Backyard DIY Projects To Keep the Kids Happy

If the kids are driving you crazy inside, it’s time to get started on some fun DIY projects outside.

We scoured sources to bring you some clever DIY projects that will let you enjoy some sunshine outside and keep your kids busy and happy.

Backyard garden

Step one, try a backyard garden with vegetable seeds and herbs. “It’s easy because you can use anything as a container,” says Redentas Garden General Manager Josh Addison. “Drill holes in the bottom of old coffee cans, pots, pans, even an old five-gallon metal trash can!”

Once those raised or container gardens are planted, go for flower seeds and everyone’s favorite red and black polka dot bug.

Chris Bracken, with Nicholson-Hardie Nursery and Garden Center, told us that kids will watch ladybugs for hours. Did you hear that, parents? Hours!

Nicholson-Hardie and Redenta’s Garden are both open and offering delivery in DFW and curbside pickup at their stores.

Tire swings and see-saws

Have access to an old tire? Turning one into a swing or see-saw with decorative enhancements can make a stand-out DIY project.

Guide Patterns and i creative ideas offer some great inspiration for tire swings. We especially love the ladybug and polka-dot swings we found there.

For those handy with a saw

Home BNC gathered together an extensive list of backyard DIY projects. If you are handy with a saw, a climbing wall will keep the kids busy long enough for you to enjoy a couple of adult beverages. Check out their site for information on building everything from a miniature outdoor racetrack to a playhouse.

Kid forts

Kids generally have a hula hoop somewhere around the house. Add a shower curtain, and you can create a fort, one of the easiest DIY projects you’ll ever find.

A kid favorite has always been the teepee. There are a ton of different ways to build one of these, but don’t go down the rabbit hole. Remember, we want to keep this simple. One of the best we’ve seen is the stick teepee.

Many of you have an existing backyard play fort, but the kids have gotten a bit older and lost interest. Designer and stylist Suzy Smith solved that problem by draping her son’s fort with hunters netting.

“I put two chairs and a cooler inside and targets on the lawn so they can practice with their BB guns,” Smith said. “They love it and it blends nicely into the scenery.”

Of course, you may not have all the materials at your fingertips, but a shout out on Nextdoor can result in what you need at little or no cost. Remember, Home Depot and Lowe’s are still open and also delivering curbside to your house.

When you’re at your wit’s end trying to be the home entertainer, just remember with the internet and great sites like Pinterest, solutions are a scroll away!