Do you have a handy kid? All of my little ones amaze me with what they are capable of (when I give them the opportunity to show me, that is). And woodworking projects are no exception!

Madeline didn’t have too many opportunities when she was little, I’m afraid to say. I cringed with the idea of her using a hammer or a saw with those tiny hands.

But I have learned a lot over the years, and I am happy to report that my little guys do a lot of woodworking projects now. We taught them to use tools properly, and it is remarkable the things they can do with them. And big sister is all too happy to make up for lost time and get right into the thick of it.

With summer in full swing, I thought I should find some woodworking projects for kids to keep those boys of mine inspired and creating. And goodness are there ever some neat ideas out there!

Just before we get into it, I would like to share my FREE ebook all about everyday learning activities. I am talking about activities found naturally within a day that are completely FULL of learning. They emerge entirely on their own, we just need to slow down to see them. Grab your copy right here:

Here are some of my favourite woodworking projects for kids:

Incredible Woodworking Projects for Handy Kids

Getting Started: Exploring Woodworking Tools and Materials

The Nuts and Bolts of Learning with Tools – This simple setup led to hours of exploration by my kids. There are so many benefits, too—fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and more.

Woodworking with Kids by Picklebums – This is a wonderful resource for what to include in a child’s woodworking kit! I especially love the hand drill suggestion.

Tinkering with Tools by Rain or Shine Mamma – This simple tinkering project allows the kids to try out different tools in a block of wood. A very open-ended, child-led activity!

Working with Wood and Tools by Beautiful Sun Montessori – Children use real tools and blocks of wood for a variety of hands-on skills. Try out a screwdriver. How about a hammer? The learning really takes off with this idea. 

Easy Wood Projects for Kids

Wooden Blocks Made from our Old Tree – Kids can get some familiarity with wood as a material in this simple wood project. Little ones will find it very rewarding to play with blocks they have chopped, sanded, and waxed themselves.

Porcupine Woodworking Craft – Little ones get so excited to share their new talents as gifts for loved ones. This simple woodworking craft gives kids the chance to make a useful gift and practice their hammering skills. We show you a trick for protecting little fingers from the big hammer squish.

Spider Web Woodworking Craft by Frugal Fun for Boys – This family worked together to create a spider web geoboard with nails and woods. I love the colourful addition of string!

Building Bird Feeders with Real Tools by Fireflies and Mud Pies at Inner Child Fun – In addition to the experience of working with real tools to create the bird feeders, this was a great activity with grandpa!

Simple Wooden Tops by Kleas (link no longer available) – What a wonderful woodworking project for beginners. The end result is a fun toy the kids will enjoy working with.

Stick Puppets by The Crafty Crow (link no longer available) – Kids can create their very own “Stick Man” inspired by a fun children’s book. Simply hammer some nails or screwing in some screws to a stick!

DIY Wooden Texture Stamps by Mother Natured – Working together, children and parents can use different materials to make textured wood pieces for art.

Gnome Catapult by Kleas (link no longer available) – Let the kids can create their own gnomes. Add a cute little face to the wooden ball, and watch them fly! Creating the simple wooden catapult is great for preschoolers.

Easy Wood Sculptures for Kids by The Artful Parent – These beautiful pieces of wood art just use a few simple materials!

Building Projects for Kids

14 Incredible Bird Feeders for Kids to Make – This collection of DIY bird feeders are easy to make, with easy steps and using common materials you may already have at home. Try one today with your preschooler or young child. Perfect for decorating the backyard or for giving as a gift.

DIY Wooden Building Blocks – Make one set of these amazing building blocks with your kiddos and watch them play and create for hours! We outline all the tools, materials, and detailed plans you will need to complete this great woodworking project for kids.

Homemade Pinball Machine by Teacher Tom – Real tools and materials, along with some marbles, allow children to explore a homemade pinball machine. A great combination of tinkering and hands-on work for the children.

Wood Constructions with Hot Glue by PickleBums – Kids can use scraps and bits of wood and a hot glue gun. This is a great open-ended invitation to create.

DIY Wooden Birdhouse by Skip to My Lou – This looks like a great beginning woodworking project! Kids can work with their parents to make a house for their feathered friends.

Build a Ladder by How to Run a Home Daycare – Such a fun idea to build a ladder for fairy houses in the yard! A really easy woodworking project too.  Add a little paint, and voila!

Ruler Basket Folder Holder by Kara’s Creative Place – They made this basket for her daughter’s teacher to use in the classroom! I’m sure it would be great on a parent’s or child’s desk at home, too.

Candy Dispenser by Instructables – This looks like a fun family project to put together for the kitchen counter. Using a mason jar with this project is a fabulous idea. 

Simple Boats by Plain and Joyful Living – A nice mix of woodworking and simple sewing went into these darling little boats.

What do you think? Did you find an idea or two for your little ones? I hope so. We sure plan on tackling quite a few of these this summer.

I am trying to think of a woodworking project my little ones could do on their own in a Quiet Bin form. I’d love to hear your ideas or suggestions—let me know in the comments!

Thank you for reading friends, I hope you are having a lovely week.

xo
Sarah

P.S. Don’t forget to grab your FREE ebook: 20 Deep Learning Activities Found in Everyday Life!

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