Kids of any age love building. Whether it's a simple a tower from blocks or a complicated robot. I found some great building kits for kids that mostly use recyclable items, such as cans, plastic bottles to make robots, solar ovens, cardboard packaging to make a life size elephants.
Kids will have fun and at the same time they will explore a lot of science and engineering concepts. It's a perfect way to learn.
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Such a fun transformation where kids can turn a metal can into a walking, wobbling, bog-eyed robot that can move. It can be transformed to become a robotic monster too.
Perfect for 6-15 year old.

What a great way for kids to learn about green energy and learn how sunlight is converted to energy. Hands-on project.
Space Pod (from Makedo)
Make your own interplanetary space pod using cardboard and recycled household packaging!
24 months - 10 years
Use recycled cups, plastic bottles and household boxes to create your own friendly elephant!
3 years and up
What looks like an average coffee cup becomes an awesome animal with this all-inclusive kit. It comes with everything needed to make two Cup Critters, including 19 reusable parts so children can make other critters just from what's around them. The eco-friendly kit encourages children to think outside of the box and to turn already-used or discarded items into imaginative creations.
3 years and up
Assemble this robotic brush and let it clean up after you. The 4M Brush Robot is educational and fun! Set includes battery case with wires, wooden brush, paint brush, googly eyes, motor, a set of plastic mechanical parts and instructions.
Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Catch this Electric Dragster if you can! Develop your creative mind as you build this electric dragster with massive CD wheels. Re-uses everyday parts in fun and exciting ways. It was thoroughly researched and encourages young people to stretch their skills and thinking.
Recommended for 8 years and older due to small parts.
Observe and record the weather with your own multi-functional weather station. The kit features a wind vane, an anemometer, a thermometer and a rain gauge. Also experiment with the greenhouse effect and create a terrarium in a bottle.
Recommend for ages 8 years and up.
Elenco's Snap Circuits makes learning electronics easy and fun! Just follow the colorful pictures in the manual and build exciting projects such as AM radios, burglar alarms, doorbells and much more! You can even play electronic games with your friends.
Enjoy hours of educational fun while learning about electronics. Challenge young scientific minds with this Snap Circuits kit that lets you build an FM Radio. No tools required.
8 years and up
Another great kit that introduces kids to green concepts such as re-purposing, up-cycling and alternative energy.
Purify water or cook an egg using foiled cardboard and the power of the sun. Construction supplies and complete instructions included.
8 - 15 years
I hope some of these building kits for kids will inspire your children this summer to build something AWESOME!