DIY wood projects for kids it’s a great way to get your child interested in a new hobby. These simple projects will teach your child how to be creative and bring out their artistic side. I’ve created a list of some great projects that kids will love and parents will enjoy. These projects are easy and safe, however, they should always be done under direct parental supervision.
These DIY wood projects for kids are simple, fun, and perfect for children of all ages. They’ll give you and your child the quality time you need while boosting your child’s confidence and teaching them important skills, how to work with their hands, and how to see a project through to completion. There are many different types of projects to choose from, based on your child’s age and skill level. If this is their first project, then you’ll want to keep it simple and allow them to do most of it on their own, with just a little help from mom and dad.
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Getting Started
For these projects, you won’t need to spend much cash on supplies. In fact, if you have a background in woodworking, then you probably already have most, if not all, of the supplies on hand. You can use scraps of wood, wood pallets, or purchase lower-priced lumber for most beginner-friendly projects. Each project will have a budget of around $20 to $30 if you have to buy most of the material.
However, if you’re on a tight budget, you can also head to your local lumber yard and ask if they have any scrap wood or wood pallets that you can have. Many lumber yards do, so you can save a lot of cash just by asking around.
Introducing your child to woodworking is a great idea, regardless of their age. A child will learn how to create and build while working with their hands which will boost their confidence. Children of all ages have a lot of fun creating these simple projects. As they grow older you can increase the complexity of the projects and slowly teach them more complicated woodworking skills.
Project Ideas
Great project ideas include how to do a DIY cutting board, make a picture frame, a basic wood shelf, or a stepping stool.
Here, I’ll discuss how you can make an address sign and some basic wind chimes. Both projects are great choices for the beginner and children of all ages.
For children, the safest saw to use is a jigsaw, however, this should only be used under direct supervision but it’s a great starter saw for kids. For more complicated projects the best portable table saw, such as the SKIL 3410-02, is another great option, however it’s not the best choice for younger children. However, older children and teens will benefit from learning how to use this type of powerful woodworking tool.
Address Board
Obviously, the first project you choose for your child should be simple to do, to encourage them to take on more projects in the future. Making an address sign is a great first project for children of all ages.
- You can buy premade address numbers for your home at your local home improvement store, or you can order some online if you’re looking for a fancier design. For this project, you only need to use a single piece of wood and cut it down to the correct size.
- A jigsaw will be the best choice for this particular project and it’s the safest option for younger children as long as they’re using it under direct supervision. Next, you’ll add some final touches such as a polycrylic coat or a wood stain for the final touches.
- This project will teach your child how to cut a piece of wood down to size and how the stain interacts with the wood. If you decide to stain it, make sure you pick out several color samples, allowing your child to test out each type on a scrap piece of wood. Make sure you allow your child to do the staining, which will be totally safe if they wear gloves and you show them how to apply a little at a time. Using a finish can help to protect the wood from rain, and sun damage.
- The numbers for your address can be glued to the large piece of wood using some basic wood glue. If you’re looking for a more modern look style you can choose numbers that have risers which will give the numbers a 3D appearance and more dimension and depth.
Wind Chimes
This is a very fun and basic project that every child should learn how to make. You’ll need to use one piece of wood for each chime. The wood you use doesn’t need to be expensive or fancy, even repurposed wood, small pieces of pallets, or driftwood will be a great option.
- The wood you use must be big enough for you to puncture holes in it, however, it doesn’t have to be too thick or long. You’ll also need to purchase some string, hooks, beads, and bells. The bells can be small or large and can be basic in design. This is the noise you’ll hear when the wind blows. Make sure you test out a few of the bells before you buy.
- Purchase hooks to use to attach the bells to the wood. You’ll want to add a coat of finish before you begin building the chimes. You can choose to decorate the wood with a stain or paint it, the choices are pretty endless here. Because the chimes will remain outdoors you ‘ll want to apply a finish in order to protect the wood from the elements. Once you’re done decorating the wood, you can move on to attaching the hooks.
- On one side of each piece of wood, you’ll need to make several dots going in a straight line with approximately an inch between each one. this will give the beads and bells enough space to move and make noise. You’ll need to teach your child how to attach the hooks. To do, you’ll twist the tip of the hook into each piece of wood, piercing each piece until the hook is secure
- Once the hooks have been secured you can attach the beads and bells using string or yarn for threading. At the end of each string, you can add a bell, which is what it is going to make the sound for the wind chime. Once you’re done threading make sure you tie each of the strings to the bottom using a secure knot. And that’s it.
Related Questions
What are Good Woodworking Projects for Kindergarteners?
Obviously, at this age, your child will need close supervision and shouldn’t use power tools or complicated tools just yet. But you can teach them some sanding techniques, which they can do by hand. Mom or dad can take care of the sawing and power drill use, but the kids can try their hand at using wood glue, painting, sanding, and staining.
When Should My Child Try Doing a Woodworking Project?
The sooner the better! You’ll want to choose a project based on their age and abilities in order to avoid discouraging them. If the project seems too complicated, start off small, offer plenty of help and guidance, and go slow.
What Should I Make in Woodshop?
There are several options to choose from, including:
- Candle holders
- Shelves
- Plant holder
- Bookshelves
- Wine bottle holder
- Cupholder
- Cutting board
And so much more. Choose a project that matches your skill level, but one that will also allow you to learn one or two new woodworking skills. Slowly increase the complexity of each new project you take on, so you don’t become discouraged.
Final Thoughts
Not every project your child takes on will be a total success, but it should be treated as one. Exposing your child to the world of woodworking can be very exciting and fun, especially if they’ve shown an interest in what you do. This type of activity will bring you closer together, and will also allow them to really explore their creative side.
These DIY wood projects for kids are fun and easy to do and are suitable for children of all ages. These basic projects will give a child the opportunity to spend time with their parents and learn valuable skills that they can use to create more complex pieces down the line.
Remember, your child can use power tools and other types of woodworking tools but only under direct supervision. Be sure to start off small in terms of project complexity especially if you’re working with younger children. Learning these important skills will really boost your child’s confidence and get them interested in learning the ins-and-outs of woodworking, encouraging them to take on more fun and exciting projects in the future.
