Do your kids like engineering and science? We’re not surprised: its super cool to make stuff that actually “does stuff!” Here are 35 fun DIY engineering projects just for kids that you and your family will enjoy. Notice that some are perfect for tiny tots and other projects are terrific for older kids and teens. Use your best judgement and provide adult supervision and guidance when needed.
One of the great things about doing these DIY projects is that kids actually learn how things work – from gravity, physics and other science concepts. It’s not just about creating the DIY – but making it do something – and you can launch the rocket or sail the boat again and again. So it is something that your child can learn engineering concepts from, as well as DIY skills too.
We do have a few suggestions for you. If you are launching a rocket or making the paper airplane launcher for example, always explain to your children that these are “outdoor DIY experiments only.” Otherwise you will have rocket launching in the living room and a concern about your windows, family photo frames or mirrors for example. As you do these DIY projects, encourage your children to develop some practical skills to put into place while using them.
Notice what science concepts your child is learning in school and which STEM DIY and engineering projects you can do in the home so they can really have fun learning about it. There is a huge difference between reading a dull textbook and making a marble maze or building a cool paddle boat! Happy DIYing!
Homemade Wigglebot
Spark your kids interest in STEM with this cool robot. Its made with simple materials.
Science for Kids Build a Paddle Boat
This is a classic engineering project. It also makes bathtime a lot of fun!
Propeller Car
Here’s a fun engineering project. Make a propeller car that goes & goes!
From Instructables.com, from the book ‘Rubber Band Engineer’
How to Make a Cardboard Box Marble Labrinth Game
Try this engineering project as a family, it is great for little ones who like to play with marbles. But anyone will enjoy seeing how this puzzle works!
Egg Drop Project
Try this unique take on a classic. Do the egg drop project!
From BuggyAndBuddy.com
Rubberband Helicopters step by step
This is a fun engineering project. Try this and make your DIY helicopter fly!
At Instructables.com from ‘Rubber Band Engineer’
DIY Catapults for Kids
With simple popsicle sticks you can create a fun engineering project. This is great for young and older kids alike.
Straw Rockets
How far will your straw rockets fly? Give this engineering project a try with your little ones!
Located at BuggyAndBuddy.com
Rainbow Jar
Bright and colorful, this is not just fun but also a science experiment. Do this with your kids!
From PlayDoughToPlato.com
Paper Airplane Launcher
Like to see your paper planes fly! Watch them really soar with this great launcher!
Homemade Wobblebot
Like robots? Give this one a try!
At ResearchParent.com (from the book ‘Robotics: Discover the Science and Technology of the Future’)
Slingshot Rockets
A perfect project to do in a big field where you can watch the rocket really fly! Learn all about engineering.
At Instructables.com from the book ‘Rubber Band Engineer’
Two in One DIY Pattern Blocks
Learn shapes, geometry and more with these DIY pattern blocks. A fun project to try.
From FrugalFun4Boys.com
Simple Pneumatic Machine
Learn about engineering with this project. This is one for older kids to try.
From Instructables.com from the book ‘Rubber Band Engineer’
STEM Challenge for Kids: Straw Roller Coaster!
Drinking straws are not just for milk or lemonade, but for engineering and science too. Make a fun roller coaster!
From FrugalFun4Boys.com
Bow and Arrow
Here is a classic engineering project. Give this one a try!
From Instructables.com from the book ‘Rubber Band Engineer’
Coding a LEGO Maze
Introduce your kids to computer coding. This is a fun way to try it.
Located at ResearchParent.com
Extending Grabber
Here’s a fun engineering project for the kids to make. Its pretty simple, you just need popsicle sticks!
At Instructables.com from the book ‘Rubber Band Engineer’
Homemade Kaleidoscope
Bright and colorful, its a unique project. It provides a fun afternoon of entertainment too!
Hydraulic Judo Bots
Looking for a challenging and fun engineering project? Give this one a try with older kids.
From Instructables.com from the book ‘Rubber Band Engineer’
Make a Ping Pong Ball Launcher
This is a great STEM and engineering activity. Launch a ping pong ball!
From FrugalFun4Boys.com
100 Yard Paper Rocket Launcher
What fun! Older kids and teens will find this engineering project really cool!
By Instructables.com from the book ‘Rubber Band Engineer’
Build a LEGO Water Wheel
Do your kids like LEGOs? Try this fun hands on project!
From FrugalFun4Boys.com
Pyramid Catapult
Now this is a fun engineering project. What’s the 1st thing you’ll put in the catapult?
From Instructables.com from the book ‘Rubber Band Engineer’
Building Igloos with Marshmellows
Marshmellows are more than sweet. They are the perfect building material for these fun igloos!
Located at LemonLimeAdventures.com
Homemade Weather Vane and Compass Activity
Want to see which way the wind blows? Make this weather vane and compass with your kids and track it!
DIY smart phone projector
Have smart phones? Make this cool tool to work with them!
From TheSTEMLabratory.com
Homemade Spectroscope
Teach little ones about science early on. This project is fun to do!
From BuggyAndBuddy.com
Engineer This Design and Build an Air Powered Car
Ready for a fun and exciting project! Why not build an air powered mini car?
Q Tip Maze
This is something that is fun for kids to do solo or as a family. Create a maze and then see who can find their way out!
Located at HowWeeLearn.com
Stick Raft Building STEM Project
This is a classic and fun science project to do. It can also be done with young or older children.
Build a Winch Simple Machine STEM Idea
Do your kids like engineering? Here is a fun project for them to try?
From LittleBinsForLittleHands.com
Engineering a Bridge
Use popsicle sticks and learn basic engineering. How a bridge works!
STEM Challenge for Kids: Design a Paper Plate Marble Maze
Here is a fun game that offers simple engineering skills too. Its a DIY project that can be done by young and older ones too.
Located at BuggyAndBuddy.com
Lets Build Boats
These boats are built with simple drinking straws and science. Its a fun project to do with kids year round.