Craftivities That Are Good To Bond With Small Children

“Mom, I’m bored!” Those three words send chills down every parent’s spine, especially when it’s a beautiful sunny day, and the kids should be outside enjoying some fresh air.

That was the scene last Saturday afternoon in my house.

My daughter stood by the back door, staring longingly at the yard, and I knew we needed something new and exciting to capture her attention.

But as I glanced around, I noticed the dusty old tire sitting in the corner of our garage. “Hmm,” I thought, “Could we turn that into something fun?”

The next thing I knew, we were covered in paint, grinning from ear to ear as we transformed that dull old tire into a colorful tire swing.

Not only was it a hit with my daughter, but it also kept her busy and off her tablet for the rest of the day.

That’s when the idea struck me: old tires are the perfect upcycling project for kid-friendly crafts! Below are some super fun ways to turn old tires into playful, creative activities that your kids will love.

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Old Tire Projects Kids Will Love

1. Colorful Tire Planters

5 Genius Ways to Transform Old Tires into Kid-Friendly Fun!

Why not brighten up the yard and teach your kids about gardening at the same time? With a little bit of paint and some flowers, your backyard can become a mini botanical garden.

Start by cleaning the tires thoroughly, then let the kids choose their favorite colors to paint each one.

Need kid-friendly non-toxic paint? Check out this set of bright outdoor paints that’s perfect for the job! Once the paint is dry, add potting soil and let your little ones plant their favorite flowers or even herbs!

2. DIY Tire Sandbox

Want a creative way to keep the kids entertained for hours? Create a tire sandbox! It’s simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for smaller spaces.

Grab a large tire, paint it a fun color, and fill it with play sand. Looking for the perfect sand to use? I recommend this high-quality play sand that’s clean and safe for kids. Cover the sandbox when not in use to keep it clean, and voila!

You have a compact, mess-free sandbox that’s easy to maintain.

3. Whimsical Tire Obstacle Course

Got multiple tires? Why not turn them into an obstacle course for your budding little athletes?

Lay them out in a fun pattern, paint them bright colors, and challenge the kids to hop, jump, and balance their way through!

For safety, make sure to place the tires on soft grass or a foam play mat. Need an extra layer of protection? Check out this high-quality foam padding to keep everyone safe during play.

4. DIY Tire Swing

This one’s a classic! With just a sturdy rope, some heavy-duty bolts, and a coat of paint, you can transform any backyard tree into a playground paradise.

My kids love the feeling of flying high on our homemade tire swing, and it’s become a favorite spot for reading and daydreaming.

Make sure to use strong, weather-resistant rope, and always double-check your installation for safety.

5. Cozy Tire Reading Nook

Turn an old tire into a cute reading spot! Start by placing a soft cushion or pillow inside the tire (I used a memory foam cushion that’s super comfortable), and add a few plush toys or a blanket.

Set it up in a quiet corner of the yard, and suddenly you have a cozy nook where the kids can curl up with their favorite books.

If you want a pop of color, consider using outdoor-friendly cushion covers to keep the look fresh and vibrant.