Looking for a way to keep kids busy this summer and teach them the importance of saving water? We’ve got you covered. These water crafts are fun, easy to do at home, and help children learn why every drop of water counts.
From science experiments to creative recycling, each craft shows how we use water and how we can use less of it. So, grab your crafting supplies and get started!
1. Water-saving fortune teller
Make a classic paper fortune teller filled with water-saving tips! Kids can decorate it with colours and drawings, then use it to quiz friends and family.
What you need:
- One square sheet of paper (A4 folded and trimmed works!).
- Pens or coloured pencils.
- Water-saving tips.
How to make it:
- Fold the square paper in half diagonally, then again, the other way, and unfold.
- Fold each corner into the centre to form a smaller square.
- Flip it over, then fold each corner into the centre again.
- Fold in half to make a rectangle, then insert your fingers into the flaps.
- Decorate the outside with colours or numbers.
- On the inside flaps, write short water-saving tips.
Water-saving tip ideas:
- “Use a watering can instead of a hose.”
- “Collect rainwater for your plants.”
- “Take a shorter shower.”
- “Report leaks if you see them.”
It’s a fun, hands-on way to get kids talking about saving water. They’ll love using it to test friends and share smart habits.
2. Tin can hanging planters
Recycle old tin cans into cool plant pots. Paint them, punch holes for string, and hang them outside. Use them to grow herbs, flowers or even strawberries.
Top tip: Use rainwater or leftover drinking water to water your plants.
These planters help teach kids the importance of reusing water and collecting rainwater.
3. Zip lock bag water cycle experiment
This simple activity shows how the water cycle works using just a zip lock bag, some water and sunshine.
What you need:
- Zip lock bag.
- Water + blue food colouring.
- Sharpie pen.
- Tape.
Draw clouds and waves on the bag. Fill it with a little coloured water and stick it to a sunny window. Watch as water evaporates, condenses, and “rains” inside the bag.
How it teaches kids:
Shows that water is always moving, but there’s only so much of it. We need to use it wisely.
4. DIY water filter
Layer gravel, sand and cotton wool inside a plastic bottle to filter muddy water. It's a cool way to show how water is cleaned before it reaches our taps.
What you need:
- Plastic bottle.
- Gravel, sand, cotton wool or coffee filters.
- Muddy water.
How it teaches kids about water:
Shows how hard it is to clean dirty water. Helps kids understand why we must protect clean water sources, and how much work goes into the water treatment process.
5. Leak-Proof Bag Trick
Fill a zip lock bag with water, then push sharp pencils through it. The bag won’t leak! It’s a fun magic trick and a great way to talk about real leaks at home.
Use this as a chance to ask: “Do we have any leaky taps or toilets at home?” Fixing leaks can save thousands of litres each year!
Get your kids to take the Look and Listen test to search for leaks around your home.
Why these crafts matter
Water is one of our most precious resources. Teaching kids how to use it wisely can make a big difference to our local environment and our future. These crafts are a great way to start those conversations in a fun, hands-on way.
Loved these ideas? Share your creations and tag us on Instagram @AffinityWater