As June rolls around, school is winding down, and I’m gearing up for something my kids absolutely love—our summer DIY projects. I’m a dad who’s always on the lookout for fun, creative ways to spend quality time with my little ones, and let me tell you, nothing beats rolling up our sleeves and diving into a hands-on activity together. Whether it’s building, painting, or just making a glorious mess, these projects aren’t just about the end result—they’re about the laughs, the learning, and the memories we create along the way. So, let me share with you ten awesome DIY projects I’ve either tried or am excited to tackle this June. Trust me, these are guaranteed to keep your kids engaged, spark their creativity, and give you some serious bonding time.
1. Backyard Birdhouse
One of my personal favorites is building a birdhouse. There’s something magical about teaching kids to care for wildlife while working with wood and tools. We start with a simple design—a few planks of wood, some nails, and paint. My kids love decorating the birdhouse with bright colors and patterns, and I enjoy showing them how to measure and hammer safely. Once it’s done, we hang it in the backyard and spend the summer spotting birds moving in. It’s a project that keeps on giving.
2. Rainbow Jar Science
Who says science can’t be art? We recently tried making rainbow jars, and it was an absolute hit. All you need is a clear glass jar, water, food coloring, sugar, and a lot of patience (which, as a dad, I’m still working on). You layer different colors of sugar water based on their density, creating a gorgeous rainbow effect. My kids were fascinated by how the colors stayed separate, and it even gave me the chance to sneak in some science lessons about density and liquids. Bonus: It looks great on the kitchen counter for days afterward.
3. Painted Flower Pots
This one’s simple but always a winner. We get a few inexpensive terra cotta pots and acrylic paints, then let creativity take over. My kids can spend hours painting swirls, polka dots, or even sticking on googly eyes. Once the pots dry, we plant herbs or flowers in them, and they take pride in watering their creations every day. It's a nice little project that combines art, gardening, and responsibility.
4. Popsicle Stick Catapults
If your kids are like mine and love anything that launches, popsicle stick catapults are a must-try. You only need some popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and a plastic spoon. The fun part is building the catapult and then testing how far we can launch tiny objects like pom-poms or marshmallows. We even turn it into a little competition—who can hit the target first? Just be sure to set some ground rules (no aiming at Dad’s face).
5. DIY Kites
There’s a special kind of joy in flying a kite you’ve made yourself. This June, we’re planning to make simple kites using dowels, string, plastic bags, and tape. It’s surprisingly easy, and once the kite is done, the real fun begins when you take it to the park to test it out. Watching my kids run around with their kites soaring high is one of those moments that makes all the effort worth it.
6. Homemade Tie-Dye Shirts
Tie-dyeing is messy, colorful, and an absolute blast—basically everything kids love. We grab some plain white T-shirts, tie them up in crazy patterns with rubber bands, and go wild with fabric dye. The best part? No two shirts ever turn out the same, and my kids love wearing their homemade masterpieces all summer long. Pro tip: Wear gloves unless you want rainbow hands for days.
7. Cardboard Box Town
Got some old cardboard boxes lying around? Don’t toss them out—turn them into a mini-town! We’ve made houses, cars, and even a cardboard rocket ship once. My kids get to paint and decorate their creations, and then we spend hours playing make-believe. It’s amazing how something as simple as cardboard can turn into a whole afternoon of creative fun.
8. Nature Collage
This one’s perfect for sunny days when you just need to get outside. We head to the park or the backyard to collect leaves, flowers, sticks, and even small pebbles. Back at home, we glue everything onto a piece of cardboard or paper to create nature-inspired art. It’s a relaxing project, and my kids always surprise me with how creative they can get when usingrandom bits of nature. Plus, it’s a great way to get them to appreciate the outdoors.
9. DIY Lava Lamps
I’ll admit, the first time I tried making a lava lamp with the kids, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. But it’s easy and so much fun! All you need is a clear bottle,water, vegetable oil, food coloring, and some Alka-Seltzer tablets. Watching the colored blobs dance around mesmerizes my kids every time. It’s like science and art rolled into one—and I get major cool-dad points for this one.
10. DIY Photo Frames
Summer is always packed with memories, so why not make a special frame to hold them? We use plain wooden frames from the craft store and decorate them with paint, stickers, or even shells we’ve collected from the beach. My kids love picking which photo goes in their frame, and I love having these little keepsakes that remind me of the time we spent together.
June is the perfect time to dive into these projects, and honestly, they’re just as enjoyable for me as they are for the kids. As a dad, I’ve learned that it’s not about creating something perfect; it’s about the process, the laughter, and the moments you share. Sure, not every project goes smoothly. There are spills, smudges, and the occasional meltdown (and that’s just me). But at the end of the day, we’re making memories that’ll last long after the paint dries and the glue sets.
Take it from me—this summer, don’t just plan activities for your kids. Get in there with them. Create, explore, and maybe even get a little messy. These DIY projects aren’t just a way to fill the time; they’re a way to connect, to learn from each other, and to remind yourself of the joy in simple, hands-on fun. So, what are you waiting for? Grab those popsicle sticks, paints, and cardboard boxes, and let the adventures begin!
