Fun School Holiday Craft Activities for Kids in NZ: Easy Projects with Simple Supplies

School holidays are here again, and if you're hearing "I'm bored!" already, we've got you covered. These easy craft activities use simple art supplies that you can order online and have delivered fast across NZ. Each project is designed to keep kids happily creating for an hour or more — giving you a well-earned cuppa in peace.

Clay Creature Workshop (Ages 4+)

Air-dry clay is a school holiday superstar. It's mess-friendly, doesn't need a kiln, and kids can make anything from dinosaurs to jewellery dishes.

What you need

Air-dry clay, acrylic paints, brushes, and a smooth work surface (a chopping board works well). Optional extras: googly eyes, pipe cleaners for arms and legs, toothpicks for texture details.

How to do it

Let kids pull off chunks of clay and sculpt whatever their imagination suggests. Younger kids love making simple animals — roll a ball for the body, smaller balls for the head and legs, and press them together. Older kids can try more detailed projects like miniature food, plant pots, or name plaques for their bedroom door. Once finished, leave creations to dry for 24-48 hours, then paint with acrylics. The painting stage is often the favourite part — it transforms lumpy clay shapes into colourful characters.

Bonus tip

Make it a "clay cafe" by setting up a dedicated crafting station with all supplies laid out. Kids love the feeling of having their own workshop.

Painted Rock Garden (Ages 3+)

This one costs almost nothing if you've got a garden or local beach where you can collect smooth stones.

What you need

Smooth rocks (river stones work perfectly), acrylic paints, fine brushes or paint pens, and clear varnish or PVA glue for sealing.

How to do it

Wash and dry your rocks first. Then let kids paint them however they like — ladybugs, emoji faces, galaxy patterns, NZ native birds, or simple patterns with dots and stripes. Once dry, seal with a coat of clear varnish or watered-down PVA glue. The finished rocks can live in the garden, on windowsills, or be given as gifts. Some NZ communities even have "kindness rock" trails where painted rocks are left in public places for others to find — a lovely holiday activity that gives back.

Colour Mixing Science Art (Ages 5+)

This activity blends art with science, which makes it feel extra special and educational (not that we'd tell the kids that).

What you need

Primary colour acrylic paints (red, blue, yellow), white paint, a palette or plate, thick paper or canvas pad, brushes.

How to do it

Start by challenging kids to mix every colour they can using only red, blue, yellow, and white. Give them a chart to fill in: "red + blue = ?", "blue + yellow = ?", and so on. Then let them experiment — what happens when you add white? What about mixing all three primaries? Kids discover that they can make hundreds of colours from just four starting paints. Once they've explored mixing, challenge them to paint a picture using only colours they've mixed themselves. The results are always surprising and unique.

Wearable Art: Custom Tote Bags (Ages 6+)

What you need

Plain canvas tote bags (available cheaply from craft shops or online), fabric paints or acrylic paints mixed with a fabric medium, brushes, and cardboard to put inside the bag while painting.

How to do it

Slip cardboard inside the bag so paint doesn't bleed through. Let kids design their own bag — their name in bubble letters, their favourite animal, a pattern, or a copy of a famous artwork. Stencils are great for younger kids who want clean shapes. Once painted and fully dry (leave overnight), these bags are actually usable for school, library visits, or the supermarket. Kids love seeing their artwork out in the real world.

Collaborative Mural: The Holiday Masterpiece (All Ages)

This is perfect if you've got multiple kids of different ages, or for a holiday playdate activity.

What you need

A large roll of paper (brown paper or a roll of butcher's paper), paints, brushes, sponges, and tape to hold the paper down.

How to do it

Tape a long sheet of paper along a fence, wall, or across the floor. Choose a theme — "our dream holiday", "NZ wildlife", "outer space", or "underwater world" — and let everyone contribute their own section. Younger kids can do handprints and splatters while older kids add detailed drawings. The finished mural makes a fantastic photo backdrop and a genuine keepsake of the holidays.

Setting Up for Success: Tips for Parents

Prep the space: Lay down old newspapers or a plastic tablecloth. Put paint in small containers (ice cube trays work well for multiple colours). Dress kids in old clothes or provide paint shirts.

Embrace the mess: Art is supposed to be messy. Acrylic paint washes out of most surfaces with soap and water while still wet, so keep a damp cloth handy.

Keep supplies stocked: Running out of paint mid-project is a recipe for tears. Order a few extra supplies before the holidays start — having a well-stocked craft cupboard means you're always ready for a rainy day or a boredom emergency.

Display their work: String up a line with pegs to create a holiday art gallery. Kids thrive when their work is celebrated.

Order Your Holiday Craft Supplies

At Handy Mandy, we've got everything you need for school holiday crafting — paints, brushes, clay, canvas pads, and more. Order online and we'll deliver fast across NZ from our Hamilton warehouse, so you're stocked up before the holidays hit.

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