Simple Outdoor DIY Projects to Do with the Kids This Spring
There’s something about Spring in the Wychwoods. The days stretch a little longer, the garden starts calling again, and suddenly the children have far more energy than the house can contain.
Before the grass needs constant mowing and the diary fills up for summer, now is the perfect time for a few simple outdoor DIY projects you can do together. Nothing complicated. Nothing Pinterest-perfect. Just practical, satisfying jobs that get everyone outside and involved.
Here are a few easy ideas to try this spring.
1. Build a Simple Bird Feeder
Spring is nesting season across the Cotswolds, and encouraging wildlife into the garden is a brilliant way to get children interested in nature.
A basic wooden bird feeder can be made with:
A few offcuts of timber
Nails or screws
Exterior wood glue
A simple hanging hook
Let the kids help with sanding and painting (bright colours welcome). It’s a small project but seeing birds actually use something they’ve built is surprisingly exciting.
2. Create a Mud Kitchen
If you’ve got a corner of the garden that’s already a bit wild, why not embrace it?
A mud kitchen can be as simple as:
An old pallet or timber frame
A spare worktop offcut
A couple of old bowls or utensils
It doesn’t need plumbing or perfection. Just a sturdy surface at the right height. It keeps little ones entertained for hours and costs very little to put together.
3. Plant a “Fast Results” Bed or Planter
March is ideal for planting hardy flowers and quick-growing crops.
Choose something that shows results fairly quickly — children love visible progress. Think:
Salad leaves
Radishes
Sweet peas
Sunflowers
Even a small, raised bed or large planter works perfectly. Let them measure spacing, fill with compost, and water it in properly. It’s hands-on and teaches patience (eventually!).
4. Build a Bug Hotel
This is one of the easiest and most satisfying projects you can do in an afternoon.
All you need:
A simple timber frame or old crate
Sticks, pinecones, bark and straw
A dry corner of the garden
Stack and fill the spaces, then leave nature to move in. It’s a great way to talk about pollinators and why they matter to our gardens here in the Wychwoods.
5. Refresh the Shed or Fence
This one’s more practical, but older children can really get involved.
A spring coat of fence paint or shed treatment:
Protects timber after a wet winter
Brightens the garden instantly
Feels like a proper “grown-up” job
Give them a small brush and a section to own. You might be surprised how seriously they take it.
6. Build a Free Library
Build a small free library you can put up outside your home and share books with your neighbours.
· A few offcuts of timber
· Nails or screws
· Some paint
It doesn’t have to be big and is a good way to recycle old books and build new friends.
You don’t need elaborate plans or expensive materials. Often, it’s the simplest outdoor DIY jobs that create the best memories — and quietly tick a few jobs off your own list at the same time.
If you’re planning a small garden project this spring and need timber, fixings, compost, paint or tools, pop into Groves Shop and see us. We’re always happy to help you choose the right materials and keep things straightforward.
Let’s make the most of the lighter evenings.