9 DIY Projects for the School Holidays

There's plenty to do with a school holiday beyond going somewhere. A DIY project is a good way to fill an afternoon, and alongside building imagination and creativity it makes for real time together.

So what's worth making? Here are nine ideas.

9 DIY Projects for Children

1. Origami

The first is origami, among the most common crafts and easy enough for children. With paper alone they can make birds, boats, flowers, stars and a great deal else.

The shapes can then be strung together with thread and hung up in their room. That tends to be the part that gets them enthusiastic about making more.

You'll need origami paper in a range of colours, sewing thread, paper glue and scissors. Fold the shapes, then string them together one by one, slowly enough that nothing tears.

2. A Pencil Pot From a Tin or Bottle

Next, a pencil pot from an old tin or bottle. This one teaches a child they can make something out of what's already lying around, and it's easy enough to manage.

You'll need the tin or bottle, coloured paper, watercolours, a brush, glue and scissors. Cut the bottle in half and keep the bottom, or take the lid off the tin.

Cover it in coloured paper until none of it shows, then let your child decorate it however they like. Use watercolours so it lasts, and add small cut-out shapes, stars or moons, glued on for detail.

3. Greetings Cards

Greetings cards work well too. Alongside the making, they give a child a way to put what they feel into words, and the materials are easy to find.

You'll need card, coloured paper, glue, scissors and markers. Cut the card into a rectangle, decorate the front with coloured paper, then let your child draw and write whatever they want inside. Stickers around the edge finish it off.

4. A Mosaic From Paper and Seeds

A mosaic made from coloured paper is another good one. It teaches a child about colour and texture, and it takes enough patience and care that it genuinely works their focus.

You'll need card, markers, coloured paper, glue, scissors and seeds, mung beans, white rice and black glutinous rice all work. Draw simple shapes and patterns on the card, cut the coloured paper into small squares, and set the seeds out in containers.

Let your child fill the shapes with the colours and textures, using glue. Once everything is filled in, the mosaic is finished.

5. Leaf Prints

Leaf prints will hold a child's interest too. Collect as many different leaves as you can, the more the better, then get watercolours and a sheet of drawing paper, A3 if you have it.

Coat the surface of a leaf evenly with paint, press it onto the paper, hold it a moment, then lift it slowly. Repeat with each leaf and let them build the picture however they like.

6. A Sock Puppet

A puppet made from a sock is another good project. You'll need a sock, cotton wool or foam, thread, a needle and whatever decoration you have, beads or keyrings for instance.

Stuff the sock until it's full and firm, then sew the top so nothing escapes. Use buttons for eyes and thread for the mouth, then decorate it with whatever else is to hand.

7. Toys From Cardboard Boxes

Boxes piling up at home? They make good toys, houses, cars and aeroplanes among them.

You'll need the cardboard, scissors, a glue gun, markers and any other decoration. Draw the frame of the toy onto the cardboard, cut along the outline, and use the glue gun to join the pieces so they hold properly. Decorate it with markers and whatever else you have.

8. A Hand-Painted T-Shirt

A child will happily wear something they made themselves. Painting is the easiest method for them, and you'll need a plain white t-shirt, fabric paint, markers and a brush.

Lay the shirt flat, let your child draw whatever they want, then paint and colour it in. Leave it to dry and it's done.

9. Clay From Flour

Making clay from flour is one children tend to look forward to. You'll need plain flour, tapioca flour, rice flour and wood glue.

Put all the flours in a container together and sift them so the texture comes out smooth. Add the glue and mix until the dough comes together, then colour it with food colouring and let your child shape it however they like.

That's nine to be going on with, and between them they should cover a good part of a school holiday. There are more activity ideas listed on Happy Kamper.

Finding Holiday Activities

Alongside projects at home, there are playgrounds, music, dance and art and craft sessions listed on the app, each with its price, location and reviews from other parents. Find, book, be happy.