Solar Cockroaches, Water Rockets, and Pinhole Eyeglasses

If you’re bored and want something fun to do for a couple hours, the Instructables.com website has a ton of fun summer projects you can browse and try. Here are number of projects which might be fun to try and create.

First, definitely pay attention to one detail on their site, however. Each project has a main page with a somewhat hidden link to all the step by step instruction pages. Be sure to find the Steps button directly under the project title, next to the Download button.

The links at the bottom of the article also include search results for solar, pinhole camera, and other Instructables projects you might find fun and amusing. These all make great summer projects.

Pinhole Eyeglasses

This is the easiest place to start, and a good way to introduce a whole set of Instructables projects with pinhole cameras. You need glass frames, aluminum foil, and a pin.

Solar Cockroach v2.0

Made with a simple battery and small vibrating motor, this is both cute and creepy. Perhaps your friends will want one, too.

$3 Emergency Solar Radio

This project takes about an hour and gives you a simple radio you can use in emergencies like an earthquake or zombie apocalypse (assuming zombies haven’t eaten everybody at the radio station).

Digital Yahtzee

You have to have Excel spreadsheet software on your computer, and be willing to do light coding (with their instructions). But this is an interesting mix of game, software, and light coding.

Electric Cigar Box Guitar with Built-in Amp

If you don’t know, lots of people used to make guitars from cheap throw away items like cigar boxes, with steel strings from screen doors and other places. This project is more modern, and includes electricity, but you could adapt it easily if you want a non-electric guitar. Also note this is one of the more complicated projects. However, it might be fun to build your own hand made guitar.

Rubber Band Harmonica

If you don’t have the parts or money for a cigar box electric guitar, or you’re lazy, this is an easier way to get a musical instrument to play.

Water Rocket Launcher

This looks like a family or small group activity although one person could do everything with enough time. You’ll need a 32 ounce water bottle, PVC pipe, and other items, plus time and patience. But you can get wet and the rocket does launch.

Learn More

Brown Dog Gadgets

Two projects (Solar Radio, Cockroach v2.0) from the person who runs this website with more projects, parts, and guides.
http://www.browndoggadgets.com/