Nature is the ultimate playground for kids, brimming with inspiration and creativity just waiting to be unleashed. This list is all about outdoor craft activities that harness the beauty of nature while keeping little hands busy and imaginations soaring. Dust off those art supplies and grab your outdoor gear because crafting in the great outdoors is about to get exciting!
From leaf rubbings to painted rocks, your backyard, local park, or nature trail can become a canvas for whimsical creations. This collection of fun, easy, and engaging crafts will not only keep your kiddos entertained but also help them connect with the natural world around them.
Let’s journey through these 21 delightful activities that promise hours of fun and endless opportunities for exploration!
1. Nature Collage
Gather twigs, leaves, and flowers during a nature walk and create a stunning collage on sturdy paper. This craft encourages kids to explore their surroundings, appreciating the textures and colors of different natural elements, and it’s a great way to enhance their observational skills!
To start, equip each child with a small basket, like the kids craft basket, to collect their treasures. Once back home, discuss the various items they found. What colors do they see? What shapes can they identify? This prompts not only creativity but also critical thinking.
Use non-toxic glue sticks to secure the items to the paper. For added flair, let the kids use washable markers to create a border around their collage. Once done, hang their masterpieces on the wall or create a mini-exhibit on the fridge!
This activity nurtures a love for the outdoors while allowing kids to express their artistic side.
2. Rock Painting
Rock painting is a fun activity that can turn ordinary stones into extraordinary artwork! This craft encourages creativity and fine motor skills as kids use paintbrushes to bring their visions to life. Once the rocks are decorated, they can be placed in the garden or hidden around the neighborhood for others to find.
Start by selecting smooth, flat rocks—like the Simetufy 15 Pcs Rocks for Painting—these make the best canvases. Set up a painting station with outdoor safe paints, such as Crayola Washable Kids Paint, or markers, and let the kids’ imaginations run wild. Encourage them to paint animals, patterns, or even inspirational words.
After the paint dries, consider sealing the rocks with Mod Podge Spray Acrylic Sealer to protect them from the elements. This way, their art can be enjoyed for a long time! Plus, it’s a great way to share positivity in the neighborhood—imagine finding a cheerful rock while on a walk!
3. Leaf Rubbings
Leaf rubbings are a classic craft that’s as simple as it is delightful. Using crayons or pencils, kids can create beautiful impressions of leaves, showcasing the intricate details of nature. This is not just a craft, but also a wonderful way to learn about different leaf shapes and textures.
To create a leaf rubbing, start by collecting a variety of leaves with different shapes. Place a leaf under a sheet of paper, and using the side of a crayon, gently rub over the paper. Watch as the leaf’s veins and edges come to life! For this activity, consider using jumbo crayons, which are easy to hold and perfect for little hands. The 18 vibrant colors will help kids create vivid displays that capture the beauty of nature.
Once finished, kids can create a nature book where they can label each leaf and write a little about the type it came from. To ensure that there’s plenty of space for all their creations, a drawing paper pad with 50 sheets is ideal. This combination of art and science makes the activity not only entertaining but also educational!
4. DIY Bird Feeders
Encourage wildlife in your backyard by making DIY bird feeders! This hands-on project not only provides a home for your feathered friends but also teaches kids about caring for nature. With just a few simple materials, you can create a feeder that birds will flock to!
Gather some pine cones, peanut butter, and birdseed. Spread peanut butter over the pine cone and roll it in birdseed until well-coated. Then, tie a string to the top and hang it from a tree branch. It’s that easy!
To enhance your bird feeding experience, consider using a pine cone bird feeder kit. This feeder allows for easy setup and is designed to attract various birds. Additionally, you can stock up on bird food with birdseed mix for feeders, ensuring your feathered visitors have plenty to munch on.
Create a variety of feeders with different materials, like a simple toilet paper roll smeared with peanut butter and dipped in birdseed, or use empty milk cartons to create a hanging feeder. Kids will love watching birds come to visit, and to make the experience even more engaging, set up a birdwatching station equipped with nature observation binoculars for kids. These binoculars will help kids observe and learn about the different species that drop by, turning your backyard into a true nature playground.
5. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Transform a simple walk into an adventurous nature scavenger hunt! This engaging outdoor activity encourages exploration and promotes observation skills as kids search for specific items in nature. Create a checklist of things to find—like a pinecone, a feather, a smooth stone, or a certain type of flower. You can use the Hapinest Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt Card Game to easily organize your scavenger hunt. It provides a fun and interactive way for kids to keep track of what they need to find, making the adventure even more exciting.
Head to a local park or your backyard, and let the hunt begin! You can even theme the scavenger hunt based on colors or textures. To enhance the experience, consider including activities like examining butterflies or looking for different insects. A great addition to your outdoor adventure is the Kids’ Nature Exploration Kit, which comes with binoculars, a butterfly net, and a compass. This kit encourages curiosity and deeper engagement with the natural world.
Instead of collecting the found items, consider taking photos of each one. This way, kids can create a scrapbook of their adventure, documenting their finds and memories. The Bstorify Scrapbook Album provides a perfect way to preserve those special moments. The sense of achievement when they check off each item is exhilarating, and it fosters a deeper appreciation for the environment!
6. Mud Painting
Mud painting is all about getting messy and creative! This unique outdoor activity uses good ol’ nature to create art. Children can use different types of mud or clay to create textures and colors, inspiring them to think outside the box.
Set up an outdoor painting station with a variety of mud colors, brushes, and natural items to use as stamps. You can enhance this experience with non-toxic washable paints, which are perfect for kids and easy to clean up after a fun day outdoors. Let kids experiment with mixing mud with water, adding leaves for texture, or even using sticks to draw.
For those who want to add a sculpting element to their artwork, consider using natural clay for kids. This clay can be shaped and molded, allowing children to create three-dimensional art that complements their mud paintings.
Make it educational by discussing the different colors of mud and where they come from. Once their masterpieces are done, let the paintings dry in the sun. They can even use these pieces as natural decorations in the garden, blending art and nature beautifully. If the kids want to continue their artistic adventures, they can also explore the outdoor art supplies kit, which includes everything they need to paint and decorate rocks, adding another creative outlet to their outdoor play.
7. Flower Pressing
Bring the beauty of flowers indoors by pressing them! This lovely craft captures nature’s fleeting beauty and teaches kids about patience and preservation. Flower pressing can be done with fresh blooms collected during a nature walk.
Select flowers of various shapes and colors, then lay them flat between parchment paper. A great option is Amazon Basics parchment paper, which is perfect for keeping your flowers safe during the pressing process. Press them between heavy books or use a flower press, like the Aboofx flower press kit, for a more professional finish. After a few weeks, kids can reveal their perfectly preserved pieces!
Use the pressed flowers to create bookmarks, greeting cards, or framed art. This not only encourages creativity but also appreciation for the floral wonders all around us. Plus, it’s a beautiful way to remember special moments, like a family picnic or a stroll through a garden.
8. Nature Bracelets
Nature bracelets are a fun way for kids to bring a piece of nature home with them! Using a simple strip of tape, children can collect small flowers, leaves, or even seeds and stick them onto their wrist for a wearable piece of art.
Start with a long piece of painter’s tape, sticky side out, and let kids stroll through the garden or park, gathering natural items along the way. This tape is perfect for the activity because it’s easy to use and leaves no residue, making clean-up hassle-free. Kids can create patterns or just stick on whatever catches their eye. It’s a fantastic way to encourage creativity and appreciation for nature’s beauty.
To enhance their exploration, consider using a nature exploration kit. This kit includes essential tools like binoculars and a bug catcher, which can help kids observe their surroundings and discover new plants and wildlife. After they’re done with the nature bracelets, take photos of their creations to remember the colors and textures of their discoveries. Nature bracelets can also spark discussions about different plants and wildlife, making it both a fun activity and a learning experience.
9. Pinecone Creatures
Turn simple pinecones into adorable creatures with a bit of creativity! This fun craft invites kids to use their imagination, transforming nature’s treasures into whimsical characters. Gather pinecones from your yard or park, and provide some essential crafting materials to bring their ideas to life.
Using googly eyes assortment, kids can easily give their pinecone creations personality and expression. These self-adhesive eyes make it simple to add character without any mess. To enhance their creatures further, grab a pack of pipe cleaners variety pack. With an array of colors, kids can create whimsical features like legs, antennae, or even wings, fostering endless creativity and imaginative play.
Don’t forget to use non-toxic craft glue to securely attach all the fun elements. This easy-to-use glue ensures that all the parts stick together well, allowing kids to focus on storytelling as they come up with unique names and backstories for their pinecone creatures.
Create a whole family of pinecone critters and have a little “pinecone parade” in the backyard! It’s a delightful way for kids to share their creations with family and friends while promoting teamwork and collaboration.
10. Nature-Inspired Poetry
Combine creativity with literacy by encouraging kids to write nature-inspired poetry! Take a stroll and observe the sights, sounds, and feelings of nature. Once back home, invite them to write a poem based on their observations, blending art and literature beautifully.
To enhance this experience, consider using a nature journal for kids. This journal provides a perfect space for them to jot down their thoughts and reflections inspired by their outdoor adventures. They can use their nature finds as inspiration, jotting down words that come to mind as they reflect on their experiences.
Additionally, a set of colored pencils can be a great addition, allowing children to add color and creativity to their poems or illustrations. Whether they’re coloring in their journal or creating decorative borders for their poetry, these pencils can help nurture their artistic skills alongside their writing abilities.
Consider hosting a nature poetry reading where kids can share their creations. To make the presentations even more visually appealing, they can decorate their poems with elements from nature or with a craft paper pad. This pad offers colorful and decorative options for embellishing their work, making their poetry not only a written expression but a visual masterpiece as well.
This poetic project not only nurtures their writing skills but also enhances their connection to the environment in a fun and creative way.
11. Cloud Watching Art
Cloud watching is a serene and creative way to experience nature. Kids can lie on the grass and observe the shapes and movements of clouds, drawing inspiration from their imagination. Encourage them to sketch what they see or create stories about the shapes they identify.
To enhance this crafting experience, consider using a watercolor paint set that offers 50 vibrant colors, perfect for depicting the various shades of the sky and clouds. This set, which includes a detail paintbrush, makes it easy for kids to express their artistic interpretations.
Alternatively, providing an artecho oil pastels set of 48 colors can add depth to their artwork. These soft pastels are great for blending and can help children create beautiful, textured representations of the clouds they observe.
Don’t forget to equip them with a sketchbook for kids. With 100 sheets of quality drawing paper, this spiral-bound pad is perfect for capturing their imaginative sketches and stories.
It’s a peaceful activity that promotes relaxation and mindfulness while allowing for open-ended creative expression. As they note the different types of clouds they observe, take the opportunity to discuss how weather works. This merges art with science perfectly, making the experience not just creative, but educational as well!
12. Seed Bombs
Let’s turn waste into vibrant life with seed bombs! Using clay, compost, and wildflower seeds, kids can create small spheres that—when tossed into the soil—sprout into beautiful plants. This eco-friendly craft is not only fun but also teaches kids about gardening and plant life.
To make seed bombs, mix clay, compost, and seeds in equal parts, rolling them into balls. A great starting point is the Seed Bomb Making Kit, which makes over 200 seed balls and provides an easy way to get the necessary materials. Once they have dried, kids can toss them in any bare area to create a natural garden. This activity promotes a sense of responsibility toward the environment as they nurture their seed bombs into blooming plants.
To enhance their gardening experience, consider providing them with tools like the Gardening Tools for Kids. This set includes a spade, watering can, rake, fork, trowel, and gloves, making it easier for kids to care for their new plants as they grow.
Additionally, for the seed bombs, you can use various seeds to ensure a colorful display. The Wildflower Seed Packets offer 18 varieties of non-GMO flower seeds, perfect for attracting pollinators and enhancing the beauty of their garden.
Encourage kids to keep track of where they planted their seed bombs and observe the growth over time. This brings excitement as they wait to see the fruits of their labor!
13. Nature Art Gallery
Create a nature art gallery right in your backyard! Engage kids in making various nature-inspired artworks—from leaf paintings to stone sculptures—and then showcase them in an outdoor exhibit. This craft allows for creativity, teamwork, and a sense of achievement.
Start by collecting materials and let kids choose what art pieces they’d like to create. To make the experience even more enjoyable, consider using a kids’ art smock to keep their clothes clean while they work on their masterpieces. Once their art is ready, set up a gallery space with some outdoor display clips for art to easily hang their works. These clips are perfect for creating an organized display and will hold everything securely.
Invite family and friends to view the exhibit, making it a special event. Discuss the inspiration behind each piece, encouraging kids to share their thoughts and feelings about their creations. This adds depth to the experience and fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment. For an extra touch, you can incorporate a nature craft kit for kids to create unique lanterns that can illuminate the gallery in the evening, bringing a magical ambiance to the event.
14. Kite Making and Flying
What’s better than flying a kite on a sunny day? Making your own, of course! Kite making is an exciting outdoor craft that combines engineering with creativity. Kids can design their own kites using lightweight materials like paper, string, and bamboo sticks.
To make the process easier, consider using a kite making kit, which includes everything needed to create a DIY kite. Starting with simple shapes—diamonds or triangles—kids can decorate their kites with an acrylic paint set that features 16 vibrant colors. Once they’ve assembled their kites, head outside to test them out! It’s a thrilling experience to see their designs take to the sky.
Additionally, using bamboo sticks for crafts provides the perfect structure to support their creations. Discuss how wind and aerodynamics work, making it a fun physics lesson as well. Celebrate their achievements by hosting a kite-flying contest, creating a fun and competitive spirit while enjoying the great outdoors.
15. Nature Wind Chimes
Get ready for a creative twist with nature wind chimes! This unique outdoor craft combines sound, art, and nature beautifully. Using twigs, shells, and other natural materials, kids can design their own wind chimes to hang around the garden.
Begin by gathering materials like sticks, stones, and beads. You can make this process even easier with the Nature Wind Chime Kit, which requires no tools and is perfect for kids aged 5 and up. Using string, tie the gathered materials together to create a chime that gently sways in the breeze. Encourage kids to personalize their creations with paint or by adding collected shells.
For additional decorative elements, consider incorporating feathers from the Natural Craft Supplies Set. This set includes assorted natural feathers that can add a colorful touch to the wind chimes.
Once the wind chimes are complete, hang them in a spot where they can catch the wind and listen to the soft sounds they create. This activity connects kids to their environment while fostering creativity—making it a true sensory experience! If kids enjoy painting, you might also want to explore the Kids’ Paint Set for Outdoor Projects, which can inspire further artistic endeavors in the garden.
16. Nature Journaling
Nature journaling is a fantastic way to blend writing, drawing, and exploration. Equip kids with notebooks and colors, like a nature journal for kids, and encourage them to document their findings in nature. They can sketch plants, write about animals they see, or reflect on the feelings nature evokes in them.
This craft promotes mindfulness and observation skills, allowing kids to reconnect with their surroundings. Journaling can be done during a nature walk or at the park, capturing moments of discovery.
To enrich their experience, provide quality supplies such as a colored pencils set for vibrant illustrations or a watercolor paint set for more expressive artwork. Create prompts for them to explore their thoughts and feelings, like “What makes you feel happy in nature?” This introspective activity nurtures creativity and promotes emotional expression, making it a wonderful experience.
17. DIY Garden Gnomes
Let the crafting magic begin with DIY garden gnomes! Using stones, old pots, or fabric scraps, kids can create whimsical fairy tale figures to decorate the garden. This craft invites imagination and adds a personal touch to your outdoor space.
Start with simple materials like painted stones for gnome faces—consider using Acrylic Paint Set for Kids to provide a vibrant palette of colors. These 16 assorted matte shades make it easy for kids to bring their gnomes to life. Alternatively, use garden pots to create the bodies of the gnomes. The Garden Pots for Crafting kit comes with everything needed to start their gnome-making adventure and encourages hands-on learning.
Kids can paint, glue, and accessorize their creations. A reliable adhesive is essential, so stock up on Craft Glue for Kids, which dries clear and safely holds all their materials together.
Watch as they create backstories for their garden friends, integrating storytelling with art. Have the gnomes guard their favorite plants! This adds an element of fun and imagination while encouraging kids to take care of their garden. It’s a perfect blend of creativity and responsibility.
18. Firefly Jars
Capture the magic of fireflies with charming firefly jars! This enchanting craft allows kids to create glowing lanterns using mason jars and battery-operated twinkle lights, simulating the wonder of fireflies. It’s a delightful way to celebrate summer nights and the beauty of nature.
Start by filling the mason jars with battery-operated twinkle lights or glow sticks from a glow stick party pack. Kids can personalize the outsides with natural elements like leaves or paint. When the evening falls, they can carry their jars during night walks, collecting memories that shine brightly.
This project also provides a great opportunity to discuss the importance of fireflies in nature and their contribution to the ecosystem. This not only makes the craft fun but educational, fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife.
19. Nature Suncatchers
Brighten up your home with beautiful nature suncatchers! Using clear contact paper and natural items, kids can create stunning pieces that catch the sunlight beautifully. Gather leaves, flowers, or even bits of grass, and arrange them on the sticky surface of the contact paper. After arranging, simply cover it with a second sheet of contact paper to seal the natural elements in place.
Once finished, hang them in windows to see the colors shine! This craft not only beautifies your space but also encourages kids to explore outdoors in search of their favorite natural elements.
For an added touch, consider incorporating window suncatcher paints to embellish the suncatchers even further. Kids can use the vibrant colors to paint on the contact paper, adding a personal flair to their creations.
Encourage them to create seasonal suncatchers, showcasing flowers in spring, leaves in fall, or snowflakes in winter. It’s a wonderful way to appreciate the changing seasons!
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive project, a nature craft kit can also be a fun option. This kit includes everything needed to make a nature lantern with a tea light, bringing even more elements of nature indoors.
This craft activity is a delightful way for kids to blend creativity with exploration while enjoying the beauty nature has to offer!
20. Nature String Art
Combine art with fine motor skills through nature string art! Kids can use natural materials, like sticks and twine, to create beautiful artworks that reflect their surroundings. This unique craft encourages exploration and creativity while developing hand-eye coordination.
Start by gathering sticks of various lengths, which can be easily supplemented with wooden craft sticks for additional shapes and structures. Kids can arrange these sticks into shapes or letters on a sturdy base. Using natural twine, they can wrap and connect the sticks, creating stunning patterns. This not only promotes creativity but also teaches them about structure and design.
To further enhance their artistic journey, consider providing them with an art supply set, like the Crayola inspiration art case, which includes a variety of coloring materials. This will allow them to add colorful details to their creations.
Hang their creations in the garden or at home as a reminder of their artistic endeavors. It adds a unique touch to any space while celebrating their handiwork.
21. Nature Puzzles
Create your own nature puzzles using collected materials! This fun craft combines problem-solving with creativity. Kids can use leaves, stones, or pieces of wood to design puzzle pieces for a unique and natural experience.
Start with a sturdy board as the base, and let kids arrange and glue their collected items into a fun shape. For this, craft glue for kids is perfect, as it provides a strong hold for all the natural materials they’ll use. Once dry, they can cut around the edges to create their own puzzles. This hands-on activity not only promotes creativity but also encourages critical thinking and teamwork as they share their puzzles with friends or family.
Organize a puzzle exchange where kids can swap their creations! It’s a fun way to celebrate each other’s unique art while enjoying the outdoors. To make the experience even more engaging, consider incorporating a nature craft kit for additional crafting inspiration. This kit can spark new ideas and make the activity even more magical. This adds a playful twist to an age-old game, bringing nature into the mix.
Conclusion
These 21 outdoor craft activities invite kids to explore, create, and connect with nature in fun and imaginative ways. By engaging with their environment, children not only develop a love for the outdoors but also enhance their creativity and appreciation for the world around them.
So, gather your supplies, head outside, and let the crafting adventure begin! Whether it’s building something from scratch or discovering new artistic expressions, the great outdoors is filled with endless possibilities.
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