25 Upcycled Projects for Kids

Shared by Mary Catherine 35 Comments

Upcycled projects make for some super fun art projects for kids. And there are a ton of great reasons to use them in the preschool classroom. The first reason is the most obvious – reducing waste and helping our environment. Reusing things we already have on hand is a great way to teach the kids to be more environmentally conscience.

Upcycling also provides an amazing opportunity to teach children to think outside the box with creativity and innovation. These projects are full of learning and fun for our preschoolers. Check out the list below for some ideas!

Can I still call it Stress-Free Sunday when it’s really Monday? Engineer and I just got back from an awesome trip, so I’m still in the process of getting back into my “real world” schedule. Anyhow, I want to share some awesome upcycled projects the kiddos can make or enjoy! Many of these great ideas came from last week’s Stress-Free Sunday, while others are from Fun-A-Day! and some of my favorite blogs. Read on to find some upcycling inspiration!

Kids’ Upcycled Projects from Last Week’s Stress-Free Sunday

1. I love how old board books are used in The Craft Train’s “Story Book Cottage and Cube: Upcycling Old Board Books”!

2. An old shoe box is used to make yummy treats in “A Warm Gooey Treat in a Shoebox” from Life with Moore Babies.

3. Amy from Sews ‘n Bows shows us how to change up an old pair of pants in “Denim Refashion for Girls”.

4. Frogs & Snails & Puppy Dog Tails’ “DIY Water Wall” utilizes old plastic jugs for some water fun.

5. The Good Long Road shares “5 Fun Uses for Recycled Milk Caps”.

6. Happy Hooligans’ “Mud Kitchen Activity” includes an upcycled coffee table and a great use of stale pantry items.

7. Engineer would love And Next Comes L’s use of scrap wood to make “Outdoor Car Ramps”.

Fun-A-Day!’s Upcycled Project Ideas
8. Pool Noodle Crafts for the Kiddos
9. Homemade Marble Course {Using Recyclables}
10. Homemade Geoboard
11. Playing with Straws
12. Circle Painting – An Impromptu Art Exploration
13. Cardboard Box Fun for Kids
14. Open-Ended Art with Styrofoam, Toothpicks, and Golf Tees
15. Fine Motor Fun with Toothpicks and Straws
16. Water versus Oil {A Sensory Play Experiment}

Other Amazing Ideas for Upcycling Projects
17. Tissue boxes and cardboard tubes get a new life in “Underground Animal Activities” {Fantastic Fun and Learning}
18. Egg cartons are transformed into “Recycled Egg Carton Insects” {Fireflies and Mud Pies}
19. This “Recycled Outdoor Music Station” upcycled tons of items to make music with {My Nearest and Dearest}
20. “Water Beads for Babies” includes and upcycled sunflower seed jar to keep little ones safe {Nothing if Not Intentional}
21. An empty oatmeal container is an integral part of “Magic Dragon Painted Rocks and Storage Tower” {Thrive 360 Living}
22. “Dryer Sheet Box Engine Shed” uses a . . . you guessed it . . . dryer sheet box {Play Trains!}
23. Old crayons are used to “Make a Sun Catcher with Crayon Shavings” {Buggy and Buddy}
24. The good ol’ fashioned cardboard box is a canvas for “Fun with Fingerpaint” {Twodaloo}
25. “Backyard Design: DIY Outdoor Sound Wall/Music Station” includes some great consignment shop finds {Fun at Home with Kids}

What are some ways you recycle/upcycle? I’d love some new ideas, so please feel free to share in the comments below! If you’re a blogger, please link up your recent fun in the link-up below (it doesn’t have to be related to upcycled projects at all)!

If you’d like to grab a button for this link-up, feel free:

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.fun-a-day.com" title="Stress-Free Sunday at Fun-A-Day!" target="_blank"><img src="https://fun-a-day.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Stress-Free-Sunday-Button.jpg" alt="Stress-Free Sunday at Fun-A-Day!" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

If you were featured, I have a special button just for you:

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.fun-a-day.com" title="Stress-Free Sunday at Fun-A-Day!" target="_blank"><img src="https://fun-a-day.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/featured-stress-free-sunday.jpg" alt="Stress-Free Sunday at Fun-A-Day!" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Now, grab a cup of coffee and join me for the Stress-Free Sunday link-up. You can link up anything family-friendly . . . it doesn’t have to be related to the ideas I shared above. Please keep in mind that, by linking up, you’re giving me permission to share a picture and a link back to your post. I can’t wait to see what you share this week!

An InLinkz Link-up

Shared at The Sunday Showcase, Parenting Pin It Party, Tuesday Tots, Mom’s Library, What I Learned Wednesday, Kids Get Crafty, Tender Moments with Toddlers & Preschoolers, Pin It Tuesday, Kid’s Co-Op, Share it Saturday, Artsy Play Wednesday

Table of Contents

Hands-On Preschool Materials

It is imperative that we keep our classrooms stocked with materials that will give our students the hands-on learning experiences that they love (and need!). There are a few specific things that I always keep on hand in my classroom. Check them out in the list below.

I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

When it comes to preschool, this list is really just skims the surface of the wide variety of materials that can be used. The best thing about this age group is that they learn the most while playing. So, whether they’re playing on the playground, building with blocks, or creating a masterpiece, rest assured that the children are learning so many important skills, all while having fun!

Done-for-You Preschool Resources

Planning meaningful lessons for students week after week while balancing other teaching responsibilities and a personal life can be a daunting task. That’s where Preschool Teacher 101 comes in to save you time!

Recycline is just one of the topics we dive into in Preschool Teacher 101’s Earth Day lesson plans. Click on the image below to learn more!

Earth Day Lesson Plan preschool resource cover. — Earth Day Lesson Plans

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