Seven Summer Projects For Kids That You Can Do On A Budget

Last updated Jun. 26, 2024 by Peter Jakes

Summer is the perfect time for kids to indulge in creative and enriching projects. However, keeping children engaged and entertained doesn’t have to break the bank. Here we present seven wonderful summer projects for kids that are fun, educational, and budget-friendly.

1. DIY Bird Feeders

Help your children connect with nature by making bird feeders. This project is simple, and you can use materials you likely already have at home.

What You’ll Need:

• Empty toilet paper rolls or pine cones
• Peanut butter or any nut butter substitute
• Birdseed
• String or yarn

Instructions:

1. Spread peanut butter on the toilet paper roll or pine cone.
2. Roll the coated item in birdseed until it’s fully covered.
3. Tie a string around it for hanging.
4. Find a suitable tree or porch to hang it and watch as birds flock to enjoy their treat!

This project teaches children about wildlife and ecology while allowing them to craft something with their hands.

2. Painted Rocks

Unleash your kids’ artistic side by painting rocks. This is a fantastic way for children to express creativity and can be done with supplies you likely already have.

What You’ll Need:

• Smooth, flat rocks (collect from a nature walk)
• Acrylic paint or markers
• Brushes
• Sealant (optional)

Instructions:

1. Clean the rocks thoroughly.
2. Let the kids paint designs, patterns, or characters on the rocks.
3. Once dry, you can apply a sealant to protect their artwork from the elements.

Painted rocks can be used as garden decorations, paperweights, or even as part of a treasure hunt game.

3. Water Balloon Games

Water balloons are a great way to have fun and stay cool during the hot summer months. They are cheap and perfect for outdoor play.

What You’ll Need:

• Water balloons
• A hose or tap

Instructions:

1. Fill the water balloons with water.
2. You can play various games like water balloon toss, water balloon dodgeball, or water balloon piñata.

This activity involves physical exercise, teamwork, and coordination.

4. Mini Garden

Gardening is an excellent summer project that teaches kids about responsibility, the life cycle of plants, and ecology.

What You’ll Need:

• Small pots or a section of your garden
• Soil
• Seeds or small plants

Instructions:

1. Choose easy-to-grow plants like herbs, flowers, or vegetables.
2. Fill pots with soil and plant the seeds according to package instructions.
3. Encourage the kids to water the plants regularly and observe their growth.

A mini garden can become a long-term project that changes and grows over the entire summer.

5. Homemade Kites

Making and flying kites is a classic summer activity that provides fun and a bit of physics education.

What You’ll Need:

• Paper or light plastic
• Sticks (like bamboo skewers or dowels)
• String
• Tape or glue

Instructions:

1. Form a cross with two sticks and secure them.
2. Attach the paper or plastic to the frame with tape or glue.
3. Tie a string to the kite and you’re ready to fly it.

Flying the kite is a reward for their hard work, and it’s delightful to spend time running with it in the park.

6. Recycled Material Crafts

Turn trash into treasure by crafting with recycled materials. This project promotes environmental awareness and creativity.

What You’ll Need:

• Old newspapers, magazines, bottles, and other recyclable items
• Glue, tape, scissors, and markers

Instructions:

1. Let the kids brainstorm what they want to create – anything from robots to jewelry.
2. Provide them with diverse recycled materials and tools.
3. Supervise them as they turn these materials into their desired crafts.

Kids learn the value of recycling and the endless possibilities of reusing materials.

7. Memory Scrapbook

Help your children capture their summer memories with a scrapbook. This project combines creativity with reflection.

What You’ll Need:

• A blank scrapbook or notebook
• Photos, souvenirs, ticket stubs
• Markers, stickers, and glue

Instructions:

1. Encourage kids to collect items throughout the summer that symbolize their favorite moments.
2. Let them arrange these items in the scrapbook and decorate as they wish.
3. Help them write captions or short stories about each item or event.

Not only does this project preserve memories, but it also enhances their writing and storytelling skills.

FAQs

Q: How do I ensure the projects are safe for my children?
A: Always supervise your children while they are working on projects, especially when handling sharp objects like scissors or potentially messy materials like paint. Use child-safe materials and equipment whenever possible.

Q: My children have different age groups. How can I adapt these projects?
A: Most of these projects can be easily adapted for various age groups. For example, younger children may need more guidance and simpler steps, while older kids can handle more complex tasks within the same project.

Q: Are there any ways to integrate learning into these projects?
A: Absolutely. For example, you can discuss wildlife and ecosystems while making bird feeders, teach about plant biology when gardening, or explain basic physics concepts while making and flying kites.

Q: What if I don’t have some of the materials needed for these projects?
A: Most of these projects are flexible and can adapt to whatever materials you have at home. Creativity often comes from working with what’s available, so feel free to make substitutions.

Q: Can these projects be adapted to indoor spaces if the weather is not good?
A: Yes, many of these projects like painting rocks, recycled material crafts, and memory scrapbooks can be done indoors. For water balloon games, you might consider a bathroom or kitchen area where it’s easier to clean up splashes.

Q: How do I involve my children in planning and executing these projects?
A: Discuss the projects with your children beforehand and let them have a say in what they want to do or how they want to do it. This not only makes them more invested but also teaches planning and decision-making skills.

Q: How can I encourage my children if they lose interest halfway through a project?
A: Encourage breaks and come back to the project later. Sometimes shifting focus for a bit can reignite their interest. Praise their efforts and remind them of the fun and satisfaction that comes from completing a task.

Summer projects are an excellent opportunity for kids to learn, create, and enjoy their time off school, all without putting a strain on your wallet. By engaging in projects like DIY bird feeders, painted rocks, and mini gardening, your children can have enriching experiences and create lasting memories.