Fun Family Woodworking: 15 Kid-Friendly Projects

Are you ready to turn those piles of scrap wood into magical creations with your little ones? If you’ve been wondering what to do with all those leftover wood pieces cluttering your garage or workshop, you’re in the right place.

We’ve got you covered with a list of fun and easy scrap wood projects that will unleash your child’s imagination. As you watch your children wield hammers, paintbrushes, and saws with confidence, you’ll witness not only their woodworking skills grow but also their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and sense of accomplishment.

The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to crafting with scrap wood. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your safety goggles, and let’s dive into the world of woodworking.

11 Essentials You’ll Need

1. 1. Safety Glasses – Safety first. Before you dive into any woodworking adventure with your kiddos, it’s essential to ensure everyone has a pair of safety glasses. They’ll keep their eyes safe from any unexpected wood chips or flying debris.
   2. Hammer – Every budding carpenter needs a hammer in their arsenal. It’s the tool that brings that satisfying thwack as it pounds nails into place, turning ordinary scraps of wood into fantastic creations.
   3. Sandpaper – Smooth things over with sandpaper or a sanding block. This humble yet essential tool is the secret behind achieving that flawless finish on your wooden masterpieces. Say goodbye to rough edges and hello to smooth surfaces that are perfect for small hands.
   4. Paintbrushes and Non-Toxic Paint – Let your creativity run wild with a rainbow of colors. Stock up on paintbrushes and non-toxic paint so your little artists can add their personal flair to their woodworking.
   5. Wood Glue – Wood glue is the unsung hero of any woodworking project, ensuring that your creations stay together securely for years to come. Whether it’s bonding small pieces or helping to hold larger pieces together until they’re secured.
   6. Measuring Tape – Measure twice, cut once. Avoid any mishaps with a trusty measuring tape that ensures your projects are perfectly proportioned. Whether you’re building a birdhouse or crafting a picture frame, precise measurements are the key to success in woodworking.
   7. Safety Gloves – Keep those little hands protected with a pair of safety gloves. Whether you’re handling rough wood or wielding tools, these gloves are a must-have for little hands. With their durable construction and comfortable fit, safety gloves provide the peace of mind you need to focus on the task at hand without worrying about scrapes or splinters.
   8. Saw (age-appropriate) – Sawing is serious business, but with adult supervision and age-appropriate tools, your kids can safely join in on the action. Choose a saw that’s suitable for their skill level and watch as they cut through wood like pros.

1. Wood Stain – Add a touch of elegance with wood stain. Transform ordinary scraps with a coat of richly colored stain that enhances the natural beauty of the wood. Whether you choose a classic walnut finish or a weathered gray patina, wood stain adds depth and character to your projects, turning them into true works of art.
2. Clamps – Keep it together with some clamps. These handy tools hold your pieces in place while the glue dries, ensuring a sturdy and seamless finish. Whether your project is big or small, clamps provide the extra support you need to achieve professional-quality results every time.
3. Pencil and Paper – Every masterpiece starts with a sketch. Encourage your little ones to unleash their imagination and plan out their designs with a pencil and paper. Whether it’s drafting blueprints or sketching out an idea for a new toy, pencil and paper are essential tools for bringing their ideas to life.
4. Drill (with adult supervision) – For more advanced projects, a drill can come in handy. With adult supervision, your kids can drill holes and add intricate details to their creations. From attaching hinges to boring through wood for dowels, a drill opens up a world of possibilities for customizing your projects and adding those special finishing touches.
5. Wood Sealant – Protect your projects from the elements with a coat of wood sealant. Rain or shine, your creations will stand the test of time with a layer of protection. Not only does sealant keep moisture at bay, but it also enhances the natural beauty of the wood, preserving its color and texture for years to come.
6. Level – Keep it straight with a level. Whether you’re hanging a birdhouse or building a shelf, a level ensures that everything is perfectly aligned and balanced. With its bubble vial and precise measurements, a level takes the guesswork out of woodworking, ensuring that your projects are straight, sturdy, and ready to impress.

Fun Family Woodworking: 15 Kid-Friendly Projects

Now that you’ve gathered your essentials, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and dive into some exciting scrap wood projects with your little ones!

1. 1. Scrap Wood Creatures | Fynes Designs – For this project you can use all the craft supplies – from pom poms and googly eyes to pipe cleaners and buttons. Their creations are sure to make you smile.
   2. DIY Wooden Snowman | Anika’s DIY Life – Celebrate the snowy season with this wood block snowman. Kids can get creative adding their own decorative elements.

1. DIY Tabletop Book Rack | Saws on Skates – Keep their books organized with this DIY book rack. It’s a great project for beginners because it requires the simplest of supplies.
2. Scrap Wood House Shelf | Sawdust Girl – Scrap wood is transformed into an adorable piece of decor. It’s the perfect place to display books or their favorite treasures.
3. DIY Laptop Stand | Anika’s DIY Life – Make homework time or game time easier with this DIY laptop stand. It will help keep the screen at eye level, reducing neck and eye strain.
4. Easy DIY Picket Fence Doll Bed | The Kim Six Fix – Build a bed that’s perfect for all the dolls in the house! Make sure to sand the survey stakes completely to avoid splinters and rough edges.
5. The Easiest DIY Bird Feeder | Love & Renovations – Gather up whatever scrap wood you have on hand to build this cute bird feeder. Kids can personalize it with paint and some basic craft supplies.
6. DIY Wooden Texture Stamps for Kids | Mother Natured – Kids will have fun adding texture to scrap wood. Then, use the stamps with paint or with a ball of playdough.
7. Easy Tool Box Organizer | Anika’s DIY Life – Kids can organize all of their woodworking tools in this handy tool box. It’s a simple design that comes together in about an hour.
8. Peanut Butter Stick Bird Feeder | Inner Child Fun – If you have extra branches lying around the yard, you can use them to create this bird feeder. Add some nut butter and birdseed to attract all the birds in the neighborhood!
9. How to Make a Mason Bee House | Felt Magnet – This house will bring all the bees to the yard. The structure is simple – all you need is a 4×4 pine post.
10. DIY Crayon Holder | Jamie Costiglio – What a fun way to display their collection of crayons. It also makes a great gift!
11. The Awesomest Jelly Bean Dispenser Ever | Autodesk Instructables – What kid doesn’t love a project that involves candy? With a little bit of hard work, they can have their own jellybean dispenser.
12. Wooden Sofa Sleeve With Cup Holder | A Beautiful Mess – Kids will love making this project for a special person in their life. Have them finish it up by adding artistic touches with some craft paint.
13. T-Rex Figurine | Fine Woodworking – If you have a dinosaur lover at home, this project is for them. Little hands will have fun putting together their very own T-Rex.

And there you have it – 15 scrap wood projects you can make with your kids. Each project is an opportunity to learn and create some lasting memories.

This post contains affiliate links. 

If you loved this list of scrap wood projects, please share it on Pinterest!