The Empowered Educator

Inspiring ideas, training and resources for early learning.

DIY Recycled Pallet Projects for Kids!

by 18 Comments

As His Patient Self headed off on the weekend to pick up some more pallets it occurred to me that they really have been the starting point for many of our projects.

I know there are many readers of this blog who also love to use recycled materials…especially in projects for the kids so I have rounded up 11 of my favourites to share again with you!

Pallet timber is usually not as strong or weatherproof as the wood you would specifically buy for your DIY projects but it is a budget option and with a little work put in at the beginning to pull apart the pallets and a little imagination and creativity you have a very thrifty building material and resource!
You can usually get pallets for free by asking at the warehouses and shops in your industrial estate. Many will happily give them away although others do keep reusing them…just keep asking!
If you aren't sure where to start with taking apart the pallets this video might prove helpful…especially with not splitting your boards as you want to be able to keep as many as possible!
The project below is my absolute favourite so far…the toddler twosome continue to play with it everyday and it is holding up well in the weather! Only took an afternoon to construct and cost nothing!


PALLET SAND KITCHEN

Easy Pallet Sand Kitchen Fun - Mummy Musings & Mayhem
Here are 10 more ideas to get you inspired to find that free pallet next weekend…
 

MAKE SOME BED SLATS

Easy pallet bed slats
Make a planter fence with the kids and let them take care of the plants each day…
There are so many ways you can use them around the house as balance boards (click photos for more details)

Think outside the box a little and use them as play prompts…..

They are also useful in the garden and these compost bins have helped teach the toddler twosome all about composting and then using it in our vegie patch…they love to weed and fill it up!

A little recycled fun for the outdoor play area…
DIY Outdoor blackboard
And a truly budget solution when we needed to keep small wandering toddlers safe but didn't have the money for more fencing!
A little shadecloth over them prevents climbing getaways and they make lovely farmyard type gates too!
Don't just use the pallet boards…why not use the noggins as well to make some….
Fantastic to use as loose parts in block play….
Or as…..

 

Have you made a project with pallets? I'd love to see it so be sure to leave your blog link or idea in the comments below!

Want to know more about how to use pallets? Ask a question below and I'll try my best to answer!

Have a great week all….remember to look around you and see what recycled magic might be found!


Comments

  1. Penny says

    I thought perhaps you’d taken a whole bunch of ideas from the web and stuck them in here but no, you’re amazing, all those ideas are your own. Brilliant! Seriously Jode. I wish I’d been born in your womb! lol

    Reply

  14. Bekka Joy says

    LOVE!! There’s a carpet store near us that has a big pile of pallets free to good home! 🙂 This is basically my to do list all in one place as I’ve envied your amazing pallet creations!! 🙂 Thanks for the great collaborative post… pinning it to a few boards now! 🙂

    Reply

  15. Elise Ellerman says

    I love this – one resource and you have found so many creative uses for it. This is such an inspiring post. Your sand kitchen and planter fence are my favourites. Elise @ Creative Play Central

    Reply

  16. Amie M says

    Great post, Jode! How is the family daycare going? You must be rushed off your feet but I bet everyone is having a fantastic time. Don’t stress about not posting, there’s so much I can go back and catch up on here on your site! Priorise, the kids during the day, Jode at night and maybe blogging somewhere further down the list. You’ll find your rhythm 🙂 xo

    Reply

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