Free Kids Crafts

With the weather turning chillier by the minute, your kids are undoubtedly running around the house like cooped-up chickens. Why not put all of that energy to good use and designate a half hour of craft time each day? Kids love crafts, and there are billions of resources on the web for fun, kid-friendly crafts and the majority of craft ideas are easy on your wallet. Don't believe me? Here are 5 of my all-time favorite craft sites for kids, including a fun starter project to try with your little ones. Plus, a holiday craft bonus after the jump.

Encourage Sammy to replace that imaginary friend with a finger friend!

Photo: FaveCrafts.com

1. FaveCrafts.com
With an extensive list of crafts for any age, Fave Crafts truly has something for everyone. Your children will particularly love the Craft Projects for Kids section, where boundless ideas lie. Bonus? Fave Crafts releases free e-books periodically, where you can download and craft at your leisure.

2. CraftBits.com
With fun, hands-on projects that are sure to have your children squealing with glee (read: bubble paint!), Craft Bits is a can't-miss. Bonus? Craft Bits houses a section of the site for you to store your favorite crafts, as well as periodical competitions. Bring out the gladiator in your kid!

3. FreeKidCrafts.com
Crafting with an educational spin? Sign me up! Free Kid Crafts focuses on creative learning -- a far cry from those boring popsicle stick forts. Bonus? The nursery rhyme craft section is absolutely adorable...

4. AHC Arts & Crafts
Artists Helping Children offers crafting from an artistic standpoint, including fun tutorials to teach your child how to draw. Bonus? Perhaps your child will have a future in composite drawings!

5. Activity Village
I love the international spin Activity Village creates for its crafts. Learn to make popular items from Australia, India and more! Bonus? It's about time your child learned how to fuse bead an Indian elephant, right?

Not sure where to start? Why not tackle these fun Finger Friends from FaveCrafts.com? Your child can make a spider for Halloween, or even a turkey for Thanksgiving. The possibilities are endless, and you'll now have a jeweler in the family! Pretty crafty, eh?

For other crafty ideas for your children, read more:
-Kids Crooked Houses
-A Stylish Playhouse