Creative DIY Projects for Kids This Summer—Powered by Purpose at Goodwill Central Coast
Summer break brings with it a sense of freedom—and the need to keep children engaged, learning, and inspired. For families seeking screen-free, low-cost activities, Goodwill Central Coast provides a meaningful solution: affordable, creative resources that entertain children while supporting our mission to uplift lives through the power of work.
At Goodwill Central Coast, we believe that learning and creativity are for everyone. When you shop or donate with us, you contribute to a cycle of opportunity—supporting programs that help job seekers access training, develop workplace skills, and secure meaningful employment. Through secondhand shopping, you’re not just giving an item a second life—you’re giving someone in our community a second chance.
Explore these hands-on summer DIY ideas that use Goodwill finds to foster imagination and community impact:
1. No-Sew T-Shirt Tote Bags
Pick up graphic or colorful T-shirts from our clothing racks and transform them into easy tote bags for books, snacks, or toys. With just a pair of scissors and a little knotting, children can participate in making their own reusable bags—while learning about sustainability and creative reuse.
2. Create a Dress-Up Trunk for Pretend Play
The costume, children’s, and accessory sections at Goodwill are perfect for building an imaginative play wardrobe. From vintage hats and scarves to superhero capes and fun shoes, let kids mix and match to create their own characters. Pretend play encourages storytelling, social development, and confidence—all from items that may have otherwise gone to waste.
3. Puzzle Art Collage
Look for puzzles with missing pieces or low-cost options in our games section. Children can glue puzzle pieces onto cardboard, decorate with paint, or arrange them into new shapes and designs. Display their artwork at home or gift it to grandparents, teachers, or friends.
4. Chalkboard Baking Sheets
Buy a used cookie sheet and apply a few coats of chalkboard paint to turn it into a portable message board or drawing surface. Kids can use it for spelling practice, car rides, or creative play. Magnetic letters or lightweight cut-outs add even more educational fun.
5. Design a Backyard Reading Nook
Repurpose a small bookshelf, beanbags, or throw pillows found at Goodwill to create a cozy corner in your home or backyard. Add secondhand children’s books to build a library and encourage reading as a daily habit throughout the summer months.
These creative, hands-on projects show that meaningful family experiences don’t have to come with a high price tag. With the help of Goodwill Central Coast, you can provide children with enriching summer activities that are fun, educational, and socially responsible.
Each purchase and donation contributes to a larger purpose: funding local job training, education, and employment placement programs for individuals working to achieve independence and stability.
This summer, transform time at home into something greater. Explore the potential of reused materials, encourage lifelong learning, and take pride in knowing that every project supports real change across our community.
Visit www.ccgoodwill.org to find your local store or donation center, and make this summer a season of purpose, creativity, and opportunity.
