Spring is here, and with it comes a sense of renewal and energy that’s hard to ignore. The flowers start blooming, the days get a little longer, and there’s just something about that crisp spring air that makes you want to be outside. As a dad, I always look forward to this season because it’s the perfect excuse to spend some quality time with the kids while tapping into our creative side. And what better way to do that than with some fun and easy DIY projects? Trust me, you don’t need to be a Pinterest expert or own a workshop full of tools to make these ideas come to life. All you need is enthusiasm, a few simple materials, and a willingness to embrace a little mess.
Why DIY Projects Are Perfect for Spring
Spring is a season of discovery, especially for kids. It’s the perfect time to get hands-on, explore nature, and create something memorable together. When you work on DIY projects with your kids, you’re not just crafting—you’re teaching them to problem-solve, think creatively, and work as a team. Plus, it gives you an excuse to put the screens away for a few hours and connect in a meaningful way. Whether you’re indoors or soaking up the sunshine outside, these projects will keep everyone entertained.
Here are a few of my favorite DIY projects that my kids and I have tried (and loved) over the years.
1. Birdhouse Building
There’s nothing quite like building a birdhouse and then watching it get “rented out” by some chirpy little tenants. This project is simple enough for kids to join in but still gives you the satisfaction of creating something functional. You can buy a basic birdhouse kit at a craft store, but I’ll be honest: I like scavenging for scrap wood and teaching my kids how to hammer nails and sand edges.
Once the birdhouse is built, let your kids paint or decorate it however they like. They can go for nature-inspired colors like greens and browns, or completely go rogue with bright purples and glitter. The end result? A one-of-a-kind birdhouse and a new hobby of bird-watching.
2. Painted Flower Pots
Spring means flowers, and flowers mean flower pots. Grab a few plain terracotta pots from your local garden center and let your kids transform them into colorful masterpieces. Acrylic paints work best here, and you can go simple with polka dots and stripes or let their imaginations run wild. I’ve seen everything from rainbows to dinosaurs painted on our flower pots.
Once the paint dries, plant some easy-to-grow flowers or herbs together. My kids love growing basil and mint because they can pick the leaves and add them to whatever we’re cooking. Plus, it’s a great way to teach them about caring for plants.
3. Spring-Themed Sun Catchers
Remember those old-school sun catchers that you’d hang in the window to catch the light? Well, making your own is surprisingly easy and a lot of fun. All you need is some clear contact paper, tissue paper, and scissors.
Cut the contact paper into shapes like flowers, butterflies, or hearts. Then, let your kids stick colorful pieces of tissue paper onto the sticky side. Seal it with another piece of paper, and you’ve got a vibrant, homemade sun catcher to hang in the window. Every time the sunlight streams through, it’s a little reminder of the fun you had together.
4. Backyard Bug Hotel
Here’s an idea for the nature-loving kids: build a bug hotel. It’s exactly what it sounds like—a cozy little structure that provides shelter for insects like ladybugs, bees, and beetles. This is a fantastic project if your backyard has lots of natural materials lying around.
Start with an empty wooden crate or even a large shoebox, and fill it with layers of twigs, pinecones, leaves, and small pieces of bark. Arrange everything snugly to create little nooks and crannies for bugs to crawl into. Place the bug hotel in a quiet corner of your yard, and check back frequently to see who’s moved in. My kids were thrilled to spot a few ladybugs making themselves at home.
5. DIY Kite
Few things scream "spring" more than flying a kite. While you can easily buy one, making your own is an activity your kids will talk about for weeks. It’s simpler than you might think—all you need is some bamboo sticks, string, a large garbage bag, and tape.
Start by crossing two bamboo sticks to form a frame, then stretch the plastic bag tightly over it and secure it with tape. Add a tail made of string and colorful ribbons for extra flair. On a breezy day, head to the park and watch your DIY masterpiece take flight. It’s a great mix of engineering, creativity, and outdoor fun.
6. Nature Collage
If you’re looking for something super simple and mess-free, a nature collage is a great option. Take your kids on a walk and encourage them to collect interesting leaves, flowers, or small twigs. When you’re back home, glue these finds onto a piece of sturdy cardboard or paper to create a unique piece of art.
You can frame the finished product or stick it to the fridge as a reminder of your little adventure. My kids love pointing out where they found each item in the collage (“That’s the leaf from the big tree by the park!”).
7. DIY Bird Feeders
We’ve built birdhouses, but bird feeders are another quick and easy way to enjoy wildlife in your backyard. The classic option is to spread peanut butter on a toilet paper roll, roll it in birdseed, and hang it from a tree with string.
If you want to get fancier, you can use an empty plastic bottle, poke holes in the sides for perches, and fill it with birdseed. Either way, your kids will love watching the birds come by for a snack.
8. Handprint Garden Stones
Want to create a keepsake that’ll last for years? Handprint garden stones are the way to go. You can buy a concrete mix specifically for this purpose at most craft stores. Mix it up, pour it into a shallow plastic mold, and have your kids press their hands into the wet cement.
Once it’s dry, they can paint their handprint or add little decorations like glass beads or pebbles. Every time we walk through our garden, my kids love pointing out their handprints from when they were “so much smaller.”
Memories That Last Beyond Spring
These projects aren’t about creating Instagram-worthy crafts or achieving perfection—they’re about spending time together, getting a little messy, and making memories that stick. Every paint splatter, glue spill, or crooked nail is a story in the making. And as a dad, there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing the joy and pride on your kids’ faces when they look at something they made with their own hands.
So, clear an afternoon, gather your supplies, and dive into one of these simple but meaningful DIY projects. Whether you’re painting pots, building birdhouses, or crafting kites, you’ll be creating more than just art—you’ll be building connections that last a lifetime. And isn’t that what parenting is all about?
