25 Maker Projects for Kids to Do This Summer

Since schools have been closed I have been doing weekly experiential learning activities with my own children that revolve around a theme. Last week we focused on pollinators, for example. You can head back a post or two to check those out. 

This week we focused on maker projects of all kinds, which was initiated by my kindergartener. We were on a walk and we came across what looked like a a table that once held a grill. It was in rough shape and was out on the curb to be thrown out. My son has been wanting a station for all of his science gear, so he thought we could turn this piece of trash on the curb into a science lab. So we did, and thus a new interest was born: turning trash to treasure.

One of my favorite things about maker projects is that they do not have to be expensive. They don't have to cost a dime, in fact. I have done maker projects with my high schools students forever, and usually use materials that I have sitting around. In the case with my own children, we used only what we had in our home or what others were giving away. The only thing this past week that I had to buy was straps to hang our tree swing. 

Making, particularly when on the cheap, is an awesome way to gain content knowledge AND build important skills such as problem solving. The maker project ideas listed below, and the ones that I did with my own children, can be modified to fit all ages and skill levels. I also have a variety of maker projects for high school students at my store on TPT. Check those out here. Make sure to check out my maker project tool kit, which provides the guiding materials for an unlimited number of self-directed maker projects for high school students. It includes a digital and printable version.

Have an amazing summer making! 

Check out other posts from Experiential Learning Depot for more tips, tricks, and ideas on maker education. You can also check out how to add design thinking to your curriculum. 

DIY Kids' Science Lab

Like I said, we basically went on a treasure hunt through alleys in our neighborhood and came across this awesome table. It was junk when we found it, but we easily cleaned it up, painted it, and added some science flare to spice it up. 

DIY Palette Tree Swing

All you need for this activity is an old palette, paint, cushions, and rope. I purchased additional straps to hang our swing because it the branch is uneven. The palette was on the side of the road, the rope and paint we had sitting around, and the cushions came from our patio set that hasn't been used in years. If you feel more comfortable having specific instructions, check out palette swings on Pinterest. ​

25 Maker Projects for Kids to do This Summer

Make something...

• Upcycled
• That serves multiple purposes
• That solves an in-home problem
• That solves a travel problem
• That solves a fitness problem
• That solves a camping problem
• That organizes something
• That saves you time
• That you can play with
• Inspired by an animal trait (biomimicry)
• That makes one thing appear to be something else
  
• To cook with
• To help you relax
• That a pet/captive animal can play with
• That demonstrates/  simulates something
• That reduces work
• That makes something boring more fun
• That represents something else
• For your room
• As a gift for someone else
• That you can wear
• That moves by itself
• That enhances an experience​ 
• That prevents an accident
• That replaces something broken