Summer is the perfect time to focus on some fun and creative activities with your little ones, especially with the long school break, and what better way to spend a sunny afternoon than making an adorable sandcastle craft?
This craft is a whole lot of fun, and not only entertaining but also educational, offering a fantastic opportunity for kids to engage in hands-on learning while using recycled materials like paper cups.
It’s a great activity for kids of all ages from toddlers and preschoolers to elementary-aged kids, encouraging creativity and fine motor skills. There’s nothing quite like the pride of creating something beautiful with their own hands.
Our paper cup sandcastle craft is easy to make and requires just a few simple materials, most of which you probably already have at home. By repurposing items like paper cups, you’re also teaching kids the importance of recycling and sustainability.
This sandcastle craft is perfect for kids who love building and designing, and it can be a wonderful addition to any summer arts and crafts session.
Let’s get started with this super cute and easy sandcastle craft for kids!
Paper Cup Sand Castle Craft Instructions
Follow the easy step by step instructions below for how to make your own sand castle craft. You can also watch our full step by step video to see this kids sandcastle project in action.
Paper Cup Sandcastle Craft
Ready to turn everyday items into a magical creation? Our paper cup sandcastle craft is the perfect blend of fun and creativity, transforming simple materials into a charming castle that kids will love to build and play with!
Materials
- Paper cups
- Brown paint
- Paintbrush
- Construction paper (brown and blue - or your choice of flag color)
- Scissors
- Pipe Cleaner
Tools
- Scissors
Instructions
- Paint the Paper Cups: Start by painting two paper cups brown and letting them dry. This will be the main structure of your sandcastle.
- Create the Battlements: Cut a rectangle from the brown construction paper
then cut small squares along the top edge to create the castle battlements. 
- Attach this piece to the top of each paper cup.
- Add the Flags: Cut two small triangles from the construction paper.
Attach these to the ends of the fuzzy wires to make flags, 
then attach the flags to the top of the paper cups. 
- Build the Castle Walls: Cut another rectangle from the brown construction paper
this time, it will be reinforced with a piece of cardboard for strength 
and you're going to create battlements along the top edge, just like before. 
- Cut a slit in the side of both paper cups to allow you attach the wall
Attach this strip between the two paper cups to form the castle walls. 
- Make the Entrance: Finally, cut an arc shape from the blue construction paper to create the castle's entrance and attach it to the front of the brown paper.
There are endless ways to customize your sandcastle craft and make it uniquely yours! Here are some sandcastle craft ideas to help you customise it even more.
You can decorate with shells to add more detail. Glue small shells or pebbles to your sandcastle to give it a more authentic beachy feel.
Use markers or stickers to add windows and doors to your castle towers for extra details
You can also use glitter. Add a touch of magic by sprinkling some glitter on the wet paint for a sparkling effect.
Or even add real sand. Add some white school glue to the outside of your castle, once the paint has dried, and then sprinkle sand onto the glued areas.
This sandcastle craft is not only a great way to spend time with your kids but also an excellent project for preschool sand art activities or even a school arts and crafts assignment.
The possibilities are endless, and each child’s creation will be a unique masterpiece. Whether you’re looking for a fun summer activity or an educational craft, this sandcastle project ticks all the boxes.
More Summer Crafts for Kids
Summer is the perfect season for exploring new crafts and activities with your children. If you’re looking for more ways to keep little hands busy or projects that spark their imagination, there are countless fun and easy summer crafts for kids to enjoy.
From making a colorful lemonade craft to creating DIY popsicle crafts, the possibilities are endless.
- Easy Lemonade Craft for Kids
- Easy Paper Popsicle Summer Craft
- Easy Starfish Craft With Free Printable Template
- Egg Carton Ice Cream Cones
- Garden Paper Plate Twirler Craft
Summer Printables for Kids
Keep your kids entertained all summer long with our fun and engaging summer printables! From coloring pages to I Spy activities and ice cream playdough mats, our printable activities are perfect for sparking creativity and keeping boredom at bay. Download these free resources and watch your little ones enjoy hours of imaginative play and learning. Whether you’re at home or on the go, our summer printables are a great way to add a splash of fun to any day.
- Free Printable Summer Movement Cards for Kids
- 11 Free Printable Summer Coloring Pages For Kids
- Free Printable Summer Photo Scavenger Hunt Activity
- Pretend Play Ice Cream Shop Printables
- Decorate the Ice Cream Play Dough Mats
- Summer I Spy Printables
If you enjoyed this sandcastle craft, share this blog post with other parents and caregivers who are looking for creative and engaging summer activities. Let’s spread the joy of crafting together!
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
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