
“This flower press is perfect for summer fun—it encourages outdoor exploration and sparks creativity, especially when flowers are in full bloom,” says Susan Tudor, Director of Retail & Visitor Experience at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. “It’s also a delightful, screen-free activity that all ages can enjoy!”
The Little Book of King Cake
Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience
New Orleans, Louisiana
What starts as a fun surprise turns into an unexpected lesson for third grader Miley when she finds the baby in her slice of king cake and is crowned Queen of her classroom. In The Little Book of King Cake, author Matt Haines—best known for The Big Book of King Cake—shares his own childhood king cake story in a charming adaptation for kids.
Brought to life with vibrant illustrations by Louisiana artist Aileen Bennett, this delightful book is perfect for young readers and fans of the original. Whether you’re shopping ahead for the holidays or looking for a fun summer read, it’s a sweet addition to any little king cake lover’s collection.
Van Gogh Irises Folding Hand Fan
J. Paul Getty Museum
Los Angeles, California
Stay cool and stylish this summer with a folding hand fan inspired by Van Gogh’s Irises, one of the most beloved works in the Getty collection. Made of chiffon and bamboo, this elegant fan brings a touch of art history to sunny days and creative outings. It’s a functional, artful companion perfect for museum-goers, garden parties, or anyone looking to beat the heat with timeless beauty.
Copy/Paste/Print/Repeat Yellow Bandana
Poster House
New York, New York
A wearable gig poster that hits all the right notes, this limited-edition yellow bandana was hand-printed by legendary artist Mike King as the official souvenir of Copy/Paste/Print/Repeat: Mike King & the Art of the Gig Poster. Known for shaping the visual language of American music, King brings his iconic, eye-catching style to this release.
“Turn a few heads yourself with exclusive Poster House apparel that celebrates the streetscape and the gig posters that bring it to life,” says Poster House’s Director of Retail Joseph Brichacek.
With only 100 made, this bandana is as collectible as it is bold. It’s a piece of music history you can take anywhere.
Looking for More Summer Arts and Crafts Ideas?
Museum stores are filled with creative gifts and hands-on activities that make the season more memorable for people of all ages. Whether you’re crafting at home, hanging out with loved ones, or simply enjoying a slower pace, consider sourcing your summer entertainment from your favorite museums.
Remember, when you shop at a museum store, you’re supporting local artists, small businesses, and the museum itself with every purchase. Use our store locator to find even more gifts and activities this summer. And don’t forget to mark your calendar for Museum Store Sunday on November 30, 2025. Join our mailing list for exclusive updates and insider access to our biggest shopping event of the year.