Summer is in full swing, and somehow, the kids are bored again. Sound familiar? Don’t worry—this season, you’ve got a secret weapon: kid-friendly DIY projects that spark creativity, burn off energy, and (bonus!) keep screen time to a minimum. Whether you’re building a terrarium, whipping up homemade slime, or crafting a bird feeder, these hands-on adventures are fun for the whole family—and just might make you the coolest parent on the block.

Create a terrarium

https://terrariumtribe.com/terrarium-for-kids/

Bring the outdoors in with a mini garden your kids can build and watch grow—right inside a fishbowl or jar!

Supplies

Clear glass or plastic container with a lid
Plants that enjoy high humidity (like succulents or moss)
Tropical soil mix (not potting soil which compacts too quickly)
Pebbles or gravel
A scoop
Spray bottle
Rocks, wood, shells, figurines for decoration

Directions

Add an inch of gravel to the bottom. Place it carefully so you do not crack the glass.
Add 2-3 inches of soil.
Arrange the plants in the soil.
Add your decorations.
Use the spray bottle to spray the plants and soil so the top looks wet, but the bottom is still dry.
Put the lid on and place your terrarium in a spot that is out of direct sunlight.
The natural humidity in a closed container will give the plants everything they need. Watch as they flourish and grow.

Make a bird feeder

https://themanylittlejoys.com/kid-made-bird-feeders

Invite feathered friends to your backyard with this easy, kid-made bird feeder that’s as fun to craft as it is to watch in action!

Supplies

Wild bird seed
A cardboard toilet paper roll
Paper plate
Peanut butter (or other nut butter)
String or yarn for hanging
Knife for spreading

Directions

Spread peanut butter on the outside of the toilet paper roll. Make sure it is fully covered.
Place the birdseed on a paper plate. Shake it gently so it coats the plate.
Press the toilet paper roll in the birdseed. Roll it around until it is well covered.
Cut an 18-inch length of string.
Thread it through the opening of the toilet paper roll. Knot the ends together.
Hang it outside on a branch.

Pro Tip: If you don’t want fallen seeds to sprout on your lawn, place the homemade bird feeder in a paper bag and microwave it for 5 minutes. That prevents it from sprouting.

Make a garden marker

https://gluesticksblog.com/popsicle-stick-garden-makers

Turn craft time into garden time with these colorful DIY garden markers—perfect for helping kids keep track of what’s growing!

Supplies

Popsicle sticks (5 for each garden marker)
Hot glue gun (parents only)
Acrylic paint
Markers

Directions

Place two popsicle sticks on the table vertically, so they are about 4 inches apart.
Have a parent glue a popsicle stick horizontally to connect the two.
Repeat with two more horizontal sticks next to each other to form the sign.
Paint the sign with acrylic craft paint. Let dry.
Paint or use markers to draw the type of vegetable or plant.
Add the name of the plant.

Paint a rock

https://stlmotherhood.com/kids-love-to-craft-super-cute-painted-rocks

Add a pop of color—and a little kindness—to the world with painted rocks that kids can design, decorate, and share!

Supplies

Smooth rocks (craft stores sell them if you cannot find them out and about)
Acrylic patio paint (or acrylic paint and a sealant like Mod Podge Outdoor)
Foam or regular paintbrush and/or paint markers
Sharpies (parent supervision needed)
Googly eyes (optional)
Glue (optional)

Directions

Wash the rock. If it’s one found outdoors, you will need to remove the dirt and grime. If it’s store-bought, it might have a wax coating.
Apply a coat of paint and let dry.
Draw with paint pens or add detail to create rocks that look like ladybugs, turtles, etc. You can add googly eyes and make your own pet rocks.
Consider writing positive messages and placing your rocks where others will find them as part of the Kindness Rocks Project.

Make your own scratch art

https://www.hgtv.com/design /make-and-celebrate/handmade/how-to-make-your-own-scratch -art

Watch kids' creativity come to life as they scratch away black paint to reveal vibrant, colorful designs hidden underneath!

Supplies

Heavy card stock
Crayons
Black acrylic paint
Mixing bowl
Dish soap
Foam paint brush
Wooden chopstick

Directions

Color the underlying pattern on the card stock. This could be a rainbow, a series of hearts or any colorful pattern. Make sure you press down hard so the color is prominent, and it goes all the way to the ends of the paper.
Combine equal parts acrylic paint and dish soap in the mixing bowl. Stir it gently with the foam brush. Try to avoid making it sudsy.
Apply the paint-soap mixture on top of your colorful design. Make sure to completely coat the cardstock.
Give the paint a few hours to dry.
Then use a chopstick to scratch off designs, revealing the colorful layer below. The paint will flake off but is easy to clean.

Make homemade slime

https://ourbestbites.com/kids-in-the-kitchen-slime/

Stretch it, squish it, swirl it—kids love making (and playing with!) homemade slime that’s equal parts science and fun! Supervise young kids in this process, and make sure they know not to eat the slime.

Supplies

1 teaspoon borax powder
1 ½ cup water divided
4 oz. white glue
Food coloring
Bowl

Directions

Dissolve a teaspoon of Borax into one cup of water. Set aside.
Pour the glue into a medium mixing bowl and add ½ cup of water.
Add a few drops of food coloring.
Pour the borax mixture into the glue mixture.
Watch for the solids that start to form.
Stir at the beginning but after a few moments, you will want to use your hands to gather the gooey mixture. It will be soft and wet.
Continue kneading it until it becomes firmer.
Store it in a Ziplock bag or airtight container.

For more ideas, check out our blog on teacher-approved activities for curious minds.

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