Turn the recycling box into a holiday of fun
JunkyCraft is a subscription full of science experiments and junk-modelling projects for children — built from bits you already have at home. Clear step-by-step instructions, matched to your child's age, with a picture and friendly audio narration for every step.
16+ projects across 13 categories · new ones every school holiday
What is JunkyCraft?
School holidays are long, and “I’m bored” comes around fast. JunkyCraft gives you a ready-made library of hands-on projects you can start in minutes — no planning, no big shopping trip, and nothing that ends up on a screen.
Every project is a mix of making and discovering: build a marble run from cardboard, erupt a kitchen volcano, spin a paper helicopter — and learn the little bit of science or engineering that makes it work. It’s designed for real family life, so projects are quick to set up, easy to tidy, and genuinely fun for grown-ups too.
16+
projects to try
13
categories
4–12
ages covered
20–45
minutes each
Meet your project buddies
Every project is hosted by one of our two young makers — they show you what to do and cheer you on the whole way.
What’s new
See all projects →The latest projects we’ve added.
How it works
From bored to building in four simple steps.
Step 1
Add your children
Create a quick profile for each child with their age, and we'll match projects to them — no more guessing what's too hard or too babyish.
Step 2
Pick a project
Browse by age, mess level and how much help is needed. Every project lists exactly what you need before you start.
Step 3
Make it together
Follow clear, numbered steps written for busy parents. Most projects use things you already have and take 20–45 minutes.
Step 4
Play it through
Play a project and every step is read aloud with its own picture — a friendly guided walkthrough, plus a plain-English note on the science or skill behind it.
What you’ll need
The whole point is that you can start today. Most projects use only things you already have — here’s the sort of kit that covers the vast majority of them.
Stuff from the recycling
Cardboard boxes, kitchen-roll tubes, plastic bottles, jars, egg cartons — the things most families already throw away.
Basic kitchen bits
Cupboard staples like bicarbonate of soda, vinegar, food colouring, salt and washing-up liquid. Nothing exotic.
A few craft basics
Scissors, sticky tape, glue and pens. Each project's list flags anything extra so there are no mid-project surprises.
A grown-up nearby
Every project shows a help level and clear safety notes, so you know when to supervise and when to let them lead.
Every project lists its exact materials and a mess level and help level, so you can pick one that suits the day.
A taste of what’s inside
See all projects →
Common questions
What ages is it for?
Projects run from age 4 up to 12. Add a profile for each child and the site filters to what fits them — younger ones get simpler builds, older ones get a bit more challenge and an extension idea.
Do I need to buy special equipment?
No. Almost everything comes from your recycling box and kitchen cupboards. Where a project needs something extra, it's listed up front so you can decide before you start.
Is it screen-free?
The making is completely hands-on and screen-free. Each project has clear step-by-step pictures and a friendly audio narration you can listen to as you go — then put the screen away and get making.
How often do new projects appear?
We add fresh projects around each school holiday, so there's always something new for the next break.
Can I cancel any time?
Yes. Start on the free plan with no card required, upgrade when you're ready, and change or cancel your plan whenever you like.
Contact us
Ready for a calmer holiday?
Sign up free, add your children, and have your first project on the go in minutes. Upgrade only when you want the full library.