7 Family Friendly Summer Projects

I don’t know about you, but it’s been less than a full week of summer vacation and my kids are already driving me crazy, looking for things to do. This afternoon they spent an hour on the back patio making paper mache pinatas. Now, lest you think I’m one of those with-it moms who encourages her kids to do messy art projects with creative abandon, I must admit that this came about under duress. Hence the back patio. And the mess that is still out there, long after the kids got bored with that project.

No, this is not a post about how to make a paper mache pinata. This afternoon proved that I’m not qualified to teach you that. This is a post about the things I do know how to do, and that I think your kids would enjoy if you’re looking for creative ways to answer that question: “Mom, what is there to do? I’m bored.”

Some are artistic, some are organizational, and one may even get your kids to help more around the house. So check them out (click on the title or the pictures to get more details), and then see my list of resources at the end.

Headband Organizer

This is by far the simplest project, but it just may save your sanity if headbands are threatening to take over your house like they were at ours. The headbands make their own fun and colorful decoration in this cute and simple organizer.

3 Ways to Decorate with Mason Jars

This post originally ran near Christmastime, but you can update it for summer by changing out the style of craft paper and the type of flowers you arrange in the mason jars.

Personalized Hair Clip Hanger

My kids loved helping paint their own hair clip organizers. Then they had a great time arranging the clips just the way they wanted them on the ribbons. This project held their attention for quite a while!

DIY Woven Painting

This one probably requires a decent amount of parental supervision, but in the end you have an actual piece of art. Also, I would recommend doing it on a smaller scale than I did, if you’re including small children in the fun.

Chore Jars

Shhhh, this one’s really for the moms. The kids love coming up with ideas, but you’re the real winner here when they pick their own chores and do them! Enjoy…

Craft Paint Organizer

I originally did this project for myself, but my kids stole the finished product! So I thought it would be a fun one for kids to design their own paint caddies. This project also requires some parental supervision, at least with the power tools!

Magnetic Photo Corners

My kids love to see their artwork, awards, and invitations on the fridge. If you let them make and use these easy photo corners, they can arrange the fridge masterpieces themselves.

Here is a one-stop shop (affiliate link) for some of the supplies that may not be readily available at your hobby or hardware stores.