Getting kids involved with DIY from a young age can bring many benefits. Not only does it help to develop practical skills that can be valuable in the future, but it can also shape hobbies, interests and career paths. 

Summer offers the perfect time to combine DIY activities with spending precious time together outdoors. School’s out, the weather’s great, and you’re probably in need of a few ways to keep kids entertained anyway! 

If you’re stuck for ideas when it comes to outdoor DIY activities that kids will love, we’ve put together a list of activities that you can use for inspiration.

Rock Painting

To get started, purchase some rocks (these can be found at your local garden store or online) and acrylic paint. Then simply allow your little one’s creative side to shine. Whether it’s animal faces, quirky quotes or completely abstract designs, let your child’s imagination run wild. If your kid isn’t finding this engaging enough, you could try combining this creative task with a game, such as using the rocks as tic-tac-toe pieces.

To complete this activity, you could even head to a local beach or river to home your creations with other rocks. Depending on your kids’ age, you could also try to educate them about the rock formation process to try and spark an early interest in geology. 

Build a Bug Hotel

If you are trying to foster a passion for nature, building a bug hotel can be a great starting point. Start by trying to educate them about wildlife, insects and natural habitats. Older children may be able to comprehend more advanced subjects relating to ecology and biodiversity. Either way, try to ensure they understand the benefits of caring for wildlife.

Start by having your kid help you gather some materials for your hotel; bricks, stones, twigs, logs, and leaves will all attract a variety of bugs. Have a look online for some prior inspiration so you can guide, but at the same time, allow your child to take charge of the construction process.

Upcycle Old Furniture

Older children may be able to help out with more practical tasks during the summer months. A great way of getting them involved with more challenging DIY tasks is by having them help out by upcycling furniture. If you’re handy yourself, you can take care of any dangerous parts and oversee your child’s involvement in any safer steps.

Make sure your child is involved in every step of the process, rather than just putting the finishing touches on - this will teach them patience and hard work. You’ll need to start by cleaning the old furniture, which your child can help out with. Older kids will especially love using a pressure washer if you’ve got one to hand.

Prepare the bench for painting by sanding, another great learning opportunity for your little helper. Educate them on the right sandpaper to use (80-120 grit is usually fine for garden furniture), teach them to sand in the direction of the grain and apply gentle pressure.

Then you can progress to the fun part, painting. If possible, choose a worn furniture item that doesn’t hold much value so your child doesn’t need to worry about getting things wrong. If you are happy with an abstract feel in your garden, allow your child to take full control and paint your furniture however they like!

Plant Flowers or Herbs Together

Open your child’s imagination to the world of gardening by taking the time to plant seeds or plants together. This is a great option if you are working with young children as it’s quick and super easy. 

The beauty of growing plants together is that kids can see their work grow over time, both literally and metaphorically. Pick a day of the week when you and your child have dedicated gardening time to check on the progress of your flowers or seeds. Make sure they’re involved in tasks like watering, feeding and pruning so they can appreciate what goes into the whole process.

Teenagers may even appreciate their own tools, like cordless pruners, which could be a gift option if they show interest in pursuing a gardening career. 

Final Thoughts

When combining outdoor DIY with educating your little one, it’s important to see beyond the task itself. Try to build patience, resilience and confidence as well as practical skills so your child receives the full benefit. If your child has already started to show an interest in DIY, you’ll be glad to know that we offer free kids' places on all of our courses!

Written by Toby Patrick.