​When we think of woodworking projects for kids, we often think of simple, beginner level projects — like a simple shelf or similar piece of furniture. Unfortunately, you might be hard-pressed finding a kid who gets excited about a piece of furniture. Instead, try adding a little childlike wonder and creativity to your next project.

Instead of deciding what your child will make, give them the space to create something on their own. This process not only makes the experience more fun and unique for your child, but it will also foster an atmosphere of acceptance and creativity. Your child cannot mess up, because there are no mistakes. 

If you want some ideas for getting started, then you came to the right place. In this article, we will briefly cover some of our favorite woodworking projects for kids. Come check them out if they interest you or your child!

Our Favorite Woodwo​rking Projects for Kids

Though we will go over such helpful safety tips later, we would like to emphasize that these projects should always be supervised by an adult — even if some of them do not involve anything that could cause harm. Do not let your child play/learn how to use any potentially dangerous tools by themselves.

1

Some small wooden pieces, a little bit of glue and lots of paint and glitter can quickly turn some hardware pieces into a Dr. Seuss-like sculpture. One great thing about this woodworking project is that it does not use any nails or potentially dangerous equipment, so your child can fully engage with the activity.

However, you should not expect the sculpture to last a very long time if you use Elmer's glue as the website recommends. While might hold for a while gravity, or any home move will probably damage it. If you want a more permanent sculpture, then check out the one further down the list that uses a hot glue gun. Still, we think this project is a fun day activity.

2

A birdhouse is a significant construction project for your child because it helps teach basic tool skills and it yields a satisfying product that (hopefully) becomes a home for some birds. 

You will need quite a lot of equipment, but the result is a beautiful inverted square house that you can hang from a tree by a chain. Birdhouses are great because they teach your child about nature in addition to good wood cutting and drilling skills.

3

If your child never used tools before, then this activity can teach them some of the fundamental knowledge they will need in the future if they want to try more ambitious projects. While stuff like screwing lugnuts into pre-drilled holes might not sound fun, for a curious child it can be a great experience.

4

This project is similar to the natural wood sculptures one, except the final product is a bit more permanent since it uses a hot glue gun instead of Elmer's glue. However, the introduction of the hot glue gun also means that your child might burn themselves on the product. As such, teach them caution when using. 

With this project, you cut pieces of wood into vary sizes, either with your child or without them depending on their age, and then they glue them on top of each other. They can decorate them with paint, though markers is a slightly less messy alternative. In the end, the project looks a bit like a modern piece of art!

5

This project is similar to the natural wood sculptures one, except the final product is a bit more permanent since it uses a hot glue gun instead of Elmer's glue. However, the introduction of the hot glue gun also means that your child might burn themselves on the product. As such, teach them caution when using. 

With this project, you cut pieces of wood into vary sizes, either with your child or without them depending on their age, and then they glue them on top of each other. They can decorate them with paint, though markers is a slightly less messy alternative. In the end, the project looks a bit like a modern piece of art!

6

If your child likes to draw or color, then constructing a DIY crayon holder can teach them the value in displaying the things they enjoy. It also comes in handing when you travel in the car. The website also gives instructions on making a clipboard-like device you can attach the device to while using.

woman pouring down a brown paint

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SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR CHILDREN DURING THE WOODWORKING PROCESS

Before you begin any woodworking projects for kids, you should go over some basic safety advice — especially if the child never built anything before or never used potentially dangerous tools in their life. In this section, we will go over some basic safety advice you should communicate with your child.

Saw Safety

Teach your child that an adult should always remain present when sawing. Instruct them to wear gloves and glasses while working. Tell them that they should still grip a saw firmly with both hands. Make sure that they know to stand clear in case the wood piece drops near their feet.

Tool Usage Rules

Whether it is a hammer or a wrench, there are some basic tool usage rules that your child should know before holding them. First, always carry the tool at your side and keep it steady — never swing it around. You should also tell them that they should never put tools near their face when they use them. 

Eye Protection

A lot of things can potentially go wrong when you use power tools. One of these things is potential shrapnel hitting someone in the eye. As such, it is essential that you teach your child always to wear safety glasses in case of accidents when using tools. 

Tool Cleanup Rules

It is essential that your child understand that tools are not the same as toys. If they do not follow this advice, then they might play with tools later and potentially hurt themselves. As such, you want to set strict cleanup rules after the construction project.

Do not allow your child to leave the tools all over the workplace. However, you should teach them the proper place for everything — whether it is in a toolbox or similar storage device.

Adorable child with a colorful paint on her palms

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What Essential Tools Do I Need For Basic Woodworking Projects?

Any project will require a different combination of tools that you and your child will need to utilize for the project. Still, like cooking, there are some essential things you can keep in your pantry that go with most types of projects. 

Generally, we recommend keeping a variety of wood types on hand. Still, for most birdhouse or shelf projects you will want a 1 x 6 piece of pine wood. You can cut this piece up further to fit the specific size you need, which brings us to our next essential tool: a saw.

A saw is an essential piece of equipment for getting the wood down to manageable sizes. However, cutting a piece of wood using a handsaw without a wedge can be dangerous. As such, we recommend getting the necessary work station set up. 

If you want to invest in an electric saw, then you can cut wood much more comfortable.

However we do not recommend teaching your young children how to use an electric saw — they could hurt themselves. 

Children in art class

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The next thing you need is something for securing the wood together. Typically projects call for screws or nails, which will require a subsequent screwdriver or hammer. However, you can also get creative and use a hot glue gun or regular Elmer's glue if you want (though it will not be as stable). 

Even most simple woodworking project typically call for a drill as well. Good power drills can get pretty expensive if you do not use it regularly for projects or home maintenance. However, we recommend borrowing one from a neighbor, friend or family member. Alternatively, you can rent power equipment also. 

The are some other essential things you need unless you want your project to come out all crooked. We recommend getting a tape measure so you can get the wood precisely where you want it. You should also invest in safety equipment like gloves, goggles and a first aid kit. 

We hope this article helped give you some good ideas for woodworking projects for kids. When you help foster a sense of creativity early on in your child when it comes to DIY products, then it can quickly grow into a lifelong love of creation. We hope you have fun with your kids making the products and be careful!

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