Neon colors are all the rage, bringing vibrant, bold hues that immediately capture attention and ignite creativity. Neon crafts and activities are especially appealing to children because of their brightness and energy. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color to a rainy day, spice up a birthday party, or just engage kids in fun, hands-on activities, neon materials can bring a fresh and exciting twist to any project.
At The Kids Point, we love exploring new ways to inspire children’s creativity, and neon crafts are the perfect way to do so. These 10 exciting neon ideas for kids’ crafts and activities will inspire them to unleash their imagination. With a little guidance, they’ll be able to make stunning, fun creations using neon paints, markers, paper, and more. These crafts and activities are perfect for children of all ages and can easily be adapted to suit various skill levels.
Neon Salt Art
Materials Needed:
- Neon-colored salt (you can dye regular salt with food coloring or buy ready-made neon salt)
- Cardboard or thick paper
- Glue
- Paintbrush
Instructions:
- Begin by drawing or sketching a design or pattern on the cardboard or paper.
- Apply glue to the design using the paintbrush. Make sure the glue is spread evenly but not too thickly.
- While the glue is still wet, sprinkle the neon-colored salt over it. You can use one color or multiple neon colors for a rainbow effect.
- Once the salt is in place, gently shake off the excess, and allow the glue to dry completely.
This craft is a wonderful sensory activity for young children. The texture of the salt mixed with the bright neon hues creates a striking visual impact and helps children explore art in a tactile way.
Neon Tie-Dye T-Shirts
Materials Needed:
- Plain white t-shirts
- Neon fabric dye
- Rubber bands
- Plastic squeeze bottles
- Plastic tablecloth or garbage bags
Instructions:
- Start by laying out the plastic tablecloth or garbage bags to protect your workspace.
- Wet the t-shirts with water and wring them out until damp.
- Choose the neon fabric dyes you want to use. You can make colorful spiral patterns or experiment with other designs like stripes or bullseye.
- Use rubber bands to section off areas of the shirt. For a spiral design, twist the shirt in the center and secure it with bands.
- Using the squeeze bottles, apply the neon dyes to different sections of the shirt.
- Let the t-shirts sit for a few hours before rinsing them out with cold water.
Neon tie-dye t-shirts are an excellent summer project and make for memorable keepsakes. Children can wear their creations proudly or give them as gifts.
Neon Rock Painting
Materials Needed:
- Smooth rocks (you can find these in your backyard or at a craft store)
- Neon-colored paints
- Paintbrushes
- Clear varnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Start by cleaning the rocks to remove any dirt or debris.
- Once dry, paint each rock with bright neon colors. You can paint abstract designs, animals, or even simple patterns like dots or stripes.
- Allow the paint to dry, and if desired, apply a clear varnish over the top to give the rocks a glossy finish and make them durable for outdoor display.
- Once finished, use these rocks as paperweights, garden decorations, or even hide them in your neighborhood for others to find, a trend known as “rock hunting.”
Neon rock painting is a fun and creative outdoor craft that can easily engage kids while they also get a chance to explore nature.
Neon Glow-in-the-Dark Slime
Materials Needed:
- Clear glue
- Neon glow-in-the-dark paint or neon food coloring
- Baking soda
- Contact lens solution
- Glitter (optional)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine 1 cup of clear glue with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
- Stir in a few drops of neon glow-in-the-dark paint or neon food coloring. You can also add glitter to give it a fun, sparkly effect.
- Slowly add in 1 tablespoon of contact lens solution. Stir as the mixture starts to form.
- Knead the slime until it reaches the desired consistency.
This activity combines the fun of making slime with the excitement of neon colors that glow in the dark. Kids will love watching their slime come to life under black lights or in dark rooms.
Neon Balloon Stamps
Materials Needed:
- Neon paint or markers
- Balloons
- Paper
- Plastic cups or bowls for paint
- Paper towels
Instructions:
- Inflate a balloon to a small size and dip it into the neon paint or lightly paint the balloon’s surface with neon markers.
- Press the balloon gently onto a piece of paper to create a fun stamp effect. You can make circles or use multiple balloons for different designs.
- Allow the prints to dry. Once dry, you can add additional details with more neon colors or other craft materials like glitter or stickers.
Neon balloon stamps are a simple yet fun activity that allows kids to explore shapes, patterns, and colors in a playful way. It’s ideal for creating custom cards, posters, or wrapping paper.
Neon Paper Lanterns
Materials Needed:
- Neon-colored construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- LED lights or glow sticks
Instructions:
- Cut strips of neon construction paper, ensuring they are all the same size.
- Lay the strips together, forming a cylindrical shape and glue or tape the ends to secure the lantern.
- Next, cut slits along the paper strips, but be sure to leave an inch or so at the top uncut to keep the lantern intact.
- Once finished, place an LED light or glow stick inside to give it a glowing effect.
Neon paper lanterns are perfect for night-time parties or just adding an atmospheric touch to a room. Kids can experiment with different colors and shapes for a variety of glowing lanterns.
Neon Art Collages
Materials Needed:
- Neon-colored paper
- Old magazines or newspapers
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers or crayons
Instructions:
- Have kids choose a theme for their collage, such as nature, animals, or abstract designs.
- Cut out shapes or pictures from magazines and newspapers.
- Arrange the pieces on a sheet of neon-colored paper.
- Once satisfied with the design, glue the cutouts in place.
- Use neon markers or crayons to add details or decorations around the collage.
This collage project encourages creativity and can be a great way to teach children about composition, color theory, and design while having fun with neon materials.
Neon Jewelry Making
Materials Needed:
- Neon beads (plastic or wooden)
- Stretch cord or jewelry wire
- Clasps (optional)
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Choose a color scheme with neon beads in shades like pink, green, yellow, or orange.
- String the beads onto the stretch cord, making patterns or mixing colors as you go.
- Once the bracelet or necklace reaches the desired length, tie a secure knot. For added strength, you can add a clasp at the ends.
- Wear your neon jewelry with pride, or gift it to friends and family.
Neon jewelry-making is a hit with children who enjoy making wearable art. Plus, it’s a great way to develop fine motor skills and learn about design.
Neon Paint Splatter Art
Materials Needed:
- Neon acrylic paints
- A large canvas or thick paper
- Paintbrushes or toothbrushes
- Protective clothing or aprons
Instructions:
- Set up the painting space with protective coverings like a plastic tablecloth or old newspapers.
- Squeeze different neon-colored paints into separate containers.
- Dip the brushes or toothbrushes into the paint and flick or splatter the colors onto the canvas or paper.
- Let each layer of paint dry before adding another layer to build a more vibrant effect.
Neon paint splatter art is a fun, messy, and expressive activity that lets kids unleash their creativity without worrying about perfection.
Neon Jellyfish Crafts
Materials Needed:
- Neon-colored paper plates
- Neon yarn or string
- Scissors
- Glue
- Googly eyes (optional)
Instructions:
- Start with a neon-colored paper plate and cut the center out, leaving a ring.
- Cut strips of neon yarn or string to create the tentacles of the jellyfish.
- Attach the yarn to the inside of the paper plate using glue.
- Add googly eyes to the top of the jellyfish for extra character.
This craft is a fun way for children to learn about marine life while being creative with neon colors. These neon jellyfish can also be hung up as decorations for parties or bedrooms.
Neon colors are perfect for capturing children’s attention and inspiring their creativity. The vibrant hues offer endless possibilities for fun, engaging crafts and activities that not only entertain but also encourage skill development in areas like motor skills, creativity, and problem-solving.
This neon jellyfish craft brings the beauty of the ocean into any space while adding a burst of color. It’s an easy and fun project for kids to make, especially when celebrating marine life or learning about sea creatures. The Kids Point encourages kids to dive into creative, educational activities like this one.