5 Summer Concrete Projects for Kids to Enjoy

As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, summer’s arrival brings a fresh dose of fun and learning for kids. Here at Standard Materials, we understand the importance of nurturing curiosity and creativity among our young ones. So, why not combine that natural summer enthusiasm with a little hands-on, educational exploration? The seemingly heavy-duty world of concrete isn’t just for builders and construction enthusiasts, it can also provide an exciting avenue for your kids’ creativity.

Here are five fun and safe concrete projects to inspire learning, encourage creativity, and fill your child’s summer with fun.

1. Garden Steppingstones

A perfect introduction to the world of concrete, garden steppingstones are a classic project. Kids can personalize these stones with a mix of pebbles, shells, glass beads, or even their handprints. Not only does this project teach kids about concrete mixing and setting, but it also adds a personalized touch to your garden. Remember to supervise the mixing process and ensure the concrete is safe to touch before the kids start imprinting their designs.

2. Concrete Leaf Prints

Create artistic leaf impressions that last a lifetime! This project is a beautiful way to preserve the intricate details of leaves. Have your kids select their favorite leaves, press them into the concrete mix, and let it set. Once dried, remove the leaf, and behold the lasting impression of nature’s artistry. This fun activity encourages kids to explore nature while learning the impression-making process.

3. Concrete Planters

Concrete planters are a fantastic and practical project for kids to understand the functionality of concrete. Using plastic molds (yogurt cups or takeaway containers work well), kids can experiment with creating different shapes. Once the concrete sets and the molds are removed, kids can paint and decorate the planters. Adding a plant into the mix can even inspire an interest in botany.

4. Concrete Letter Blocks

This project allows children to create three-dimensional letters out of concrete, perfect for a personalized touch in their room decor or as a gift. Using cardboard or silicone letter molds, kids can fill them with concrete mix, set, and then remove for a solid, educational, and fun piece of decor.

5. Concrete Paperweights

Kids can craft their customized paperweights using small silicone molds of their choice, like a heart, star, or animal shape. Once the concrete is set, they can paint or stencil designs onto their paperweights, giving a practical tool a touch of personal creativity.

While indulging in these concrete projects, it’s essential to remember the safety measures. Always supervise children during these activities, ensure they wear proper safety gear, such as gloves and protective glasses, and work in a well-ventilated area. All these projects use quick-drying, non-toxic concrete mix, ensuring safety for kids.

These projects blend the boundaries of play and learning, providing a unique way for kids to engage with the material world while letting their creativity flow. With a bag of concrete mix and a little imagination, the possibilities are endless.

At Standard Materials, we believe in the transformative power of concrete, not just in our landscapes, but also in our learning. So, this summer, let’s construct memories, build creativity, and cement knowledge with these fun, concrete-based projects. Let your kids explore, create, and learn, because summer is the perfect time for little hands to build big dreams.