As the frost of winter melts away and the first green shoots of spring appear, nature treats us to one of the most delightful sounds in the world: the cheerful chirping of baby birds. Hearing that “cheep-cheep” in the morning is the surest sign that warmer days are on the way.
But we don’t just have to wait for nature to come to us. February and March are significant months for our avian friends. With National Bird Feeding Month in February and Homes for Birds Week kicking off on February 10th, there is no better time to teach children about wildlife, nature, and creativity.
Whether you are looking to celebrate Responsible Pet Owners Month or simply want a fun rainy-day activity, we have compiled a list of 15 adorable birdhouse crafts for kids. These projects range from simple paper crafts for toddlers to functional upcycled feeders for older children.
Gather your cardboard, glue, and imagination—it’s time to build a neighborhood for the birds!
Why Birdhouse Crafts Are Great for Child Development
Before we dive into the glitter and glue, it is worth noting why these crafts are so beneficial.
- Environmental Awareness: It sparks conversations about local wildlife, migration, and habitat conservation.
- Recycling Skills: Many of these projects use upcycled materials like milk cartons and bottles, teaching kids that “trash” can become treasure.
- Fine Motor Skills: Cutting, painting, and gluing are excellent for strengthening hand muscles and coordination.
1. The Classic Milk Carton Bungalow
This is perhaps the most iconic kid’s craft of all time. It recycles waste and creates a sturdy structure.
What You Need: An empty milk or juice carton (thoroughly washed and dried), acrylic paint, scissors, and a wooden dowel. How to Make It: Cut a circular hole in the front of the carton about 3 inches from the bottom. Paint the entire carton in bright, spring colors. You can cut the top edges of the carton to form a slanted roof or leave it as is. Poke a small hole below the entrance and insert a wooden dowel or a twig for a perch. Tip: If hanging outside, coat with a waterproof varnish.
2. Popsicle Stick Cottage
A test of engineering and patience, this craft looks charmingly rustic.
What You Need: Jumbo craft sticks, wood glue, and paint. How to Make It: Lay several sticks side-by-side to create a floor. Build the walls by stacking sticks in a square formation (log cabin style), gluing them at the corners. Leave a gap in the front wall for the door. Create a triangular roof and glue it on top. Kids can paint individual sticks different colors for a rainbow house!
3. Upcycled Cardboard Box Mansion
Do you have small shipping boxes piling up? Turn them into a bird hotel.
What You Need: Small cardboard box, patterned paper (scrapbook paper), glue, and buttons. How to Make It: Seal the box shut. Cut a door hole in the center. Cover the box in beautiful patterned paper or let the kids paint it. Fold a piece of cardboard in half to make a V-shape roof and glue it to the top. Decorate the rim of the roof with buttons or sequins for extra flair.
4. Clay Birdhouse Bookmarks
Not all birdhouses need to be 3D! This is a functional gift for the bookworms in the family.
What You Need: Polymer clay (various colors) and a paperclip. How to Make It: Shape a small, flat birdhouse out of clay (think square body, triangle roof). Add a tiny clay bird. Press a large paperclip into the back of the clay structure or mold the clay around the top of the clip. Bake according to the clay package instructions. These make adorable gifts for teachers.
5. Matchbox Miniatures
These teeny-tiny houses are perfect for a fairy garden or a wall collage.
What You Need: Empty matchboxes, construction paper, and string. How to Make It: Wrap the matchbox sleeve in colored paper. Cut a tiny circle for the “entrance.” Use a contrasting color of paper to make a small roof. String several of them together vertically to create a mobile of tiny birdhouses. Note: These are strictly decorative!
6. Plastic Bottle Bird Feeder
A functional craft that brings real birds to your yard.
What You Need: A clean 2-liter plastic bottle, two wooden spoons, birdseed, and wire. How to Make It: Cut small holes on opposite sides of the bottle. Slide the wooden spoons through so the bowl of the spoon catches the seeds. Fill the bottle with birdseed and hang it from a tree. The birds can sit on the spoon handle and eat from the spoon bowl!
7. Toilet Paper Roll Tree Ornaments
A simple indoor decoration that creates a festive spring atmosphere.
What You Need: Toilet paper rolls, cupcake liners, and paint. How to Make It: Paint the toilet paper roll. Cut a hole in the center. For the roof, flatten a cupcake liner into a cone shape and glue it to the top of the roll. Paint a tiny bird on paper, cut it out, and glue it inside the hole so it looks like it’s peeking out.
8. 3D Construction Paper House
A geometry lesson disguised as a craft.
What You Need: Cardstock, ruler, scissors, and markers. How to Make It: Draw a template on cardstock (a square with four walls and tabs for gluing). Let the child color the walls with flowers, vines, and birds before assembling. Fold along the lines and glue the tabs to create a 3D paper house. This is great for refining scissor skills.
9. The Tin Can Wind Chime
Turn a soup can into a musical birdhouse.
What You Need: Clean tin can (edges taped for safety), acrylic paint, beads, string, and washers. How to Make It: Paint the can bright colors. Turn it upside down (so the open end faces down). Punch a hole in the center of the bottom. String beads and metal washers on several pieces of yarn and tie them to the bottom rim. Hang the whole structure up—it looks like a birdhouse but sounds like a wind chime!
10. Pinecone Snack House
While not a “house” with walls, this is the most popular treat for birds.
What You Need: Large pinecones, peanut butter (or sun butter), and birdseed. How to Make It: Tie a string around the top of the pinecone. Have the kids slather the pinecone in peanut butter. Roll the sticky pinecone in a bowl of birdseed until fully coated. Hang it outside and watch the birds feast!
11. LEGO Brick Birdhouse
For the kid who prefers building blocks over glue.
What You Need: A bin of LEGOs. How to Make It: Challenge your child to build a birdhouse structure. It must have a floor, walls, a roof, and a perch. This is a great STEM challenge. Bonus: You can change the design whenever you want!
12. Felt Wall Hanging
A soft, tactile craft perfect for bedroom decor.
What You Need: Felt sheets, fabric glue, and scissors. How to Make It: Cut a house shape out of stiff felt. Cut out felt flowers, a round door, and a felt bird. Layer the pieces and glue them down. Poke a hole in the top and add a ribbon to hang it on a doorknob or wall.
13. Acorn Cap Fairy Houses
A nature craft that requires a scavenger hunt first.
What You Need: Acorns, small twigs, moss, and glue. How to Make It: This is a collage craft. Draw a birdhouse on paper. Use real acorn caps to create the “roof” of the drawing. Use real twigs to frame the house. It’s a mix of drawing and 3D nature elements.
14. Painted Gourd House
A traditional method that lasts for years.
What You Need: Dried gourd (available at craft stores or farmers markets), outdoor paint, and a drill (adult use only). How to Make It: Drill a hole in the dried gourd. Let the kids paint flowers and patterns on the outside. Once dry, coat with a sealant. These are durable enough to be used by real birds (like wrens) in the garden.
15. Mason Jar Bird Feeder
A shabby-chic decoration for the patio.
What You Need: A mason jar, a chicken feeder base (fits onto standard jars), and twine. How to Make It: Decorate the glass jar with glass markers or leave it clear to see the seeds. Screw on the chicken feeder base. Flip it upside down and wrap twine around the jar to create a hanger. It’s a stylish way to feed the local flock.
Safety Tips for Birdhouse Crafting
When making these crafts, keep a few things in mind:
- Indoor vs. Outdoor: Most paper, cardboard, and felt crafts are for indoor decoration only. If you put them outside, they will disintegrate in the rain.
- Bird Safety: If you are making a functional house (like the gourd or milk carton) for real birds, do not put a perch on the front. Predators (like cats or larger birds) use perches to attack baby birds.
- Clean Materials: Always ensure milk cartons, bottles, and cans are thoroughly washed and have no sharp edges before giving them to children.
Conclusion
Spring is a time of renewal and energy, making it the perfect season to get creative. These 15 birdhouse crafts for kids offer a wonderful variety of textures, difficulty levels, and materials. Whether you are building a LEGO masterpiece or rolling a messy pinecone in seeds, you are helping your child connect with the natural world.