18 Fun Kids DIY Projects That Will Keep Them Entertained for Hours (Check Out #7!)

Crafting with kids is one of those magical activities that fill the home with joy and creativity!

Whether it’s a rainy day or a weekend adventure, getting your little ones involved in DIY projects not only keeps them entertained but fosters their imagination and skills too.

From simple crafts using everyday materials to fun educational tasks, this list is packed with exciting ideas that will transform your home into a crafting wonderland. Each project is designed to be easy, engaging, and packed with fun, ensuring that kids have a blast while creating something special. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into this crafty journey!

Contents

• 1. DIY Rainbow Slime
• 2. Painted Rock Pets
• 3. DIY Bird Feeders
• 4. Paper Plate Animals
• 5. Homemade Play Dough
• 6. Sock Puppets
• 7. DIY Volcano Eruption
• 8. Nature Collage
• 9. DIY T-Shirt Art
• 10. DIY Story Stones
• 11. DIY Jewelry Making
• 12. Flower Pot Painting
• 13. DIY Kites
• 14. DIY Terrariums
• 15. DIY Friendship Bracelets
• 16. DIY Magnetic Painting
• 17. DIY Shadow Puppets
• 18. DIY Weather Station

1. DIY Rainbow Slime

Kids love slime, and making rainbow slime brings together gooey fun with vibrant creativity!

Start off with basic slime ingredients: Elmer's Clear School Glue, baking soda, contact lens solution, and food coloring. First, mix the glue and baking soda in a bowl, then slowly add in the contact lens solution until the mixture begins to form. For the colors, you'll love using a food coloring set that offers a variety of vibrant shades. Divide the slime into smaller portions and mix in different colors of food dye. Once all colors are ready, layer them in a clear jar for a stunning visual effect that also doubles as a playful sensory activity.

Make sure to store the slime in an airtight container to keep it fresh for hours of playtime. This project not only stimulates fine motor skills but also lets kids explore color mixing and textures!

- Materials: Glue, baking soda, contact lens solution, food coloring.
- Safety First: Remind kids to wash their hands after playing with slime.

Product Recommendations:
• Elmer's Clear School Glue
• baking soda
• food coloring set

2. Painted Rock Pets

Bring pets to life with Painted Rock Pets! It’s an art project with a twist that teaches kids about colors and shapes while letting them unleash their inner artist.

Start by gathering smooth, clean rocks. Next, set out Apple Barrel, vibrant spectrum collection acrylic craft paint for a vibrant painting experience. This acrylic paint set comes with 16 assorted matte colors, providing plenty of options for kids to create their favorite animals or even imaginary creatures. Once the paint dries, consider sealing the rocks with Rust-Oleum 334022 Painter's Touch 2X ultra cover spray paint, a matte clear coat spray that will protect their art from the elements. These adorable little pets can then serve as garden decorations or fun paperweights!

For the painting process, a quality paint brushes set will be essential. This 5-piece set includes flat and angle brushes, making it easy for kids to apply paint on their rocks with precision.

- Benefits: This project enhances creativity, fine motor skills, and provides an opportunity for storytelling.
- Additional Tip: Encourage kids to name their rock pets and create a backstory for them!

Product Recommendations:
• Apple Barrel acrylic craft paint set
• Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X ultra cover spray paint
• paint brushes set for kids

3. DIY Bird Feeders

Kids can enjoy nature while helping local wildlife with simple DIY bird feeders! This project connects kids with the environment and teaches them about responsibility and caring for animals.

For this fun activity, you’ll need a few supplies to make it easy and enjoyable. Start with some pine cones. You can even use a pre-made option like the Pine Cone Bird Feeder Kit, which offers a convenient solution. Next, grab some peanut butter—try using natural peanut butter (no added sugar or salt) for a healthier option. Finally, roll the pine cones in birdseed, such as wild bird seed mix, until they are well-coated. Once you've coated the pine cone with peanut butter and birdseed, tie a string around the top and hang it from a tree branch. Kids will be thrilled to watch the birds come to snack on their creations!

- Safety Note: Make sure no one has nut allergies before starting.
- Fun Fact: Encourage children to keep a diary of the different bird species that visit their feeder.

Product Recommendations:
• Pine Cone Bird Feeder Kit
• Natural Peanut Butter (no added sugar or salt)
• Wild Bird Seed Mix

4. Paper Plate Animals

Transform simple paper plates into delightful animal faces with this creative craft! This project helps kids develop their imaginative skills and teaches them about different animals.

Start with a basic paper plate and let the kids choose their favorite animal. They can use craft supplies like colorful construction paper from Crayola construction paper to create unique designs, as well as googly eyes assortment to add fun and personality to their creations. With scissors and glue, they can craft ears, tails, and other features to truly bring their vision to life. To support this creative endeavor, consider using an all-in-one craft supplies set that includes everything needed for this and many other projects, keeping the fun going for hours!

This project is versatile and can be tailored to any age group, making it perfect for all kids!

- Tip: Organize a mini animal show where kids can present their creations!
- Additional Insight: Discuss the characteristics of the animals they make and encourage creativity by suggesting unusual animal hybrids!

Product Recommendations:
• Crayola construction paper
• googly eyes assortment
• all-in-one craft supplies set

5. Homemade Play Dough

Play dough is a classic that never goes out of style, and making your own is a fantastic activity the kids will love! This project not only results in hours of play but also teaches kids about measurements and mixing ingredients.

For homemade play dough, you need flour, salt, cream of tartar, vegetable oil, and water. Combine the dry ingredients in a pot, add the oil, and gradually stir in the water. Cook on low heat while stirring continually until it thickens and pulls away from the sides. Once cooled, divide it into portions for adding colors. To make the color aspect even more exciting, you can use a food coloring set with vibrant options, allowing kids to experiment with different hues and shades.

This DIY activity is not only fun but educational as kids can experiment with colors and textures. To keep the creations fresh for future play, be sure to store the play dough in airtight containers. A great choice for this is the airtight storage containers, designed specifically for organizing and preserving play dough, making it easy to keep all your supplies in one place.

- Extra Tip: Store the play dough in airtight containers to keep it fresh.
- Unique Insight: Encourage kids to create different shapes and figures, turning play dough into a learning tool for shapes and counting!

Product Recommendations:
• Play Dough Making Kit
• Cookie Cutters Set for Kids
• Vibrant Food Coloring Set

6. Sock Puppets

Bring stories to life with adorable sock puppets! They’re not just a fun craft; this activity boosts creativity and imagination through storytelling. Collect some old socks, buttons, yarn, and other embellishments to create unique characters. To make assembling easier and more exciting, consider the Sock Puppet Craft Kit, which includes everything you need for your puppet-making adventure, from pom poms to googly eyes.

Encourage kids to design their puppets with different facial features, hairstyles, and accessories. The Assorted Craft Buttons are perfect for adding those special touches to your puppets, giving them personality and flair. Once they’re ready, hold a puppet show! This project is a great way to encourage imaginative play and can lead to hours of entertainment as kids create their narratives.

Additionally, you might want to use vibrant colors and textures provided by the Colorful Yarn Bundle to enhance your puppet's hair or other features, sparking even more creativity.

- Fun Tip: Set a theme for the puppet show, like fairy tales or favorite books.
- Insight: This craft also promotes communication skills as children practice speaking and acting out stories!

Product Recommendations:
• Sock Puppet Craft Kit
• Assorted Craft Buttons
• Colorful Yarn Bundle

7. DIY Volcano Eruption

This thrilling project is both educational and super fun! Create a mini volcano eruption that teaches kids about chemical reactions while keeping them entertained.

Start by shaping your volcano using Crayola Air Dry Clay, which is easy to mold and perfect for kids. Once it’s dry, add baking soda inside the crater. For the explosive finale, pour in ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda and mix it with Iberia All Natural Distilled White Vinegar that you’ve added some food coloring to. The reaction mimics a volcanic eruption, and you'll get to see a fizzy explosion! This project is amazing because it’s hands-on and allows kids to ask questions while learning about science.

- Safety Tip: Conduct this outside or in a space that’s easy to clean!
- Extended Learning: Discuss volcanoes and geology after the eruption for an educational twist!

Product Recommendations:
• Crayola Air Dry Clay
• ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda
• Iberia All Natural Distilled White Vinegar

8. Nature Collage

Encourage kids to embrace the beauty of the outdoors with a fun nature collage project. This activity promotes creativity, observation skills, and an appreciation for nature.

Start by taking a nature walk to collect leaves, flowers, and small twigs. It's a great opportunity for kids to explore and learn about the environment. Back at home, set out a large piece of paper or cardboard, like the Strathmore 400 series drawing pad, to use as a canvas. This large drawing paper provides ample space for them to arrange their natural finds in beautiful patterns or designs.

Once they’ve arranged their treasures, they’ll need to secure everything in place. Using glue sticks for kids will make gluing down the pieces a breeze, ensuring they stick well and allowing for easy clean-up afterward.

After everything is glued down, let the collage dry completely. This project isn’t just fun; it’s also an excellent way for children to learn about different plant species and textures. As they work, engage them in a discussion about the colors and shapes of the items collected during the walk. You might even consider adding some elements from the Nature Craft Kit if you want to enhance their collage with additional decorations.

This craft can lead to meaningful conversations about the seasons and changes in nature, making it an enriching experience for both kids and adults.

Product Recommendations:
• Strathmore 400 series drawing pad
• glue sticks for kids
• Nature Craft Kit

9. DIY T-Shirt Art

Revamp old t-shirts into unique wearable art! This project not only promotes creativity but also teaches kids about recycling and personal expression.

Gather plain cotton t-shirts like the Men's Comfortsoft T-Shirt (Pack Of 4), fabric paint, and stencils for an easy crafting experience. For vibrant designs, you can use a fabric paint set that includes 18 colors, brushes, and palettes, perfect for painting freehand or using stencils. Once the paint is dry, heat-set it with an iron to ensure it lasts through washes. This project is perfect for every age, as kids can create shirts that reflect their personality!

To help with the design process, consider using stencils for fabric art. These reusable templates will make it easy for kids to create fun designs.

- Additional Tip: Organize a t-shirt fashion show to showcase the creations!
- Insight: Discuss design basics like color theory and patterns to enhance the learning experience.

Product Recommendations:
• Men's Comfortsoft T-Shirt (Pack Of 4)
• fabric paint set with 18 colors
• stencils for fabric art

10. DIY Story Stones

### 10. DIY Story Stones

Fuel imagination and storytelling with DIY story stones! This craft not only promotes creativity but also enhances verbal skills in children.

To get started, gather some smooth stones like these smooth river stones, which are perfect for painting. Once you have your stones, use an non-toxic acrylic paint set to paint simple images on them, such as animals, objects, or emotions. The vibrant colors and rich pigments will make your stones really stand out!

Kids can take turns picking stones and creating stories based on the images they see. To enhance the fun, make a game out of it where each child must include every stone in their story! This flexibility of creating different narratives keeps it engaging and enjoyable.

For the painting process, be sure to have a variety of brushes on hand like the paint brushes set, which includes different types of brushes suitable for all kinds of paints. This way, kids can experiment with different styles and techniques as they bring their story stones to life.

This activity not only fosters language development but can also turn into a cozy evening family activity that everyone will enjoy!

Product Recommendations:
• smooth river stones
• non-toxic acrylic paint set
• paint brushes set

11. DIY Jewelry Making

Let your little ones sparkle with their very own DIY jewelry! This project is fantastic for developing fine motor skills and creativity. Gather materials like beads, strings, and clips to get started.

For a well-rounded experience, consider using the DIY jewelry making kit for kids, which includes 1587 pieces such as beads, crystal beads, jewelry pliers, and more. This kit provides everything they need to design beautiful bracelets, necklaces, or even earrings!

Encourage kids to choose colors and patterns that represent their unique style. The assorted beads for jewelry making is a great option, offering approximately 3,000 beads in various shapes and colors, making it easy for them to express their creativity.

For easy assembly, make sure to have the elastic string for jewelry making on hand. This 1mm stretch cord is perfect for bracelet making and allows for simple and secure designs.

This craft is ideal for special occasions or just to create and give as gifts to family and friends. Plus, don’t forget to organize a little jewelry showcase at the end! Incorporate lessons about shapes, patterns, and even some history of jewelry making around the world to enhance the fun and educational value.

Product Recommendations:
• DIY jewelry making kit for kids
• assorted beads for jewelry making
• elastic string for jewelry making

12. Flower Pot Painting

Brighten up your garden or home with personalized flower pots! This fun project invites kids to unleash their creativity and adds a twist to gardening.

Start with plain terracotta pots, like these terracotta flower pots, which come in a pack of four and include drainage holes for healthy plant growth. Kids can paint their pots with vibrant colors and designs – think flowers, animals, or abstract art! For painting, grab an acrylic paint set featuring 16 assorted matte colors that will make their creations pop.

Once painted, these pots can be filled with flowers or herbs, providing a sense of accomplishment. To ensure the pots withstand the elements, don't forget to use an outdoor sealant spray to protect their artwork.

- Extra Tip: Applying an outdoor sealant will help maintain the beauty of their painted designs through rain or shine.
- Insight: Discuss plant care and the importance of plants in our ecosystem during the activity.

Product Recommendations:
• Terracotta flower pots
• acrylic paint set
• outdoor sealant spray

13. DIY Kites

Combine crafting and outdoor fun with DIY kites! This project is a wonderful blend of creativity and physics, giving kids a chance to learn about aerodynamics.

Start with a DIY kite kit, which includes ten blank kites that are easy to fly, along with hand grips and string. This kit is perfect for kids aged 4 and up, allowing them to decorate their kites with colors and patterns, making each one truly unique.

For the structure, use wooden dowels for kites, which are perfect for creating a sturdy frame. These natural bamboo dowel rods are versatile and can be cut to size, ensuring your kite is strong enough to withstand the wind.

Enhance creativity with decorative kite paper. This vibrant colored paper comes in various shades, making it ideal for kids to design kites with themes, such as their favorite animals or superheroes.

Once assembled, take them outside on a breezy day to watch them soar! The joy of flying a kite after creating it is an unforgettable experience!

- Additional Tip: Discuss wind patterns and how they affect kite flight.

Product Recommendations:
• DIY kite kit
• wooden dowels for kites
• decorative kite paper

14. DIY Terrariums

Create mini ecosystems with DIY terrariums! This project not only teaches kids about plants and ecosystems but also helps them nurture responsibility.

Start with a clear glass container like the CYS EXCEL Glass Slant Cut Bubble Bowl. It's perfect for showcasing your little ecosystem. Next, you'll need some soil and small plants. A great choice is the Altman Plants, Live Succulent Plants assortment, which provides a variety of colorful succulents that are easy to care for and thrive indoors.

Kids can layer the soil and plants, creating a beautiful arrangement. To make it truly their own, encourage them to decorate with small figurines or some decorative stones for terrariums. These polished gravel stones not only enhance the aesthetic of their terrarium but also aid in drainage, which is essential for plant health.

This is a fantastic indoor project that can teach kids about caring for plants. Be sure to discuss the role of plants in nature and the importance of ecosystems while creating their terrariums.

- Safety Tip: Ensure proper drainage and discuss plant care essentials.

Product Recommendations:
• CYS EXCEL Glass Slant Cut Bubble Bowl
• Altman Plants
• Live Succulent Plants
• decorative stones for terrariums

15. DIY Friendship Bracelets

Crafting DIY friendship bracelets is a simple and heartfelt way to strengthen bonds among friends! This project is perfect for developing fine motor skills and sharing love.

For this activity, you can use embroidery floss set which includes a wide variety of colors, allowing kids to create colorful designs and customize their patterns. Alternatively, consider the yarn for kids' crafts that is also great for making bracelets, providing a soft texture that's easy to work with.

Teach kids basic knotting techniques to get started. Once finished, they can trade bracelets with friends, celebrating their friendships in a special way! For those who want to take their bracelet-making to the next level, the friendship bracelet making kit offers a mix of colorful clay beads and charms, perfect for adding unique touches to each bracelet.

- Extra Tip: Organize a bracelet-making party to share the fun with friends!
- Insight: Discuss the meaning of friendship and how creating something special can deepen bonds.

Product Recommendations:
• embroidery floss set
• yarn for kids' crafts
• friendship bracelet making kit

16. DIY Magnetic Painting

Dive into a fun and interactive art project with DIY magnetic painting! This craft combines creativity and science, allowing kids to explore magnetism in a hands-on way.

To get started, you'll need a shallow tray, marbles, and Magnetize-It! Magnetic Paint & Primer. Have the kids dip the marbles in the paint and roll them around the tray, creating fascinating designs without the mess of traditional painting. The result is a unique work of art! Once the artwork is dry, simply attach a magnet to the back for a fun fridge decoration.

To make the project even easier, consider using shallow trays for art projects. These trays will help contain the paint and marbles, keeping your workspace tidy while allowing kids to focus on their creativity.

- Extra Tip: Discuss the properties of magnets and how they work throughout the activity.
- Insight: Encourage kids to describe their artwork and the processes they used.

For the marbles, you might want to check out the Marbling Paint Art Kit, which is perfect for this fun painting technique. With everything you need, this project will keep kids entertained for hours!

Product Recommendations:
• Magnetize-It! Magnetic Paint & Primer
• shallow trays for art projects
• Marbling Paint Art Kit

17. DIY Shadow Puppets

### 17. DIY Shadow Puppets

Ignite storytelling and creativity with DIY shadow puppets! This project combines art and performance, making it perfect for imaginative kids.

To create their puppets, gather some cardstock paper, sticks, and a flashlight. Kids can cut out various shapes, characters, or animals from the cardstock and attach them to wooden craft sticks to bring their puppets to life. A simple screen can be made with a white sheet to project their stories during a shadow puppet show, adding a fun visual element to their performances. Completing the setup with an LED flashlight will ensure that their creations are well-lit, enhancing the storytelling experience.

This is a wonderful way for kids to express their creativity and collaborate on narratives!

- Fun Tip: Host a shadow puppet theater night with family or friends to showcase their performances!
- Insight: Talk about the history of shadow puppetry and how it’s used in different cultures.

Product Recommendations:
• cardstock paper
• wooden craft sticks
• LED flashlight

18. DIY Weather Station

A fun educational project, creating a DIY weather station helps kids learn about meteorology while having fun!

Use common materials like cardboard, jars, and plastic bottles to create simple weather instruments like a rain gauge, wind vane, and thermometer. For a more interactive experience, you can enhance your project with the Weather Station Kit for Kids, which includes a wind vane, compass, rain gauge, anemometer, and thermometer, making it easy to track weather conditions. Kids can also decorate their weather station and monitor real-time weather conditions in their backyard. This project combines creativity with science and encourages curiosity about the world around them!

For decorating your weather station and keeping creativity flowing, consider using the art supplies set for kids, featuring vibrant colored pencils that make it easy for kids to personalize their project.

- Extra Tip: Discuss weather patterns and their impact while creating the station.
- Insight: Turn this into a week-long project by having kids record daily weather observations and trends, and complement their findings with experiments from a kids' science experiment kit that can spark even more interest in science!

Product Recommendations:
• Weather Station Kit for Kids
• art supplies set for kids
• kids' science experiment kit

Conclusion

These 18 kids DIY projects provide endless opportunities for fun, creativity, and learning!

With a combination of crafts that entertain and educate, your little ones can explore their imaginations and develop skills while having a blast. Encourage them to share their creations with family and friends, and maybe even inspire others to join in the crafting journey. After all, nothing beats the joy of creating together!



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