Creative and Eco-Conscious Summer Kids Activities (With Upcycled Materials!)

Summer is almost here—and so is the endless chorus of “I’m boooored.” But before you stock up on plastic toys or spend hours scrolling for ideas, I’ve got a better plan. This list of upcycled and eco-friendly summer kids’ activities is packed with simple, fun ways to fill your days without filling the trash.

It’s more important than ever to rethink how our kids play. Only about 9% of plastic gets recycled, and microplastics are showing up everywhere—from the soil beneath our feet to the water we drink. Choosing activities that reuse, repurpose, and tread lightly on the planet helps build habits that matter for our kids and the earth they’ll inherit.

These aren’t just screen-free time fillers (though they’re great for that too). They’re meaningful little moments—activities that help kids explore, create, and connect with nature using things you probably already have around the house. Some involve art. Some involve snacks. A few even involve stargazing. All are low-waste, budget-friendly, and designed with sustainability in mind.

Whether you’re looking to reuse, repurpose, or just hit pause on the throwaway culture for a bit, this list is here to help make your summer feel a little lighter—in every way.

The Best 25 Summer Activities for Kids (Upcycled and Outdoor Fun)

1. Nature Art with Found Objects

Overview:
Encourage children to create art using natural materials like leaves, sticks, stones, and flowers. This activity fosters creativity and a deeper appreciation for nature.

How-To:

• Collect: Gather natural items from your backyard or local park.
• Create: Arrange the items into patterns or images on the ground or paper.
• Preserve: Take photos of the artwork to keep a memory without disturbing nature.

Tutorial:
For inspiration and step-by-step guidance, check out this Nature Art Guide.

2. DIY Bird Feeders from Upcycled Materials

Overview:
Transform household items into bird feeders to attract and nourish local birds, teaching kids about wildlife and recycling.

How-To:

• Materials: Use items like milk cartons, toilet paper rolls, or plastic bottles.
• Assemble: Cut openings, add perches, and fill with birdseed.
• Hang: Place the feeder in a tree or on a balcony.

Tutorial:
Explore various designs and instructions in this Bird Feeder Projects Guide.

3. Outdoor Nature Scavenger Hunt

Overview:
A scavenger hunt turns a simple walk into a full-on summer adventure, sharpening kids’ observation skills and celebrating the beauty of the outdoors.

How-To:

• Create a List: Include items like a feather, a smooth rock, a yellow flower, or a butterfly sighting.
• Bring: A reusable cloth bag or a simple clipboard to keep track.
• Explore: Hit a local park, nature trail, or even your backyard.

Tutorial:
Follow this printable guide to start your outdoor adventure: Green Child Magazine: Nature Scavenger Hunt

4. Plant a Pollinator Garden

Overview:
Create a garden that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, promoting biodiversity and teaching kids about ecosystems.

How-To:

• Select Plants: Choose native flowering plants known to attract pollinators.
• Plant: Use containers or garden beds in sunny locations.
• Maintain: Water regularly and avoid pesticides.

Tutorial:
Learn how to plan and plant a pollinator garden with this KidsGardening Lesson Plan.

5. Start a Mini Composting Project

Overview:
Composting is nature’s way of recycling—and it’s a fantastic hands-on project to show kids how food scraps and organic waste turn back into rich, healthy soil.

How-To:

• Choose a Container: Instead of plastic, use a small terra cotta pot, wooden box, or repurposed metal bin with drainage holes.
• Layer It Up: Alternate layers of soil, fruit and veggie scraps, coffee grounds, shredded newspaper, and dry leaves.
• Moisture and Air: Keep the compost slightly moist and stir it every few days with a wooden stick or garden trowel to help it break down faster.
• Observe: Watch how everyday scraps transform into dark, crumbly compost over time—perfect for nourishing plants.

Tutorial:
Follow this step-by-step guide to make a composter: PBS Kids Composter Craft.

6. Litter Cleanup Walk

Overview:
Organize a walk to pick up litter in your neighborhood or local park, instilling a sense of community and environmental responsibility.

How-To:

• Equip: Bring gloves, trash bags, and hand sanitizer.
• Walk: Choose a safe route and collect litter along the way.
• Dispose: Sort recyclables and dispose of trash properly.

Tutorial:
Get tips for a successful cleanup walk in this GoExploreNature Article.

7. Make Ice Cream Without Plastic Bags (Yes, It Can Work!)

Overview:
Traditional homemade ice cream in a bag usually uses plastic, but you can make it sustainably using silicone reusable bags or stainless-steel containers.

How-To:

• Ingredients: Half-and-half or coconut milk, sugar, vanilla, and ice + salt for freezing.
• Method:
  • Place the ice cream mixture in a reusable silicone bag (like Stasher bags) or inside a stainless-steel container with a tight lid.
  • Surround the container with ice and salt inside a larger reusable or compostable container.
  • Shake and roll until the ice cream firms up!

Tutorial:
Follow this step-by-step guide to make ice cream sustainably: Clementine: How to Make Ice Cream in a Stasher Bag

8. Host a Toy Swap with Friends

Overview:
Organize a toy swap event to promote sharing, reduce waste, and refresh your children’s playthings without purchasing new ones.

How-To:

• Plan the Event: Choose a suitable date and location, such as your backyard or a community center.
• Set Guidelines: Decide on the number and type of toys each participant should bring, ensuring they are clean and in good condition.
• Display Items: Arrange toys by category to make browsing easy.
• Swap and Donate: Allow participants to select new toys and consider donating any leftovers to a local charity.

Tutorial:
Follow this step-by-step guide to plan a fun and waste-free event: A Clean Bee Toy Swap Guide

9. Create a Backyard Bug Hotel

Overview:
A bug hotel is more than a cool backyard project—it’s a haven for pollinators, decomposers, and other beneficial insects that help gardens thrive.

How-To:

• Collect natural materials like sticks, pinecones, bark, and cardboard tubes.
• Use a wooden crate, brick frame, or even a large tin can as your base.
• Layer the materials tightly to create cozy crevices for bugs.
• Place it in a quiet, shaded area and observe who checks in!

Tutorial:
Follow this step-by-step guide to build your own: Red Ted Art’s Simple Bug Hotel

10. Build a Solar Oven and Make S’mores

Overview:
Harnessing the sun’s power to make s’mores? That’s one delicious science lesson. Bonus: no campfire needed.

How-To:

• Use a clean pizza box and cut a flap in the lid.
• Line the flap with foil and the inside of the box with black paper.
• Cover the opening with clear plastic wrap.
• Place your s’mores inside, close the box, and use a stick to prop open the lid toward the sun.

Tutorial:
Follow this step-by-step guide to make a solar oven: NASA Climate Kids Solar S’mores

11. Go Berry Picking

Overview:
Nothing says summer like sun-warmed berries straight from the bush. A berry-picking day supports local farms, gets kids outdoors, and usually avoids excessive packaging.

How-To:

• Find a Farm: Search for organic or pesticide-free u-pick farms near you.
• Bring: Your own baskets, buckets, or canvas bags to avoid using plastic containers.
• Pick: Let kids roam and pick berries by hand—while sneaking a few tastes, of course.

Tutorial:
Find u-pick berry farms near you and tips for a great trip: PickYourOwn.org: Find Local Farms

12. Make DIY Recycled Paper

Overview:
This project is a tactile, hands-on way to show how paper gets reused—and it’s a great use for old homework or junk mail.

How-To:

• Tear used paper into small pieces and soak in warm water.
• Blend the mixture into a pulp.
• Pour it onto a mesh screen, press flat, and let dry.
• Optional: add flower petals or natural dyes for extra flair.

Tutorial:
Follow this step-by-step guide to make your own: Woodlark Blog Recycled Paper Tutorial

13. Visit a Local Farm or Farmers’ Market

Overview:
It’s one thing to eat carrots. It’s another to meet the person who grew them. Visiting a local farm or market builds food awareness and supports your community.

How-To:

• Look up a nearby farmers’ market or u-pick farm.
• Make a scavenger hunt for kids to find different fruits, veggies, or colors.
• Talk to growers about how food is produced.
• Let your child pick a fruit or veggie to try at home.

Tutorial:
Follow this helpful guide for tips: Run Wild My Child: Farmers’ Markets with Kids

14. Camp in the Backyard

Overview:
Transform your backyard into a camping adventure! It’s a fun way to introduce kids to the joys of camping without leaving home.​

How-To:

• Set Up a Tent: Pitch a tent or create a makeshift one using blankets and chairs.
• Prepare Campfire Snacks: Make s’mores using a solar oven or grill.
• Explore Nature: Observe stars, listen to nocturnal animals, and enjoy the fresh air.​

Tutorial:
Follow this step-by-step guide to plan your backyard camping experience: Run Wild My Child: Backyard Camping Tips​RUN WILD MY CHILD

15. Create Your Own Zero-Waste Bubble Solution

Overview:
Make eco-friendly bubbles using simple ingredients, reducing plastic waste from store-bought bottles.

How-To:

• Ingredients: Water, dish soap, and corn syrup or sugar.
• Mix: Combine the ingredients gently to avoid foam.
• Bubble Wands: Use reusable items like metal cookie cutters or straws.​

Tutorial:
Follow this step-by-step guide to make your own bubble mix: The Cinnamon Mom’s Homemade Bubble Recipe

16. Have a No-Plastic Picnic

Overview:
Enjoy a picnic while minimizing plastic use, teaching kids about sustainable choices.

How-To:

• Pack Sustainably: Use reusable containers, utensils, and cloth napkins.
• Choose Local Foods: Opt for locally sourced, unpackaged items.
• Clean Up: Ensure all waste is properly disposed of or taken home

Tutorial:
Follow this step-by-step guide to plan a plastic-free picnic: Treehugger: Plastic-Free Picnic Tips

---

17. Host a Lemonade Stand and Donate the Money to Charity

Overview:
A classic summer lemonade stand gets an even sweeter twist when the profits go toward a good cause. It’s a wonderful way to teach kids about generosity, entrepreneurship, and making a positive impact—all while keeping it low-waste.

How-To:

• Set Up Sustainably: Use a table you already have, a handmade sign from recycled cardboard, and reusable cups or compostable paper ones.
• Mix It Up: Make homemade lemonade with simple ingredients like fresh lemons, water, and a little sugar—no single-use mixes or plastic bottles needed.
• Pick a Cause: Let kids choose a local charity, animal shelter, food bank, or environmental group to donate their earnings to.
• Spread the Word: Share your stand’s mission with neighbors or friends to encourage extra support (and maybe inspire a few future kindness projects, too).

Tutorial:
Follow this creative guide to hosting a lemonade stand for a cause: Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Five Ways to Host a Lemonade Stand

18. Start a Seed-Saving Journal

Overview:
Teach kids about plant life cycles by collecting and documenting seeds from various plants.

How-To:

• Collect Seeds: Gather seeds from fruits, vegetables, or flowers.
• Document: Record details like plant type, collection date, and observations.
• Store: Keep seeds in labeled envelopes for future planting.​

Tutorial:
Follow this step-by-step guide to create a seed journal plus a free printable: The Chirping Moms: Seed Journal Printable

19. Paint Rocks for the Kindness Rock Project

Overview:
A small rock with a big message can brighten someone’s entire day. The Kindness Rocks Project encourages spreading positivity through hand-painted rocks left for others to find and enjoy.

How-To:

• Find Rocks: Look for smooth, flat stones (preferably ones you already have or can source naturally without harming the environment).
• Paint: Use non-toxic, weather-resistant paints to add uplifting messages, colorful designs, or inspiring quotes.
• Seal: Apply an eco-friendly sealer if needed to protect your artwork from the elements.
• Hide: Leave your kindness rocks in parks, trails, or public spaces where others can discover them.

Tutorial:
Follow this step-by-step guide from the official project: The Kindness Rocks Project: How To

20. Host an Outdoor Movie Night

Overview:
Transform your backyard into an eco-friendly cinema under the stars. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a film while teaching kids about sustainability.​

How-To:

• Snacks: Serve homemade popcorn in reusable bowls and offer drinks in mason jars or reusable cups. Encourage guests to bring their own containers.
• Screen Setup: Use a white sheet or fabric as a screen. Borrow or rent a projector to avoid purchasing new equipment.
• Seating: Arrange blankets, floor cushions, or lawn chairs made from natural or recycled materials.
• Lighting: Illuminate the area with solar-powered or LED lights to conserve energy .

Tutorial:
Follow this step-by-step guide to create your own movie theater snack box: MomDot: Make Your Own Movie Theater Snack Box

21. Make a Summer Scrapbook

Overview:
Capture summer memories the old-school way by creating a scrapbook using upcycled or natural materials.

How-To:

• Gather Supplies: Use recycled paper, cardboard, fabric scraps, and found objects like pressed flowers or leaves.
• Assemble: Let kids draw, paste, and write about their adventures throughout the summer.
• Personalize: Add poems, funny quotes, ticket stubs, or even mini paintings.

Tutorial:
Follow this simple guide to start a DIY scrapbook: Crafts by Amanda: Easy Scrapbook for Kids

22. Plan a Family Stargazing Night

Overview:
Lying under the stars might be the simplest kind of summer magic. It’s a quiet way to spark curiosity about space, time, and our place in the universe—all without any plastic waste.

How-To:

• Pick Your Night: Choose a clear night away from city lights if possible. Check moon phases or meteor showers for bonus excitement.
• Cozy Setup: Bring out blankets, pillows, and maybe a thermos of tea or cocoa in reusable cups.
• No Tech Required: Use a stargazing guidebook or printable constellation map instead of a phone app to stay unplugged.
• Make It Interactive: Play space-themed storytelling games or bring along a journal for sketching constellations.

Tutorial:
Follow this beginner-friendly guide to get started: Sky & Telescope: Stargazing for Beginners

23. Build a Sheet Indoor Fort

Overview:
Sometimes the best adventures happen right in the living room. An old-fashioned sheet fort gives kids a cozy, creative space—all without a single new purchase.

How-To:

• Gather: Use old sheets, clothespins, and heavy books or chairs for support.
• Build: Drape sheets over furniture or between walls to create a fort.
• Decorate: Add pillows, blankets, string lights (preferably solar-powered or LED), and favorite books inside.

Tutorial:
Follow this guide for creative indoor fort ideas: Love to Know: 10 Simple Indoor Fort Ideas to Inspire Creative Play

24. Make a Kite and Have Fun Flying It

Overview:
Building and flying a kite is a classic summer activity—and making one from upcycled materials adds a whole new level of fun.

How-To:

• Materials: Use newspaper, fabric scraps, or recycled paper for the sail; bamboo sticks or tree branches for the frame; and cotton string.
• Build: Create a simple diamond shape, attach the sail, and add a cloth tail for balance.
• Fly: Find a windy day and a wide-open space like a park or field.

Tutorial:
Follow this simple DIY kite tutorial: My Best Kite: How to Make a Simple Diamond Kite

25. Make Homemade DIY Ice Cream Sandwiches

Overview:
Few things say “summer” like an ice cream sandwich—and making your own at home means you can skip the plastic packaging and control the ingredients. It’s a delicious (and slightly messy) way for kids to get creative in the kitchen.

How-To:

• Bake or Buy: Make simple cookies from scratch, or pick up fresh-baked ones from a local bakery.
• Choose Your Ice Cream: Scoop your favorite ice cream (bonus points if it’s homemade or from a local creamery).
• Assemble: Place a scoop of ice cream between two cookies and gently press. Roll the edges in crushed nuts, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips if you like.
• Freeze: Wrap the sandwiches in beeswax wraps or parchment paper and freeze until firm.

Tutorial:
Follow this step-by-step guide to homemade ice cream sandwich ideas: YumYumBite: Ice Cream Sandwich Recipes

This Has Been About Summer Activities for Kids

Whether you try one activity or work your way through the whole list, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence, creativity, and a little more care for the world around us. These upcycled and eco-friendly summer kids’ activities are more than just a way to fill the hours—they’re a chance to spark curiosity, make memories, and show that sustainability can be playful, messy, and joyful, too.