Popsicle sticks are a fun addition to your tool kit for kids activities. Explore the options in this roundup for crafts and science and more.
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Is there a simple tool that kids can use to stir, stack, flip and twirl? Yes there is! It’s the popular popsicle stick.
And this is the place to discover all the ways to use this everyday item for maximum fun and learning with kids.
Recyclables are top of mind for me when creating kids activities. Wooden sticks from popsicles and ice cream treats are an easy item to recycle, with endless options for hands-on play.
If you love eating popsicles, enjoy the cool treat, then save the sticks for kids’ activities. Have fun creating with these ideas for this versatile tool!
Fun ways to use popsicle sticks
This roundup shares a wide range of ideas for using wooden sticks. Choose from art, crafts, and science, and even something for every season.
If ice cream sticks are not available, craft sticks are generally inexpensive to purchase in a craft store or dollar store, or online. They come in a variety of colors as well as plain wood. And don’t forget jumbo sticks!
You can also substitute other options such as tongue depressors, wooden spoons or even wooden dowels in many activities that call for craft sticks. (affiliate links)
Have fun with these simple options for using wooden sticks.
Popsicle Stick Crafts
Bend sticks to make a bracelet.
Build a rainbow with sticks and cotton rounds.
Make a picture frame for a favorite photo.
Place your artwork on this simple easel made with craft sticks.
Create a cute little craft stick cat!
Puppets:
- Here’s how to make your family with craft stick puppets.
- Create paper puppets with coloring sheets.
- A variety of craft stick people is fun to make!
- You can easily make handprint people or lollipop dolls!
- Try this fun popsicle stick sponge craft or add colorful gems to a sponge fish puppet.
An apple craft made with paper cutouts and a craft stick is perfect for back-to-school.
Display a craft stick flower in a flower pot.
Use craft sticks for arms and legs in this fun cardboard box robot craft!
Butterflies:
- Try painting coffee filters to make butterfly wings.
- These bubble prints create beautiful butterflies.
Popsicle Stick Science Play
Make free-standing craft stick trees in this engineering challenge.
Combine fine motor and math play with a popsicle stick push activity.
Puzzles:
- Complete the puzzle to gain a clue for this game.
- Make a set of learning sticks for kids math play.
Build a craft stick bridge for toy cars.
Print these shape mats for a craft stick math activity.
Experiment with craft sticks to make a hexagon, pentagon and more!
Catapults:
- This catapult uses elastics and plain sticks.
- This catapult uses colorful craft sticks.
- This catapult is one of the activities in the STEAM KIDS resource for parents and teachers.
Challenge kids to build 3D shapes with craft sticks and clay.
A fence made with craft sticks is perfect for a cardboard box farm.
Provide a preschool math activity with modeling clay and craft sticks.
Popsicle Stick Seasonal Activities
Christmas
It’s fun to make this cute Christmas tree and reindeer with craft sticks.
Autumn
A fall pumpkin painting is easy to make with a craft stick painting tool.
Valentine
This cute craft stick butterfly is the perfect love bug!
Thanksgiving
Try this printable Thanksgiving puzzle made with popsicle sticks.
Halloween
This Halloween spider is made with craft sticks and googly eyes!
Monster puppets are a not-too-spooky Halloween craft.
Easter
Easter chicks are easy to make with craft sticks!
Summer
Make a bright sun craft with cardboard and craft sticks.
Fun craft stick activities for kids
Wooden sticks are perfect for kids crafts. They’re easy to clean and store; very durable; and user friendly. They can be painted, stacked, broken, and bent, and they can be used wet or dry.
Recycle or purchase wooden sticks for hands-on crafts and games, and even a bit of science play.
Enjoy the popsicle treats! Then enjoy these fun craft stick activities with your preschoolers!
