Gardening has always been one of my favorite ways to spend time with the kids. There’s just something about digging in the dirt, watching things grow, and seeing their excitement when a tiny sprout pokes through the soil. It’s simple, affordable, and so rewarding for everyone.
Last weekend, we decided to roll up our sleeves and tackle a few family-friendly gardening projects. The kids loved every minute, and I thought I’d share some of our favorites in case you’re looking for ideas. These are all easy to do, whether you have a sprawling garden or just a few pots on a patio.
Sunflowers Are Always a Winner
If there’s one plant that never fails to impress, it’s the sunflower. They’re easy to grow, they sprout quickly, and the kids love seeing how tall they can get. We planted a row of seeds along the garden fence, with each of us picking our own spot.
The kids decided to turn it into a competition—whose sunflower will grow the tallest? My youngest is already planning to sing to hers because “plants like music.” It’s a fun little project that’s going to keep them excited all summer.
Building Our Little Herb Garden
We don’t have loads of space, but I’ve always found room for a few pots of herbs. This time, I got the kids involved in planting basil, parsley, and mint. We set up a row of mismatched pots on the patio, and they each picked a herb to look after.
Of course, the real fun came when they got to paint the pots. There’s now a bright pink one with glitter, a blue one with googly eyes, and one that’s covered in handprints. The herbs are already sprouting, and the kids are thrilled every time they get to pick a leaf to add to dinner.
Growing Veggies Was a Muddy Delight
Planting vegetables turned into the muddiest project of the day, but that’s part of the fun, right? We chose carrots and radishes since they grow fairly quickly, and the kids loved the idea of pulling them up when they’re ready.
The planting itself was chaotic, with one child carefully spacing out seeds and the other dumping handfuls in random spots. I’m not sure how successful our harvest will be, but watching them get stuck in with their tiny trowels was worth every muddy shoe.
The Bug Hotel Was a Big Hit
We’ve been talking a lot about insects lately, so building a bug hotel seemed like a natural choice. We scavenged sticks, pinecones, and bits of bark from the garden and arranged them in an old wooden crate.
The kids loved stacking the materials to make “rooms” for different bugs. Once it was done, we placed it in a shady corner of the garden and waited. It didn’t take long before we spotted a ladybird moving in, much to everyone’s delight.
Painting Rocks for the Garden
When the kids’ attention started to wander, I brought out the paints. We collected some smooth rocks and let them decorate them however they liked. By the end, we had a whole assortment of colorful creations—flowers, faces, and one very creative “rock dragon.”
We scattered them around the garden, adding a bit of color to the veggie patch and herb pots. My youngest insists the dragon rock is guarding her mint plant, which I think is a genius idea.
The Fairy Garden Was Magical
Creating a fairy garden was hands down the kids’ favorite project of the day. We used a shallow tray, filled it with soil, and planted moss and succulents to create the base. The kids then went wild adding tiny decorations—pebbles for paths, a little jam jar house, and even a twig swing.
They’ve been checking on it every day, rearranging things and leaving tiny notes for the “fairies.” It’s become a little world of their own, and I love how creative they’ve been with it.
Reflecting on a Lovely Day
By the end of the afternoon, we were all a bit tired but incredibly happy. The garden looked brighter and more alive, and the kids were full of pride over their creations. They’ve already started planning the next round of projects—wildflowers for the bees and maybe even a veggie patch expansion.
It reminded me how valuable these simple activities are. Gardening doesn’t have to be fancy or perfect. It’s about spending time together, getting your hands dirty, and enjoying the little victories, like spotting a sprout or seeing a bee land on a flower you planted.
If you haven’t tried gardening with your kids, I can’t recommend it enough. Start small, embrace the mess, and let their imaginations lead the way. You might be surprised by how much fun it is.
