Spring is in the air, and birds are busy building nests! Why not get your kids involved in creating a welcoming haven for these feathered friends? Building a birdhouse is a fantastic way to combine creativity, nature appreciation, and quality family time.
This collection of 20 DIY birdhouse crafts for kids offers a range of options, from super-simple to slightly more complex. Some use recycled materials, while others introduce basic woodworking skills.
No matter your child’s age or interests, there’s a perfect project waiting to be discovered!
Safety First:
Before we dive into the crafts, a quick safety reminder. Adult supervision is essential for any project involving tools or sharp objects. When using saws or hammers, ensure children wear safety glasses and follow proper handling instructions.
Ready to Get Crafty? Let’s Build a Home for the Birds!
Recycled Birdhouse Bonanza:
Cardboard Classic:
This is a great starter project for younger children. Use a recycled juice carton or cereal box as the base. Cut out door and ventilation holes, paint it with vibrant colors, and add popsicle stick details for a charming birdhouse.
Milk Carton Marvel:
Similar to the cardboard house, a plastic milk carton offers a sturdy base. Decorate it with markers, felt scraps, or even buttons. Don’t forget the essential hole punch for the entrance!
Tin Can Transformation:
Clean, empty tin cans can be transformed into quirky birdhouses. Help your child drill holes (with adult supervision) for ventilation and entrance. Decorate with paint, washi tape, or decoupage (using magazine clippings and glue).
Shoebox Sanctuary:
Give a new life to an old shoebox! Cut appropriate openings, and let your child’s imagination run wild with paint, glitter, and other embellishments. This spacious house might attract larger birds!
Terra Cotta Tea Party Abode:
Upcycle a terracotta pot by turning it upside down. Create a doorway by carefully chipping away a section (adult needed). Drill drainage holes and paint the pot in bright colors.
Nature’s Inspiration:
Log Cabin Chic:
For a more rustic feel, use a hollowed-out log section (ensure it’s dry and free of insects). Drill entrance and ventilation holes. This natural birdhouse provides excellent insulation and blends seamlessly with your garden.
Pinecone Palace:
Gather pinecones that have naturally opened. With adult help, drill a small entrance hole. Decorate with natural materials like twigs, leaves, and berries. Hang it securely in a protected area.
Coconut Cozy Nest:
This tropical-inspired birdhouse uses a dried coconut shell. Adult assistance is needed to create the entrance hole. Suspend it with twine and decorate with paint or natural materials.
Wooden Wonders:
The Basic Birdhouse:
This is a classic project for slightly older children who can handle basic tools with adult supervision. Pre-cut wood pieces can be found at craft stores, making assembly easier. Let your child paint and personalize their creation!
Tree Stump Sanctuary:
If you have a small, dead tree stump in your yard, it can be transformed into a natural birdhouse! With adult help, carefully hollow out a section for nesting. Drill ventilation holes and leave the rest of the stump untouched for a natural look.
Lego Loft:
Calling all Lego enthusiasts! Get creative and build a birdhouse using Lego bricks. This sturdy and colorful option is a fun way to combine favorite toys with a purpose.
Creative Critter Constructions:
Milk Jug Mansion:
A large, clean milk jug can be transformed into a whimsical birdhouse. Cut out windows and a door, and let your child paint it to resemble a castle or a happy little house.
Gourd Getaway:
Dried gourds offer a unique base for a birdhouse. Clean and dry the gourd thoroughly. With adult help, create an entrance hole and ventilation holes. Decorate with paint and natural embellishments.
Teapot Transformation:
Upcycle an old teapot by turning it upside down. The spout can become the perfect entrance! Drill drainage holes and unleash your child’s creativity with paint and decorations.
Going Green:
Seed Feeder Surprise:
This two-in-one project offers both shelter and food for birds. Use a recycled plastic bottle with a wide opening. Cut small drainage holes and a bird-sized entrance. Decorate with paint and fill the bottom with bird
Creative Critter Constructions:
Tin Can Tower:
Stack several empty tin cans of varying sizes, creating a quirky tower. With adult help, punch holes between the cans for access and ventilation. Decorate each can individually for a vibrant look.
Hanging Basket Haven:
Repurpose an old hanging basket by lining it with coconut coir or other natural materials. Add a small entrance hole and decorate with colorful yarn or fabric scraps. This option provides a cozy, nest-like environment.
For the Feathered Foodies:
Suet Feeder Birdhouse:
Combine a birdhouse with a suet feeder by attaching a suet feeder cage to the side of a wooden or recycled birdhouse. This provides both shelter and a tasty snack for birds.
Pinecone and Seed Cake Feeder:
This edible birdhouse is a fun and temporary option. Mix pinecone pieces, birdseed, peanut butter, and honey into a mold (like a cookie cutter). Refrigerate until firm, then hang it outside for birds to enjoy.
Going the Extra Mile:
Thematic Birdhouse Extravaganza:
Turn birdhouse building into a themed project! Create a fairy house using natural materials like twigs and leaves. Build a pirate ship birdhouse complete with a tiny mast and flag. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond the Build:
Once your birdhouse is complete, find the perfect spot to hang it. Ideally, choose a location sheltered from strong winds and rain. Keep the entrance hole facing away from prevailing winds. Observe which birds take interest in your creation! Different bird species have specific size preferences, so you might attract a variety of feathered friends.
A Rewarding Activity for All:
Building a birdhouse is a rewarding activity for both children and adults. It fosters creativity, teaches respect for nature, and provides a cozy haven for our feathered neighbors. So grab your craft supplies, gather your little ones, and get ready to build a beautiful and functional birdhouse together!
