Garden Projects That are Fun for the Whole Family

If you are looking for a cheap way to entertain the kids, which does not involve them spending all day staring at screens, playing video games or endlessly scrolling TikTok, and you happen to have a garden, then you can simply get outdoors and spend some quality time together building, planting, and having fun in the great outdoors…

1. Build a Bug Hotel (No 5-Star Rating Needed)

Okay, so bugs might not be your favourite creatures on the planet, but they are a really important part of the ecosystem, and lots of kids are fascinated by them, so what better way to enjoy the garden than by building your very own bug hotel for the little critters to live in? All you need to do is collect as many random bits of wood, leaves and pine cones as possible and stack up some old wooden pallets (that you have drilled lots of holes into) before padding them out with the natural materials. The bugs will flock to their new home, and your kids will love watching the ladybirds, bees and beetles making house!

2. Create a Veggie Patch (Because Eating Your Own Food is Cool)

Ever tried convincing your kids to eat their veggies? Yeah, it’s like trying to herd cats. But if they grow it themselves, suddenly carrots and cucumbers become the coolest snacks in town. Start small with easy crops like tomatoes, beans, or radishes, and let everyone have a say in what you plant. Before long, they’ll be eagerly waiting to harvest their own “food”—and you might even get out of cooking one night. Bonus: It’s a great way to sneak in some lessons on patience, responsibility, and where food actually comes from.

3. Build a Tree Swing (Just Keep the Parental Insurance Handy)

There’s something classic about a tree swing. It screams childhood memories, but it also provides an excellent way to keep the kids entertained while you enjoy a cup of tea (or supervise with a glass of wine). Just grab some strong rope, a sturdy plank of wood, and a reliable tree. You’ll need an electric saw for that perfectly shaped seat, of course—just don’t let the kids near it. Once it’s up, let the soaring and squealing begin. Pro tip: Test it yourself first, and be sure the tree can handle the inevitable ‘Dad wants a go’ moment.

4. Paint Pots (No Art Degree Required)

If you’re looking for a project that combines creativity with minimal effort (and mess, if you plan ahead), painting plant pots is your answer. Grab some terracotta pots, acrylic paint, and a few brushes, then let the kids go wild. Whether they’re making smiley faces, abstract art, or just splashing colour around, you’ll end up with pots that are bursting with personality—perfect for brightening up any corner of your garden. Plus, you get to feel like an art director without needing to critique any masterpieces.

5. Create a Fairy Garden (For the Magical at Heart)

If you’ve got younger kids (or adults who refuse to grow up), a fairy garden is a whimsical way to spend an afternoon. Choose a shady corner or even a large pot, and start crafting tiny houses from twigs, stones, and whatever else you can find. Add miniature furniture, tiny plants, and a dash of glitter (though good luck getting that off your clothes later). This project will keep the kids occupied for hours, especially as they plot which fairies will move in. Just make sure they understand that actual fairies might not show up… despite their best efforts.

6. Build a Birdhouse (No Feathery Tenants Guaranteed)

Birds are the ultimate garden soundtrack, so why not invite them to stay? Building a birdhouse is a family-friendly project that doubles as a wildlife lesson. You can either go full DIY and build one from scratch using that electric saw (again, safety first), or you can grab a flatpack version to assemble and paint. Once it’s up, fill it with birdseed and wait for your first guest to arrive. Tip: Keep the cat indoors when you’re hanging it up—trust me, it’ll save you some drama.

7. Start a Compost Bin (And Watch the Magic Happen)

Turning kitchen scraps into rich, fertile compost might not sound like a laugh-a-minute, but hear me out. Kids love science, and composting is basically nature’s version of a magic trick. Get a sturdy bin, toss in your veggie peelings, eggshells, and grass clippings, and teach the little ones about how nature breaks it all down into ‘garden gold.’ It’s gross, educational, and incredibly satisfying to see the kids get excited about saving their apple cores “for the garden.” Plus, you’ll feel like an eco-warrior, which is never a bad thing.

8. Build a Raised Bed (Because Digging is Fun… Right?)

Kids love digging—fact. Take advantage of this by building a raised bed where they can plant flowers, herbs, or even more veggies. You’ll need a few wooden planks (cue the electric saw one last time), some soil, and a lot of enthusiasm for moving dirt. Once it’s built, let the kids pick what goes in. Before you know it, they’ll be proudly pointing out “their” flowers to every visitor who steps foot in the garden.

9. Have a Family Picnic (You Earned It)

Of course, your time in the garden does not have to be all hard work and projects, right? One of the most enjoyable ways to spend time with the family outdoors is to have a picnic, so once the hard work is done, why not spread out a blanket, and get stuck into some delicious sausage rolls, sandwiches and scones, right there in your beautiful back garden. Even better, make sure to enjoy some of the fruits of your labour, picking apples from the trees or eating the veg you have grown. The kids will love it and it will give you a chance to rest your poor back!

Time to put on your wellies, roll up your sleeves and have some good old fashioned family fun in the fresh air!

**Collaborative guest post