Summer Activities: Woodworking Crafts for Kids

Written by Marie Hunter

[photo via Parents.com]

If your kids are stuck indoors because of summer rains or are taking a break from the hot sun, woodworking crafts can be a fun and creative way to keep kids busy during the summer. Most parents don't consider woodworking crafts for children because of the safety risks involved. But there are plenty of craft ideas your kids can participate in that are safe for every age.

Wood Collages for Young Children


Any age group can make a wood collage, but it's especially fun for children who are too young to use woodworking tools. For this project you’ll need an unfinished wood base that's approximately 1 square foot, decorative craft items, a paintbrush and wood glue.

A great way to start the project is by taking your kids on a nature walk to collect decorations for the collage. Depending on where you live, kids can use small pine cones, seashells, colorful pebbles, small rocks or pieces of wood and twigs as decorations.

Spread a thick layer of glue over the surface of the wood. Let your kids place the decorations on the surface however they want. Have them brush wood glue over the top of the project when it’s finished and let it dry for 24 hours. Drill holes at the top of the canvas so you can proudly hang your child’s artwork on the wall.

Hand-Painted Jewelry


This project allows kids to paint wooden beads for jewelry. All you need is wooden beads, paint, paint brushes, masking tape and a piece of string or ribbon for the finished beads.

To start, have your kids select the colors of paint they want to use for their beads. They can paint freestyle and make their own designs, or they can use the masking tape to cover parts of the bead so they’ll paint a more structured design. For a handmade Mother’s Day gift, kids can paint large beads to look like their faces and string them on a necklace or bracelet.

Decoupage Furniture


By the time they reach a certain age, most kids aren't interested in doing projects with their parents. But a decoupage table, desktop or chair will allow your teens to personalize their spaces, enjoy some craft time with you or, if desired, by themselves. This project requires wood furniture, photos or pictures from magazines and decoupage glue.

Have your teen gather some favorite photos and meaningful magazine pictures, such as favorite singers, celebrities, places or activities. Arrange the photos over the piece of furniture, securing each with a drop of glue. Brush decoupage glue over the entire wood surface and allow it to dry for 24 hours.

Creating Lifelong Hobbies


Helping kids experiment with woodworking allows them to explore new activities, and it may spark their interest and become a lifelong hobby. As your children get older, talk to them about other woodworking crafts they'd like to try. This encourages independence while maintaining a common interest you can share with your kids.

About the author:
Maire likes to read romance novels, jog, practice hot yoga and walk her Scottish Terrier, Pete. She also enjoys baking and experimenting with new craft projects.