15 best creative ideas for younger kids

I stumbled upon this space a week ago, and well, it has my heart. She’s 15.5 now, going on 25 and it really just reminded me of the simpler ideas that we love so much. The fun projects we highlighted here, that maybe we don’t do so much of anymore, since all three kids are now 14, 15.5, and 17 {almost 18}. So from free printables to full-on playhouses {because you know we had to include that one} we thought we’d share our 15 best creative ideas for younger kids. Sometimes it’s fun to share those blasts from the past.

1. Best Projects for Younger Kids: A Tooth Fairy Pillow

First things first: It only makes sense to highlight those tooth fairy pillows! Our kids still have them tucked away somewhere, but nothing beats a sweet handmade piece made of memories. See them {different versions} here + here.

And here. Because I had to do all three.

2. Best Projects for Younger Kids: DIY Alphabet Magnets

This one is probably more for kiddos of the elementary school age, but they’ll love playing with them. This wall no longer exists in our home and I can’t wait to FINALLY show you our new laundry area where this fridge is now located, but I do love the idea of an old school message board!

3. Best Projects for Younger Kids: DIY Screen-Printed Tees

If you’re ever in need of custom tees that you just can’t find anywhere else, we have your solution. Your littles will look adorable modeling them, but if they’re older… they’ll have fun helping too.

4. Best Projects for Younger Kids: Tassel Necklaces

This is the perfect project to keep those little hands busy on rainy days. Check out the full how-to here.

And a simpler version that is even more hands on: Marbleized Jewelry for Kids!

5. Best Projects for Younger Kids: Dinosaur Keychain

And along those same lines, this one is perfect for all things backpacks and back to school… Dinosaur Keychains! They’re colorful and fun and work for just about anyone.

6. Best Projects for Younger Kids: How To Make A Bouncy Ball

Because more science, and it’s perfect for all things rainy days with keeping hands busy.

See our homemade slime recipe, here. I know you’re probably over the slime. But this stuff sparkles.

And homemade play-doh

With a color wheel art lesson to take it to the next level, here. Still one of my all time faves.

And one more along those same lines: DIY fairy dust in a bottle. {This one was for a school project.}

7. Best Projects for Younger Kids: Map Puzzles

Because educational. US + World Maps, too. The free printables to make this + the full how to can be found here!

8. Best Projects for Younger Kids: Handmade Dollhouse

This is something you can dive into, as a family project. Definitely an all time fave at our house… We still have this one, too. Because how could we part with it? I’m sure this one will get a remodel one day, but in the meantime…

find the entire round up, here.

9. Best Projects for Younger Kids: Connect 4 Game

This one was fun to make, and they had a blast playing it, too. Check out how to customize your own for hours of fun, here.

10. Best Projects for Younger Kids: Indoor Water Garden

On the science side of things, this one was perfect for our elementary aged children. Propagated plants and more!

And along those same lines: Geology for Kids! A sweet round up of books, kits and projects to help get them interested in all things nature. Because in college it was not, in fact, rocks for jocks. And I had to learn that the hard way.

And while we’re on the topic… a simple greenhouse to watch those plants grow.

11. Best Projects for Younger Kids: Alphabet Sewing Cards

These free sewing card printables are sure to get their creative juices flowing and give them a little knowledge about the alphabet… and they look oh so cute as an art display when they’re finished, too. One of my all time faves for the classic factor.

12. Best Projects for Younger Kids: How to Build a Loft Bed

This is still one of our very favorite memories when it comes to set ups for a kids space. It was a fave of the boys’, too.

14. Best Projects for Younger Kids: A Handmade Play Kitchen

Our kids loved this set for YEARS after we gifted it to them one Christmas. Definitely a classic in our house.

15. Best Projects for Younger Kids: The Ultimate Treehouse Guide

See the first and second addition, versions inspired by sweet readers and more, here. The Ultimate Treehouse Guide is the perfect way to make sweet memories.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this little round up! These are just our 15 favorite… we have so much more, especially for the holidays. Be sure to peruse the entire site for more fun ideas + check out our free printables for more fun, here. {We have cleaning charts, organization labels, stationery, art, projects + more!}