DIY (or do-it-yourself) projects are popular hobbies for both adults and children alike, but if youโre new to the world of DIYs, you might be at a loss for what to do with your kids.
Donโt worry!
These 10 simple and cheap DIY projects for kids will keep your little ones occupied and entertained, while also teaching them valuable skills like hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills that they can use in their future pursuits of art or science projects.
All you need are some basic craft supplies, which your local Store should have in abundance!
Here are the 10 Simple and Cheap DIY Projects for Kids
1) Create an outdoor climbing wall
A great way to keep your kids physically active is by building them a climbing wall in your backyard. Not only will it give them an activity that keeps them occupied, but itโll also provide an opportunity for you to work together with your child on a project they can be proud of.
Building one is much easier than you might think. You just need some basic tools, plywood and wood panelsโand maybe some help from a friend or family member who has experience working with wood.
The first step in building an outdoor climbing wall is to find the right spot for it. You want it to be somewhere that has plenty of space, but also somewhere that will be safe for your kids.
You’ll also want to make sure that you have enough room for the climbing wall itself, as well as any other activities you might want to do on it (like swinging from ropes).
The next step is to decide on what type of material you want your climbing wall made out of. There are many different options available, including wood, metal, and plastic. Each material has its own pros and cons, so make sure you do some research before deciding on one.
2) Play with water balloons
This is a fun, easy, cheap (like free) way to spend time with your child. Water balloons are great for all seasons: summer, spring, winter or fall! All you need is a bunch of water balloons and two willing participants.
Assemble water balloons by filling them with water (with supervision from an adult). Then play around in your backyard or at a local park as you run around attempting to pop each otherโs balloons with your foot or hand.
This game takes advantage of kidsโ natural love of competition while encouraging their creative expression during playtime!
3) Make something out of cardboard
Everyone loves cardboard. Itโs cheap, recyclable, you can find it anywhere and itโs safe for kids to use. Plus, a lot of really cool projects can be made from cardboard!
Check out these 10 awesome examples below that will stimulate your childโs mind while entertaining them at home.
- Storage Boxes
- Desk Organizer
- Wall shelves
- Mail Box
- Mini Drawers
- Playhouse
- Mobile stand
- Home Decors
- Cardboard tables
- Cat House
4) Build your own DIY playground equipment
If you have a child or grandchildren who you want to entertain but canโt afford to take them on an expensive vacation, consider building your own DIY playground equipment.
You will be able to keep them happy and entertained in your backyard, rather than at a local theme park.
Building your own DIY playground equipment is a fun project that is sure to bring out creativity in everyone involved.
Not only will it save money, but it is also something that you can do together as a family.
5) Go on a treasure hunt
One of my favorite things to do with my son is going on a treasure hunt. I donโt know what it is about going on hunts with him that makes it so much fun, but I really love doing it.
We take whatever we need from our home or car, go to some secret location, split up, meet back in one place after ten minutes or so (we stop a few times so he can get distracted), then head back home.
It doesnโt matter if we find anything or not โ just being together doing something new is enough for both of us!
6) Do something wild with soap bubbles
Soap bubbles are fun to blow and make a big mess. Be aware, though: Every year, people across America get hurt because theyโre distracted by their soap bubbles.
Most of these injuries happen because kids get too close to a pool or other body of water while playing with them.
Keep a close eye on your child while they play with soap bubbles; standing too close to a pool or getting wet could lead to some unwanted consequences. And donโt allow young children to blow their own bubbles!
7) Get creative with ice blocks
Ice blocks are a fun way to cool off in summer. Theyโre also a fun project for children.
Learn how to make ice blocks at home with fruit juice or your favorite candy by following these simple instructions.
Enjoy! (This is a good idea for kids because it’s easy and cheap)
3 parts water, 1 part sugar, food coloring optional
Pour water into an airtight container, add sugar, stir until dissolved. Add a few drops of food coloring if desired. Pour mixture into muffin cups lined with plastic wrap; freeze until solid; remove from muffin cups and store in freezer bags.
To use: Let thaw for 5 minutes before eating or 15 minutes if frozen overnight. Makes about 20 ice blocks, depending on size of muffin cup used.
Experiment with different juices such as apple cider or grape juice to see which flavors you like best.
Have some fun โ mix different juices together!
8) Make paper airplanes from scratch
Paper airplanes can be a great way to give your kids something to do thatโs both educational and fun.
Here are some awesome instructions on how to make paper airplanes from scratchโmake sure you include tips on saving money by making your own materials.
If you want, you could even set up a contest where people submit their best designs for a chance to win an Amazon gift card or other prize.
9) Create your own zoo habitats at home
Youโll have plenty of room to grow. Create different habitats at home using large containers, boxes or plastic bins.
Ask your local garden store if they have some handy that they can donate, or you can even get creative and make your own bin out of wood.
Make sure you provide enough height as well, so it looks more like a real habitat rather than a cage. Different animals will need different things to be happy and thrive in their new environment.
10) Set up a mini garden
If you have a small yard, get your kids interested in plants by setting up a mini garden. Itโs fun to water and watch plants grow.
Plus, itโs a great learning experience that fosters a love of nature. You can use inexpensive trays with saucers to set them on, or repurpose an old flower pot or food container.
Make sure you choose containers with drainage holes so that excess water can drain out.
Fill each tray with soil, plant seeds (you can also buy seedlings), and add little signs telling what type of plant is growing thereโkids will enjoy checking back to see how their plants are doing over time.
(Bonus: You may be able to harvest some veggies!)
Conclusion
Itโs fun to share hobbies with your children, even at a young age. When theyโre old enough to help you, give them projects that fit their size and ability.
They may not remember how much time you spent with them working on a project, but they will always cherish what they learned along the way.
Enjoy these special moments together as a family!
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