18 LEGO Build Ideas for When You Hit a Brick Wall

Got a lot of mismatched LEGOs lying around, just waiting for a fun LEGO build idea to give them renewed life? We see you. We are you!

That’s why we’ve created this dynamic, community-curated list of LEGO building ideas using bricks you (probably) already have. So we can all get those bricks out from under foot, and back into an awesome LEGO build where they belong!

Browse these LEGO project ideas recommended by fellow parents, and add a link to any your kids have enjoyed to help grow the list. Be sure to check out other building toys our kids have loved, if you're looking for additional inspiration!

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    DIY LEGO Chess Board & Pieces

    Make your own chess board using flat LEGO bricks, and mix & match characters (or other LEGOs!) for the pieces. This LEGO project is very forgiving, with lots of room for creativity - as long as you have two noticeably different color themes, and enough pieces to serve as pawns, bishops, etc, you can successfully create and play a fun LEGO game of chess.

    LEGO Catapult

    This tutorial has a lot of wiggle room so you can use bricks you already have. Just add a rubber band, and let the catapulting fun begin!

    LEGO Tower

    Designed to look like the Eiffel Tower, this LEGO build incorporates mostly basic LEGO pieces, with a few more specialized pieces often found in Star Wars sets.

    LEGO Rainbow

    This easy LEGO build is bright, colorful, and uses basic bricks you probably already have - though you may need to be flexible with your color choices!

    Balloon-Powered LEGO Boat

    Mombrite has so many excellent LEGO building ideas which incorporate STEM challenges, and typically only use basic bricks most people already have in their collections. This balloon powered boat is simple, yet offers a creative way to play with LEGOs most kids would probably not come up with on their own.

    LEGO Balance Scale

    This LEGO Balance scale uses pieces from the Klutz Lego Chain Reactions Kit. And, while the set may not be part of everyone’s brick collection, it is a great and inexpensive addition for anyone who wants to build contraptions that move.

    LEGO Minecraft Pickaxe

    This Minecraft Pickaxe is to scale, and uses only basic bricks that most people already have.

    3D Pacman Ghosts

    These 3D Pacman ghosts are a fun LEGO build for those who appreciate the classic arcade game. Though most of the pieces are pretty common, it does require several bricks with studs, so make sure you have enough of those before beginning this LEGO project.

    Lovely LEGO Heart

    A cute and simple LEGO project with enough flexibility in the build instructions that most people can make some version of it with their existing LEGO collection.

    LEGO Heart

    A sweet and easy LEGO build that would also make cute Valentine favors for school.

    LEGO Ball

    A fun project on its own, but also great for incorporating into bigger LEGO building projects.

    LEGO Puppet Theater

    After completing this LEGO build, kids can use their creation to put on their own finger puppet shows.

    LEGO Candy Dispenser

    Who doesn't love candy dispensers? Make your own using this great LEGO build idea from Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls.

    LEGO Panda Bear

    This blog has so many great LEGO build ideas for kids, including a ton of adorable animals.

    Easy LEGO Castle

    Although castles are classic LEGO building ideas kids can make using their own imaginations, this video tutorial provides inspiration for those who need it.

Primary photo:   Scott McNiel on Pexels

Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.