Skip to Content

65+ Upcycling Projects for Kids (Super Fun Craft Ideas!)

Kids love crafts and activities and upcycling projects can be a great way to teach them about wasting less, recycling and reuse in general. They are also cheaper than a trip to the craft store too!

Below is a fab round up of great upcycling projects for kids. These are all easy crafts and DIY projects that would be great for earth day or just for a fun family activity.

I’ve grouped them into sections by what material was used in the project so scroll to the section for the item you have on hand for upcycling for loads of great ideas and clever ways to get crafty with kids of all ages.

upcycling projects for kids

The sections below are:

  • Upcycling Projects using Toilet Rolls
  • Upcycled Crayon Crafts
  • Upcycled Cardboard Crafts
  • Upcycled Crafts using Egg Cartons
  • Upcycling Projects with Tin Cans
  • Upcycled Crafts from Fabric & Old Clothing
  • Upcycle Projects using Paper Plates
  • Upcycled Crafts with Old T-Shirts
  • Upcycling Projects with Old CDs
  • Upcycling Projects using Plastic Bottles
  • Upcycling Projects with other items from your Recycling Bin
  • Upcycled Nature Crafts
  • Upcycled Furniture Play Areas for Kids

65+ Upcycling Projects for Kids (Super Fun Craft Ideas!)

Scroll down to find creative ways to entertain little kids with fun projects using different types of upcycled materials.

Upcycled Crafts using Toilet Rolls

Whether you call it a toilet roll or a toilet paper tube these are items no household is short of and they are perfect for all sorts of craft projects!

Upcycled Crayon Crafts

This next group of ideas uses old crayons melted down. Such a simple idea but so colourful and fun for kids.

Upcycled Cardboard Crafts

What doesn't come delivered in cardboard these days? Lets put it to good use - from cardboard boxes to cereal boxes there are tons of ideas here.

Upcycled Crafts using Egg Cartons

Egg Cartons are another one of those items that you always have tons of - so its great we've find so many fun projects for them!

Upcycling Projects with Tin Cans

Tin can crafts need adult supervision due to the sharp edges but if you smooth those down there is no end to the upcycle projects you can do with cans!

Upcycled Crafts from Fabric & Old Clothing

Upcycling fabric is my latest obsession and has led to me becoming a total quilting nerd.

Below are some fun ideas for how to reuse old clothing and scrap fabrics. (Note: there is a separate section for T-Shirts further below).

Upcycled Crafts using Paper Plates

Don't throw away paper plates that aren't wet or soggy. Just brush the crumbs off and get crafting with your kids!

Upcycled Crafts with Old T-shirts

Don't toss you kid's old t-shirt just because it has a small hole in it - repurpose and upcycle it into something else they can wear or use.

Upcycled Crafts using Old CDs

Your kids might not know what your old cds used to be for, but that doesn't mean they can't have fun crafting with them!

Upcycled Crafts from Plastic Bottles

The ever-present recycling bin stable - the plastic bottle! So many fun upcycling ideas!

Upcycled Crafts from Other Recycling Bin Items

This section is a catch all for other bits and pieces that end up in your recycling bin from popsicle sticks to yoghurt pots, diaper bin cassettes and more!

Upcycled Nature Crafts

Hmm...now is this really upcycling?

Not really but it is a cute way to repurpose and use items from your garden or local area - from rocks to seashells.

Upcycled Furniture Play Areas for Kids

Depending how old your child is they may or may not be able to participate in making these but they sure are fun ideas and ones that will entertain them for hours once the project is done.

Fun Kids Crafts!

I hope you have been inspired to get creative with your kids and repurpose and reuse recyclable materials and some of your own stuff that is just cluttering up your home!

I would love to hear the creative ideas you have come up with to share an upcycle project with your child so do drop me a comment with your suggestions for this list!

Here are some other posts you might enjoy too:

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Kate at Bunny's Garden

Wednesday 21st of July 2021

Awesome list of ideas! Can't wait to try some of these with our girls. Thank you for including ours.

Kristen Hubert

Thursday 22nd of July 2021

Aw fab! Thanks for contributing! x Kristen

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.