Nature provides endless craft supplies! Here are 30 nature crafts for kids you’ll want to try now. There are options for any time of year.
Getting kids outdoors can sometimes be difficult. The draw of technology seems to be getting greater and greater. If you want to get your kids away from their phones and video games, you should try some crafts.
These crafts I’ve found are not only fun to make, they require that kids get outside to collect craft supplies! Sneaky, right?
Finding Craft Supplies Outside
There are so many things you find outdoors that can be used to create crafts.
- Sticks, twigs, bark
- Leaves from trees, flowers, or other plants
- Pinecones, acorns, pine needles, propeller seeds
- Seashells, sand
- Stones, rocks, pebbles
- Fruit, nuts, seeds
- Snow
As you can see, you just need to look around you as you go for a walk and you will find items you can use in your crafts! Here are 30 ideas to get you inspired.
Go for a walk and try one or all of these fun nature crafts for kids. Then let me know what you think in the comments!
1
www.firefliesandmudpies.com
Bark Owls
Find out how easy it is for kids to make bark owls using found natural materials. Acorn caps are perfect owl eyes, don't you think?
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2
Pine Cone Christmas Trees
Learn how to make a pine cone tree with pom pom lights for Christmas! This is a perfect holiday craft for kids.
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3
thedecoratedcookie.com
Seashell Creatures
Use air-dry clay, shells, and paint to make these cute seashell creatures. A great summer shell craft for kids or grown-ups.
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4
Fall Garland
Learn how to make the easiest autumn garland EVER! This garland is done and on your mantel in three steps. This craft is more appropriate for older children, or at least requires supervision of younger children since they’ll be using a needle.
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5
rufflesandrainboots.com
Fairy Wishing Bottles
Add tiny found treasures from nature to a small bottle. Give them to a friend or keep them for your own wishes!
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6
modpodgerocksblog.com
Pretty Painted Acorns
Have the kids help with some fun decor. They can paint acorns and group them in a vase or bowl.
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7
www.funathomewithkids.com
Nature Wreath
Collect your favorite items from nature and make a wreath. This one is for fall, but you could make them any time of year. Your child will be thrilled to have their nature wreath displayed on the front door!
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8
www.easypeasyandfun.com
Fox Leaf
Just as this blogs name implies, this super cute leaf fox is easy peasy and fun to make!
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9
twokidsandacoupon.com
Paint With Snow
Did you know that you can paint with snow for a fun and easy twist on watercolor painting? Collect freshly fallen snow in a large bowl and have your child make snow paints for their art.
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10
modpodgerocksblog.com
Pressed Flower Art
Teach your kids how to press flowers and then use Mod Podge to create some beautiful framed art! The Mod Podge will keep them from crumbling and they'll last for years.
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11
www.redtedart.com
Conker Snake
Gather horse chestnuts (or conkers) to make this adorable snake. You'll have to add some holes, but the kids can do all of the rest. I love the tongue!
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12
hearthandvine.com
Nature Weaving
This is a fun craft idea for any age! Create a loom out of twigs and twine. Then weave in your favorite found items from nature.
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13
colormadehappy.com
Galaxy Shells
Turn your found shells into mini galaxies using alcohol inks and acrylic paint. No two shells will be the same!
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14
madeinapinch.com
Nature Mandala
Talk to your kids about mandalas and then have them create one of their own with found objects from nature. I love the way this turned out!
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15
Pinecone Turkey
Learn how to make a turkey pinecone in a few simple steps! This is a great Thanksgiving craft for kids.
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16
www.thecrafttrain.com
Garden Nature Art
Gather natural supplies from your garden and use them to create fun art. No need for glue, this is temporary outdoor art!
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17
www.dreamalittlebigger.com
Tie Dye Mushrooms
Create art in your yard! Turn mushrooms into things of beauty using food coloring and a spray bottle of water.
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18
www.printablesfairy.com
Leaf Suncatcher
For this suncatcher craft, you will use leaves to make leaves. Sounds odd, but you are just taking found leaves and layering them over a free printable with leaf shapes!
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19
kidsactivitiesblog.com
Butterfly Collage
Similar to the garden nature art from earlier, this butterfly is made using items found in your garden. This one is glued down so you can enjoy it a bit longer!
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20
growingfamily.co.uk
Make a Journey Stick
Take a nature walk and have kids create a journey stick to show everything you found on your walk. Kids will have tons of fun hunting for interesting finds!
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21
mamapapabubba.com
Leaf Crown
Collect some of your favorite leaves while out on a walk and make a fun crown from your findings!
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22
kidsactivitiesblog.com
Woodland Pinecone Fairy
Found pinecones and leaves get turned into pretty little fairies! You'll need a wooden bead for the head and some moss for the hair.
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23
craftsbyamanda.com
Acorn Frame
Use caps from acorns to cover a dollar store wood frame. Place one of your favorite fall images within, or add a fun free printable.
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24
happyhooligans.ca
Colorful Walking Sticks
Get kids more interested in hiking by having them find a walking stick and make their own with paint!
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25
www.fantasticfunandlearning.com
Winter Tree Art
This nature art project is not only fun, but also educational. Talk with your kids about how the trees change during the year as you make this pretty winter tree art.
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26
modpodgerocksblog.com
Rock Painting
Do you need rock painting ideas for spreading rock art around your neighborhood or for the Kindness Rocks Project? Here’s some easy stone painting inspiration and tips!
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27
www.pinkstripeysocks.com
Leaf Sewing
Gather some thick leaves to hole punch. Practice hand sewing and create your own stitched leaf art!
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28
www.livinglifeandlearning.com
Braided Flower Bracelets
Learn how to create your own braided flower bracelets! Wildflowers with long stems work best.
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29
www.funlittles.com
Propeller Seed Bugs
Some yards have tons of propeller seeds to play with! Get some sticks, googly eyes and a bit of clay to make all sorts of bugs with wings.
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30
happyhooligans.ca
Rainbow Wind Chimes
Find various sticks to sand down and paint in rainbow colors. Hang them together as a stick wind chime!
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If you enjoyed these nature crafts for kids, you should check out these other low cost crafts kids will enjoy: