DLTK's Crafts for Kids
20 Delightful Nature-Inspired Crafts for Kids: Engaging Activities for the Whole Family

POSTED ON APRIL 23, 2023 BY LEANNE

Looking for fun, engaging, and eco-friendly crafts to keep your kids entertained and connected to nature? Look no further! I've gathered, remembered and reimagined 20 delightful nature-inspired crafts that are perfect for children and families. These easy and creative activities not only help your little ones explore and appreciate the beauty of the natural world, but also provide a fantastic opportunity to spend quality time together. So, gather your supplies, head outdoors, and let's get crafting!

1. Twig Picture Frames: Gather twigs and use them to create rustic picture frames. Glue the twigs together to form a square or rectangular frame, and then decorate with small leaves, flowers, or other natural embellishments.
2. Leaf Creatures: Use leaves, twigs, and other found items to create imaginative leaf creatures. Kids can glue the materials onto paper or cardboard, and then add details with markers or paint to bring their creations to life.
3. Nature Collage: Using found items such as leaves, flowers, seeds, twigs, bark and small stones, create a unique collage on paper or cardboard, showcasing the beauty of spring.
4. 
   Painted Rocks: Collect smooth rocks and paint them with spring-themed designs, such as flowers, butterflies, or birds. Display the painted rocks in the garden or use them as paperweights.
5. Pinecone Bird Feeders: Gather pinecones, spread them with peanut butter or honey, and roll them in birdseed. Hang the pinecone bird feeders in trees to attract and feed local birds.
6. Leaf Rubbings: Collect a variety of leaves, place them under a piece of paper, and use crayons or colored pencils to create beautiful leaf rubbing art.
7. Flower Pressing: Collect spring flowers and press them between sheets of paper or in a flower press. Once dried, use the pressed flowers to create bookmarks, cards, or framed art.
8. Seed Bombs: Make seed bombs using a mix of wildflower seeds, compost, and clay. Shape the mixture into small balls and let them dry. Kids can then toss the seed bombs into your garden to create a burst of colorful wildflowers. This works best on a big property.
9. Nature Mobiles: Create beautiful hanging mobiles using found items such as sticks, leaves, feathers, and flowers. Attach the items to a main branch or twig using string or yarn, and hang the mobile indoors or outdoors.
10. Twig Rafts: Construct miniature rafts using small twigs, tied together with twine or string. Add a small flag or sail made from leaves or fabric scraps. Kids can then race their rafts in a stream or pond.
11. Bark Boats: Use pieces of tree bark from a log (not from a living tree) as the base for small boats. Add a mast made from a twig, and a sail made from a leaf or fabric scrap. Test the boats in a nearby body of water or a container filled with water.
12. Nature Weaving: Create a nature loom using sticks and string or yarn. Weave in various natural materials like leaves, grass, flowers, and feathers to make a unique and colorful artwork.
13. Acorn Cap Necklaces: Collect acorn caps, paint or decorate them with small beads or gems, and attach a string or cord to create a charming necklace or keychain.
14. Leafy Suncatchers: Arrange colorful leaves or flower petals on a sheet of clear contact paper, then seal with another sheet of contact paper. Cut out shapes and hang the suncatchers in windows to catch the sunlight.
15. Fairy Houses: Build whimsical fairy houses using sticks, leaves, bark, stones, and other natural materials. Encourage kids to use their imagination and create a magical world for their imaginary fairy friends.
16. Stick Mazes: Use sticks, twigs, and other natural materials to design a maze on the ground or a large piece of cardboard. Kids can then use a small object, like a pebble or marble, to navigate through the maze.
17. Nature Mandala: Arrange found items such as stones, leaves, flowers, and twigs in a circular pattern on the ground or a large piece of paper, creating a beautiful and meditative nature mandala.
    
    Mandala coloring pages
18. Flower Crowns and Bracelets: Weave flowers and leaves together to create lovely flower crowns or bracelets, perfect for a spring celebration or a whimsical accessory.
19. Shell Wind Chimes: Collect shells or other natural items that make pleasant sounds, and string them together to create a calming wind chime to hang outdoors.
20. Nature Scavenger Hunt: Come up with a list of nature items to hunt for while going for a walk. Mark them off bingo card style or use your iphone to take a photo of each one you've found.
    • A seed or seedpod
    • A pinecone
    • A flower in bloom
    • A rock with a unique shape or pattern
    • A butterfly or moth
    • A feather
    • A tree with interesting bark
    • A body of water (pond, stream, lake, etc.)
    • A mushroom or fungus
    • A piece of litter to properly dispose of

I hope these 20 nature-inspired craft ideas inspire you and your family to embrace the beauty of the great outdoors and spend quality time together. They're an excellent way to encourage creativity, develop fine motor skills, and foster a love for nature in your little ones. Remember, the best part of crafting is the memories you create along the way, so grab your kids, head outside, and let the crafting adventures begin! Happy crafting!