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.
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LEGO Challenge Disaster Island
This creative LEGO game challenges players to build an island, then add to that island in response to a variety of "disasters." For example, an imminent zombie invasion means they would need to build a defensive shelter, or a sinking island means finding a way to get to higher ground. You can find a bunch of challenge ideas, including a link to the printable, on The Lego Librarian blog.
LEGO Marble Run
Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls has so many cool ideas for LEGO builds, projects and activities, like this tutorial for making a marble run out of LEGO bricks. The cool thing is that she provides plenty of helpful tips and ideas for how to make it, along with photos of the one she built, but does NOT give you step by step instructions to build it exactly the same way. That way, kids can enjoy the challenge of a making their own unique and creative LEGO build.
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.
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.