Many families look for ways to keep children active and entertained during the summer months. Outdoor play not only helps kids burn energy but also supports their physical and mental development.
This article shares 13 DIY backyard ideas that are affordable and easy to set up, making summer fun accessible for any family. These ideas encourage creativity and offer simple ways to transform an outdoor space into a play area.
Contents
- 1 1) DIY pallet sandbox with a cover
- 2 2) Chalkboard wall mounted on fence
- 3 3) Water balloon launcher station
- 4 4) PVC pipe sprinkler system
- 5 5) Upcycled tire obstacle course
- 6 6) Miniature garden for kids with Dollar Tree supplies
- 7 7) DIY outdoor chalk paint station
- 8 8) Plastic bottle bird feeders
- 9 9) DIY backyard bowling alley with empty cans
- 10 10) Homemade bubble solution with wands
- 11 11) Cardboard box playhouse fort
- 12 12) Outdoor sensory bin with sand and rice
- 13 13) Spray bottle art station on fences
- 14 14) Repurposed pallets for kids climbing wall
- 15 15) DIY outdoor musical instruments from recycled materials
1) DIY pallet sandbox with a cover
A pallet sandbox is a simple, low-cost way to create a play area. It uses wood pallets to form the box’s frame. Adding a cover helps keep the sand clean and dry when not in use. This idea is practical and easy to build with basic tools.
For more ideas and plans, see DIY pallet sandbox options.
2) Chalkboard wall mounted on fence
A chalkboard wall can be mounted directly on a fence for easy outdoor play. It provides a creative space where kids can draw and write with chalk.
This idea is affordable and simple to build using wood or chalkboard paint. It also helps block unwanted plants or weeds near the fence.
For step-by-step instructions, see this guide on how to make a chalkboard attached to a fence.
3) Water balloon launcher station
They can build a simple water balloon launcher using surgical tubing and a plastic bowl. This allows kids to safely toss balloons farther without much effort. Setting up a launcher adds fun and cool action to backyard playtime. See how to make one at DIY water balloon launcher.
4) PVC pipe sprinkler system
A PVC pipe sprinkler system is easy to build and affordable. It uses simple materials like PVC pipes and connectors. It provides fun water play for kids during the summer. For detailed instructions, see an easy DIY PVC pipe sprinkler guide.
5) Upcycled tire obstacle course
They can use old tires to build a simple obstacle course for kids. Tires can be stacked or arranged flat to jump or climb on. Using zip ties helps secure tires safely, making a fun and affordable outdoor activity. For ideas, visit a guide on creating a DIY tire obstacle course.
6) Miniature garden for kids with Dollar Tree supplies
They can create a miniature garden using inexpensive Dollar Tree items like small plants, pebbles, and fairy decorations. This project encourages creativity and outdoor play.
Using affordable materials makes it easy to build and customize the garden each season. Ideas and instructions are available in fairy garden Dollar Tree DIY videos.
7) DIY outdoor chalk paint station
They can mix simple ingredients like cornstarch, water, and food coloring to make chalk paint. This paint is safe and easy for kids to use on sidewalks or driveways. Setting up a station with brushes and bowls keeps the activity organized and fun DIY sidewalk chalk paint.
8) Plastic bottle bird feeders
They can make bird feeders using empty plastic bottles. Holes are cut near the base, and a stick is pushed through for birds to perch on. Seed is poured inside to attract birds. This project is simple, cheap, and helps kids learn about nature.
More details can be found at the Natural History Museum.
9) DIY backyard bowling alley with empty cans
They can create a simple bowling game using empty cans. The cans are stacked like pins, and a ball is rolled to knock them down. This activity uses recycled materials and works well for outdoor play. It is easy and affordable to set up for summer fun. See more ideas for a DIY bowling game with cans here.
10) Homemade bubble solution with wands
They can make bubble solution at home using dish soap, water, and a little baking powder.
For wands, simple tools like straws with string or pipe cleaners with beads work well.
These wands help create different bubble sizes and shapes for easy outdoor play.
More ideas are available for making bubble wands at home here.
11) Cardboard box playhouse fort
They can turn a large cardboard box into a simple playhouse or fort. Cutting out windows and a door adds to the fun. This project uses materials that are easy to find and cost little to nothing. For ideas and steps, see this guide on making a cardboard playhouse.
12) Outdoor sensory bin with sand and rice
They can fill a bin with sand and dried rice for a simple sensory play activity. Adding small toys or scoops helps develop fine motor skills. This setup is easy to make and can be reused multiple times outdoors without much mess. For ideas, see outdoor sensory bins that don’t need clean-up.
13) Spray bottle art station on fences
They can fill spray bottles with diluted paint or watercolors. Then, kids spray the colors onto a wooden fence or a large sheet. This activity is simple, low-cost, and easy to clean up. It encourages creativity and outdoor play without making a big mess. For more details, see spray bottle painting ideas.
14) Repurposed pallets for kids climbing wall
They can turn old pallets into a simple climbing wall for kids. Pallets are sturdy and easy to mount outdoors. This recycled idea saves money and provides active play.
Instructions for building one can be found on sites like Pinterest with clear DIY steps.
15) DIY outdoor musical instruments from recycled materials
They can make simple instruments using recycled items like cans, bottles, and sticks. These materials create drums, shakers, and xylophones that are perfect for backyard play. This project teaches kids about music and recycling in a hands-on way. For ideas, see this DIY recycled music station guide.