There’s something wonderfully magical about a scarecrow standing proudly in the garden especially when it’s made by little hands using clothes they’ve lovingly grown out of. 🌻
Not only is it a fun, creative afternoon activity, it’s also a beautiful way to reuse old clothes, spark imagination, and get kids feeling connected to the garden.
Welcome to one of our favourite gardening with kids projects: making your very own family scarecrow.
Why Kids Love Making Scarecrows
Scarecrows aren’t just garden helpers they’re characters, friends, and sometimes even named members of the family! For kids, this project is all about:
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🎨 Creativity – choosing outfits, faces, and personalities
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🌱 Connection – spending time outdoors and caring for the garden
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♻️ Reuse & sustainability – giving old clothes a brand-new purpose
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🧠 Imagination – turning “grown-out-of” into something magical
Plus, it’s hands-on, screen-free fun that suits a wide range of ages.
What You’ll Need (Nothing Fancy!)
Chances are, you already have most of this at home:
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Old clothes your kids have outgrown (shirts, pants, dresses, hats)
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A sturdy stick, bamboo stake, or old broom handle
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String, twine, or garden ties
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Straw, dried grass, leaves or even scrunched newspaper
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A pillowcase or fabric bag for the head
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Permanent markers, buttons, or fabric scraps for the face
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A sense of fun 😊
How to Make Your Scarecrow (Kid-Friendly Steps)
1. Build the body
Create a simple cross shape using your main stake and a shorter stick for arms. Secure tightly with string.
2. Dress your scarecrow
Let the kids choose the outfit! Slide the shirt over the top and pants over the bottom just like getting dressed in the morning.
3. Stuff it full of personality
Fill the clothes with straw, leaves, or newspaper. This is a great sensory activity for little ones.
4. Create the face
Use a pillowcase or fabric bag for the head. Draw on a smile, add button eyes, freckles, or even rosy cheeks.
5. Add the finishing touches
Pop on a hat, tie a scarf around the neck, or give it gloves. Encourage kids to name their scarecrow it makes it feel extra special.
Make It a Memory, Not Just a Craft 💛
This activity is about more than the finished scarecrow. It’s about laughter, teamwork, muddy fingers, and slowing down together. Some families even remake their scarecrow each season using new outgrown clothes a sweet tradition that grows as your kids do.
Take photos, let the kids tell stories about their scarecrow, and place it somewhere special in the garden where it can “watch over” their plants.
A Gentle Lesson in Growing & Letting Go
Using old clothes teaches kids that just because something no longer fits, doesn’t mean it’s finished. It’s a lovely, age-appropriate way to talk about reuse, caring for the planet, and finding joy in simple things.
And who knows? That cheerful scarecrow might just become the most loved character in your garden. 🌼
Happy gardening (and crafting!) with your little helpers helping everyone grow, in more ways than one. 🌱
