30 Simple Homestead Tools That Help Kids Learn Real-Life Skills

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Homesteading with little ones underfoot? It’s a whole different kind of adventure! Whether it’s feeding chickens, cooking from scratch, homeschooling, or keeping up with the garden, it can all feel a bit chaotic—especially with kids in tow. But over the years, we’ve discovered some incredibly helpful tools that do more than just make life easier—they help our kids thrive.

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These 30 homestead tools have become staples in our daily rhythm, giving our children hands-on ways to learn real-life skills like responsibility, problem-solving, and hard work—while having fun and feeling like they’re truly part of it all.

And don’t click away just because you don’t live on a full-blown homestead! If you’re a mama who values getting your kids outside, teaching them practical life skills, or helping them connect with nature, this list is for you. Many of these tools work just as well in backyards, gardens, or any home that wants to raise capable, curious kids. I hope it blesses your family like it has mine!

Hands-On Learning: 30 Tools That Help Kids Thrive on the Homestead

These are the things we grab nearly every day—practical tools that are safe and useful even when little hands want to help.

1. Child-sized garden tools: this shovel is great for toddlers AND big kids. It’s very sturdy and durable.
2. 5-gallon buckets or smaller: My kids find a million uses for buckets. haha!
3. Wagon or garden cart: We have this Collapsable Wagon and it gets used all the time. It’s easy to pop into the car, too!
4. Headlamps or clip-on lights (especially for backyard camping, which we do alot!)
5. Heavy-duty gloves (kid + adult sizes): we like these gloves with rubber on them so hands are protected from spikey plants while weeding.
6. Muck boots for the whole family
7. Outdoor handwashing station: I simply have a foaming soap dispenser and a towel handy. They use the hose for water!
8. A kindling splitter – you seriously need one of these if you enjoy campfires or have a fireplace!
9. Stable wheelbarrow with dual wheels – disclaimer: We don’t have this yet, but it’s on my wish list!!

Chicken Coop & Animal Care (Family-Friendly Helpers)

Raising and enjoying animals is one of our kids’ favorite chores—and these simple tools make it more doable for everyone.

10. Egg collecting basket (or apron)
11. Feeder scoops
12. Window bird feeder – my kids LOVE to watch the birds.
13. Chicken treats! We buy these meal worms
14. Kid-size dustpan and broom

Kitchen Tools for Real Food & Real Learning

We’re always in the kitchen—baking, preserving, or just trying to get dinner on the table. These are our go-to tools that invite kids to help and learn.

15. Sturdy step stool
16. Manual food chopper or butter churn
17. Kid-safe knives and peelers
18. Reusable food storage like my beeswax food wraps! 🙂
19. Simple dehydrator – my kids love to put fruit in ours because it tastes like candy to them. And it teaches them how simple it can be to preserve food.
20. Family aprons (and grab a few kid’s chef’s hats for the giggles 🙂

Homeschool Meets Homestead: Learning Tools We Love

Homesteading is full of hands-on learning opportunities. These tools help us turn daily life into lesson they’ll remember.

21. Nature journals or sketchbooks
22. Backyard field guides – we like this set
23. Clipboards with storage + scavenger hunt printables
24. Watercolor sets for nature study
25. Bug catching kit

Comforts & Sanity Savers for Homestead Moms (and Kids!)

These may not be flashy, but they’re the things that help us stay sane, stay hydrated, and feel a little more human during long days outdoors.

26. Large waterproof outdoor blanket
27. My homemade tallow lotion (great for wind-chapped cheeks or tired mama hands)
28. DIY bug spray or salve – have the kids help make it!
29. A pitcher full of my homemade Gatorade – have the kids make it! This is our favorite pitcher to use. The kid’s think it’s so fun!
30. Silicone ice cube trays – essential for those hot days. Grab some fun shapes!

Real Life, Real Tools

Whether your little ones are helping gather eggs, digging in the garden, or learning right alongside you, these tools are more than just helpful—they’re opportunities for growth, connection, and lifelong skills. I hope this list inspires you to equip your kids in ways that make your homestead life smoother, more meaningful, and a whole lot more fun.

👉 Got a favorite product or tool your kids love using? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

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