15 DIY Projects for Kids Under 10

1. Glove Monsters: If you ever wonder what to do with that lone glove, now you know. Let your tiny tot pick out the eyes and mouth or let the older ones try their hand at sewing. Either way, once these guys are finished a puppet show is a MUST. (via Craftaholics Anonymous)

2. Rocket Launcher: 3… 2… 1… blast off! Make an out-of-this-world rocket launcher with things that you already have lying around your house. Then get ready to send multitudes of cotton balls into space. (via Pink Stripey Socks)

3. Puffy Paint: Bring your art to life with puffy paint. A mixture of shaving cream, Elmer’s glue and food coloring, this paint is just as much fun to make as it is to paint with. Once it’s dry, you’ll have your own 3D painting. (via Crafty Morning)

4. Dyed Rainbow Blocks: Some projects are fun while you’re doing them, but once they’re done so is the appeal. But not with this DIY! This is one that will keep the fun stacked after the dye is dry. (via Fun at Home With Kids)

5. Apple Stamping: All you have to do is grab a few apples out of the refrigerator, cut them in half and pour the paint. The kids can handle the rest. Spread them out on top of sheets of newspaper to keep the mess contained and let them create something they can proudly display in their room. (via Modern Parents Messy Kids)

6. Milk Carton City: One mom’s trash is another kid’s treasure. Don’t throw those milk cartons out just yet. With a few sheets of construction paper and a dash of imagination, you and your little buddy can create a town that is home to Barbies, matchbox cars and stuffed animals everywhere. (via Fresh Trash)

7. Bubble Paint: This is the one time you don’t have to get mad when your kids blow bubbles with their straws. In fact, they’ll probably look at you like you’re crazy when you actually tell them to do it. (via Life Lessons)

8. Hula Hoop Rug: Use yarn, ribbon or even pieces of old t-shirts to weave together a one of a kind rug. Use a hula hoop as your guide and help your little one learn the “over, under” technique. (via Flax and Twine)

9. Toy Boat: Even if your house is filled with toys, there are going to be days when “there’s nothing to dooo” and other days when everyone is “SO bored!” Tuck this easy DIY in your arsenal of boredom cures, and you’ll be floating along merrily in no time. (via Inner Child Fun)

10. Moon Sand: Flour and baby oil are the only two ingredients you’ll need to make this soft, easily shapable sand. Now you can avoid that sunburn and build a castle without endless trips back to the shore for bucketfuls. (via Delia Creates)

11. Bouncy Balls: Instead of just handing the kids a few quarters to get a bouncy ball out of the egg machine at the grocery store, make one with them and teach them a bit about science at the same time. (via The 36th Avenue)

12. Bird Feeders: Feed your feathered friends with these easy to make bird feeders. Tiny hands will have fun flattening out the seed mixture in the baking sheet and cutting out the shapes with cookie cutters. String them up in your own yard and try to identify each bird that stops for a nibble, or bring a few along to hang on your next nature walk. (via Hellobee)

13. Japanese Flying Carp: Transform a few ordinary toilet paper rolls into beautiful flying fish. Cut out the tissue paper scales ahead of time and let your little artist do one carp while you work on your own. This way you’ll be less tempted to hover over to “help.” (via Squirrelly Minds)

14. Bath Fizzies: Make bath time a thing to look forward to for once. (via The Nerd’s Wife)

15. Balloon Art: Finally, a piece of art by your two year old that you might actually hang on your wall until they’re 42. Yup, it’s that good. (via Brit + Co)

Which project is first on your list for the next rainy afternoon? Talk to us in the comments!