Some days, you simply have to put the books aside and head outside. These nature crafts are the perfect accompaniment to a stroll in the great outdoors. Pick up the items you need, then make some amazing crafts for play or display!
1. Assemble a one-of-a-kind tree
Grab the free printable template at the link, then gather items on a nature walk to create unique trees like no one has ever seen before!
Learn more: Raising Hooks
2. Turn maple seeds into dragonflies
Even adults will want to get in on nature crafts like this one. Paint the maple seeds or leave them as they are to create these lovely little dragonflies.
Learn more: Buggy and Buddy
3. Display a bouquet of pine cone roses
Pine cones are pretty on their own, but this colorful project makes them even prettier to look at!
Learn more: Creative Green Living
4. Light up nature luminaries
Use clear contact paper to make these simple luminaries, perfect for a summer evening picnic.
Learn more: Kids Craft Room
5. Press flowers and leaves to make bookmarks
This is one of those nature crafts that makes a perfect gift. Learn how to make them at the link.
Learn more: Buggy and Buddy
6. Wear colorful marble acorn necklaces
How cool are these? Glue colorful marbles (bake them in the oven first to get the crackled appearance) to real acorn tops to make the most incredible necklaces.
Learn more: Rhythms of Play
7. Weave with natural objects
This nature craft gives kids some excellent fine motor skills practice, with cool results they’ll love to display.
Learn more: DIY Thought
8. Put together bark owls
You’re going to want to make a whole flock of these happy little bark owls! Use them for fall decor or turn them into holiday ornaments.
Learn more: Fireflies & Mud Pies
9. Test your memory
Take a nature walk and gather two of every item. Then place them into small boxes with lids, and play a game of memory. So fun!
Learn more: Rhythms of Play
10. Play a game of tic-tac-toe with rocks
Take this beloved game outside when you make a board and playing pieces with items found in nature.
Learn more: Run Wild My Child
11. Paint a portrait with leaves and flowers
We love the creativity this nature craft encourages. Kids can make their own portraits, or try to capture someone they know and love.
Learn more: Adventure in a Box
12. Spin some nature pinwheels
Grab some big leaves and turn them into clever little pinwheels. Learn how it’s done at the link.
Learn more: Mother Natured
13. Make your own natural paintbrushes
Turn items like pine needles and grasses into paintbrushes you can use to create other cool nature crafts. These are so much fun to experiment with.
Learn more: Apple Green Cottage
14. Hang pretty nature suncatchers
Let the sun shine through your collection of leaves and flowers, all displayed in mason jar rings. Hit the link to find out how to make your own.
Learn more: Hand On As We Grow
15. Spell your name with yarn-wrapped twigs
What a fun way to practice your ABCs! Wrap yarn around twigs to create a whole alphabet of letters.
Learn more: A Few Good Things
16. Imprint clay with items from nature
Press leaves, flowers, twigs, and more into clay to make intricate impressions. When the clay is dry, paint them for a finishing touch. This is another one of those nature crafts that makes a great gift.
Learn more: My Bright Ideas
17. Dress up in a nature bracelet
Some of the best nature crafts are so easy: Simply make a bracelet of masking tape, sticky side facing out. Then, stick flowers, leaves, berries, and more to it to make a stunning nature bracelet.
Learn more: Craft, Learn & Play
18. Print with leaves on rocks
Here’s another simple nature craft with cool results. Press leaves into paint, then use them to stamp impressions on flat rocks.
Learn more: Projects With Kids
19. Crown yourself the queen or king of nature
These nature crowns are perfect for imaginative play. Kids will love wearing them to rule the Tree Kingdom or Creekside Empire.
Learn more: Small Hands in the Big World
20. Play with stick fairies
How cute are these? Make a whole family of stick fairies and put on a puppet show about all their adventures.
Learn more: Mother Natured
21. Build fairy houses from rocks
Speaking of fairies, those little sprites are going to need a place to live! These adorable little houses will look terrific when scattered around the garden.
Learn more: Rhythms of Play
22. Display flowers in a twig vase
Give a tin can a makeover with this simple nature craft. Just glue twigs around the can to make a unique vase.
Learn more: Instrupix
23. Craft pine cone hedgehog friends
These colorful hedgies are fun for play or display. Kids will want to make an array!
Learn more: Parents.com
24. Find big leaves to make prints
Head outside and grab the biggest leaves you can find. Then, add a variety of paints to create brilliant multi-hued leaf prints.
Learn more: Kleas
25. Turn leaves into masks
Here’s another use for big leaves: Turn them into the coolest masks! Press and dry them, cut out eye holes, then paint in the details. Awesome!
Learn more: Babyccino
Love spending time outside? Check out this big list of outdoor science activities and experiments.
Plus, these scavenger hunts will keep kids busy indoors and out.
