There’s something fantastic about rolling up your sleeves and creating something with your hands, especially when doing it with your kids. DIY projects are fun and an incredible way to bond, ignite creativity, and teach valuable life skills. Activities ranging from building a birdhouse over the weekend to crafting together in the afternoons offer a chance for quality bonding and teamwork. DIY projects give kids the chance to see how everyday materials can be transformed into something amazing. Want to spark your family’s imagination and create lasting memories? Start with a simple birdhouse building project, and then explore other fun DIY ideas that will keep everyone engaged.

1. Build a Birdhouse

Birdhouses are the ultimate family-friendly DIY project. They’re simple enough for kids to help with, functional as a backyard accessory, and endlessly customizable. Finishing one means you can look forward to some feathered friends moving in.

What You’ll Need:

  • Wooden Boards
  • Nails or Wood Screws
  • Hammer and Screwdriver
  • Sandpaper
  • Outdoor Paint or Wood Sealer
  • Drill

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Plan the Design, but keep it simple! Most birdhouses are box-shaped with a small front opening. Sketch the shape together with your kids to brainstorm ideas.
  2. Measure and cut the wood. If you’re using raw wood, cut the pieces into a back panel, two side walls, a roof, and a front piece with an entry hole. Pre-cut kits are a great option if you don’t have the tools for cutting.
  3. Drill the entry hole. This is an adult job. Drill a circular hole into the front panel for the birds to get in and out.
  4. Nail or screw the sides and back together, making sure the edges are aligned. Add the roof last to cover the top.
  5. Give the edges a once-over with sandpaper, then hand it to your kids for a “smoothness test.”
  6. Here’s where the kids can go wild. Use outdoor paints to create colorful patterns or a natural wood finish for a rustic vibe.
  7. Attach the birdhouse to a tree, post, or fence in your yard and wait for your chirpy tenants to arrive.

Leave the bottom panel slightly loose or hinge it for easy cleaning at the end of the season. Birds (and you) will appreciate it.

2. DIY Wind Chimes

Wind chimes are another fun project that doubles as a backyard decoration. Kids love experimenting with different materials to create unique sounds, and the results are both beautiful and musical.

What You’ll Need:

  • Old keys, beads, shells, or small kitchen utensils
  • String or fishing line
  • A circular base (a piece of driftwood, a small metal hoop, or an embroidery hoop)
  • Paint and markers for decoration

Instructions:

  1. Paint or decorate the pieces.
  2. Tie each object to the base with string.
  3. Vary the lengths for different notes.

Once finished, hang it near a door or patio and enjoy the soothing sounds.

3. Create a Family Handprint Canvas

This one is as simple as it gets but holds so much sentimental value. A family handprint canvas is a sweet way to combine creativity with a lifelong keepsake.

Supplies:

  • A plain canvas
  • Washable paint
  • Paintbrushes

Instructions:

  1. Each family member picks a different paint color and layers their handprints on the canvas.
  2. Start with the largest hands first so the smaller hands can layer over them.
  3. Write your names next to each print.

4. Design Custom Planters

Bring some greenery into your home with custom planters. This is great for creative kids who enjoy painting and gardening.

Supplies:

  • Terracotta pots or tin cans
  • Acrylic paints and brushes
  • Soil and seeds or small plants

Instructions:

  1. Give the pots a unique coat of paint.
  2. Smaller kids may need an outline or stencils.
  3. Fill them with soil and plant something easy to grow, like herbs or flowers.
  4. Watch the kids get excited as their plants sprout.

5. DIY Picture Frames

Kids will love making their own frames to display family photos or art.

Supplies:

  • Craft sticks (popsicle sticks work great)
  • Hot glue (this part requires adult supervision)
  • Paint, markers, stickers, and gems for decorating

Instructions:

  1. Glue the craft sticks into a square frame.
  2. Paint and decorate the frame however you like.
  3. Attach a stand on the back, or glue magnets for a fridge display.

6. Make a Mini Fairy Garden

Nothing sparks imagination quite like a whimsical fairy garden. It’s a project kids of all ages will adore.

Supplies:

  • A shallow pot or box
  • Small plants, moss, or pebbles
  • Miniature figurines (or make your own from clay)

Instructions:

  1. Select a shallow pot, box, or any container that can hold soil and small plants. If you're using live plants, make sure it has drainage holes.
  2. Fill the bottom of the container with soil or moss. You can also add pebbles for drainage.
  3. Decide where you want to place plants, pathways, and decorations. Sketch a quick design if it helps.
  4. Add small plants, succulents, or moss to create the “landscape” of your fairy garden. Arrange them to mimic a tiny forest or meadow.
  5. Use pebbles, sand, or small stones to make paths or walkways through the garden.
  6. Place tiny figurines, fairy houses, or homemade clay accessories in the garden. Get creative!
  7. Add final touches like twigs, acorns, or small flowers to make the garden unique.
  8. If you’re using live plants, water them lightly and place the garden in a spot with appropriate sunlight.