Build It, Paint It, Plant It: 3 Weekend Projects to Do with Your Kids This Summer

Summer in Bastrop is more than just sunny skies and poolside afternoons—it’s the perfect time to slow down, unplug, and create something meaningful with your kids. At The Colony, where spacious backyards and strong community vibes set the tone for family living, weekends offer the perfect chance to bond through hands-on fun.

Whether you’re looking to spark creativity, encourage learning, or just enjoy time outdoors, these three easy weekend projects are sure to bring smiles and lasting memories.

Build It: Create a DIY Birdhouse or Backyard Fort

There’s something exciting about building something from scratch—especially when little hands help bring it to life. Building a simple wooden birdhouse is a great way to teach basic tool skills while connecting with nature. Kits are widely available at craft stores or online, making this project both kid-friendly and beginner-approved.

If you’re up for a bigger challenge, consider constructing a backyard fort or teepee using PVC pipes, blankets, and string lights. It doesn’t have to be complicated to be fun. The joy comes from working together, using imagination, and creating a space your kids can call their own.

As the final nail goes in or the last blanket is clipped in place, step back and admire the structure your family built—together.

Paint It: Turn Your Yard Into an Outdoor Art Studio

Creativity doesn’t need walls. With a few supplies and a patch of sunshine, your backyard can become the ultimate open-air art space. Break out the sidewalk chalk and let your kids create murals, hopscotch trails, or even a neighborhood “gallery walk” on the driveway. Or, set up an easel and canvas (or a piece of cardboard) and let your little artists paint under the big blue Texas sky.

Younger kids might enjoy using sponges or rollers, while older kids can experiment with watercolors or acrylics. Let them paint what they see, how they feel, or even create a masterpiece to hang in their room. Don’t worry about the mess—hose rinses are part of the fun!

The Colony’s peaceful, natural setting adds the perfect backdrop for a day of colorful creativity.

Plant It: Start a Mini Garden Together

Nothing teaches patience and wonder quite like gardening. Whether you’re planting a single pot or a corner of your yard, this is a perfect way to connect kids with the earth—and each other.

Start with something simple and sensory, like herbs, cherry tomatoes, or strawberries in containers. Let your kids pick their plants, decorate the pots, and write out plant markers. As days go by, they’ll love watering their mini garden and checking in to see what’s sprouting.

Want to take it a step further? Create a butterfly-friendly garden with plants like milkweed and lavender. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s also a great way to attract pollinators and teach your kids about the local ecosystem.

In The Colony, these little gardens can flourish right outside your back door!

More Than Projects—They’re Family Moments

These weekend activities aren’t just about building, painting, or planting—they’re about connecting. They’re about the giggles when paint gets messy, the concentration on your child’s face as they hammer a nail, or the delight of spotting a new sprout in the garden.

At The Colony, we believe in the power of these moments. Our community is designed for families who want more space, more nature, and more opportunities to grow—together.