I’ll be honest: just the thought of spending the summer in non-stop mom mode has me firing up my espresso machine. I am exhausted. After a hefty school year, it only feels right to simplify things this summer. With two kids underfoot, I have leaned hard on screen time, a swing set, and a ridiculously enormous bounce house to diffuse their boundless energy. But there’s something to be said for embracing the slow and simple, and this summer, that means doing lots of nature-inspired crafts with my kids.
Summer days should be full of creativity and fun. I want my little ones to expand their imaginations and explore the outdoors. To make that happen, I have compiled a list of 30 nature crafts for outdoor-loving kids—all simple, backyard activities you can do with a little creativity and supplies your kids can source in and around you home. These outdoor crafts for kids help promote STEM learning and fine motor skills, while getting your little ones off their screens and out into nature.
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Why Nature Crafts Are Great for Kids
Nature crafts are great for kids not only because they encourage creativity and sensory development, but because they promote outdoor exploration and environmental awareness, even in our youngest kiddos. In a world becoming more and more diluted with screens, it can be hard to get kids outside and moving, even on a nice summer day. Nature crafts offer a hands-on, engaging activity for kids of all ages that is sure to get them away from their screens and outside.
Plus, there’s so much for little ones to learn by playing outside! They can explore the different kinds of bugs and wildlife that live around their home, or learn the names of the trees that grow in their state. The opportunities are endless.
Supplies You’ll Need for Nature Crafts
Luckily for parents, most of the supplies for nature crafts can be found in one’s backyard: rocks, leaves, sticks, pinecones, and more. That being said, there are simple craft supplies you’ll want to have hand on for your kiddos once they get down to business:
- Scissors
- Glue
- Paint
- Twine
- Mason jars
- Recycled containers
- Paper or cardstock
Nature Crafts with Flowers
1. Flower Portraits
Nurture your kiddo’s flower child side with these delightful self-portraits made out of a variety of flower petals. Not only will they look pretty, but they’ll carry a nice smell, too.
2. Pressed Flower Resin Magnets
With a little adult supervision and guidance (OK, maybe a lot), kids can make these neat magnets with just a few ingredients and flowers collected in your yard or around your neighborhood. The result is a lovely (and practical!) summer keepsake your family will enjoy and (actually) use.
3. DIY Flower Press
When I was little, my grandma taught me that we could press flowers and save them by putting them in the pages of a big book. This craft takes that simply lovely idea a step further. This is guaranteed to be an art project you want to put on display.
4. Color-Changing Flowers
Nothing says ‘summer’ like a DIY science experiment. All this one takes is a few white daisies, some mason jars, water, and food coloring. Kiddos will be amazed at how the coloring in the water actually changes the hues of the flowers.
5. Pressed Flower Lanterns
Kids will love helping to make these lanterns! And for adults, they can double as backyard decor in the summertime, especially if you have any late-night bonfires or cookouts planned.
Nature Crafts with Leaves
6. Leaf Threading
This craft doubles as a minimalist garland and an easy activity to boost developing motor skills. Set your little one loose in the yard to collect twigs and an assortment of leaves. Add some twine, and you’re well on your way to watching your child dive into this beginner sewing lesson.
7. Painted Leaf Mobiles
Here’s a chance for kids to swirl up their favorite colors and display them proudly on a collection of leaves they have gathered. Beyond paint, they can jazz up their leaves with extra personality using glitter, feathers, and other lightweight glue-ons.
8. Leaf Painting
Some of the most fun nature crafts for kids—and crafts in general—involve getting creative with paint. Follow these instructions for adorable leaf paintings they’ll be so proud of.
9. Nature Sensory Bottles
Kiddos who love science will enjoy making these nature sensory bottles out of items found in the yard. All you need are some empty water bottles and whatever can be found in the great outdoors.
10. Leaf Hedgehogs
Aren’t these just so adorable? All your kiddos need to do is go outside and grab some leaves of their choice. Whether it’s midsummer or early fall—when the leaves start to change—this craft will turn out wonderful for your little ones.
Nature Crafts with Sticks and Pinecones
11. Stick Fairies
Encourage your child’s inner artist to take over with this simple yet highly-imaginative craft. With only a few backyard supplies, your little one will be creating their own fairy figures in no time. The best part? Each one is bound to be unique.
12. Stick Rafts
A craft that can double as a simple and friendly competition is the kind of craft we like! Little ones will love making and then racing their DIY rafts for a full afternoon of fun. Bonus: this is a great STEM craft.
13. Dragonfly Stick Craft
When I was little, I thought dragonflies were fascinating and beautiful. Needless to say, I would’ve loved this craft, and I know lots of little ones will too. They’ll have their very own dragonfly to put on display when they’re done.
14. Shimmering Fairy Wand
My kids have managed to make wands out of practically everything like bottle brushes, rulers, and spatulas. So, I’m confident that tasking them with creating their own sequined and sparkling wands with some outdoor supplies will be high on their summer to-do lists.
15. Garden Markers
Any little ones who enjoy helping out in the garden will love making these labels. With just popsicle sticks and some paint, they’ll be able to make garden markers for all the fruits, veggies, and flowers.
16. Nature Weaving Project
This is one of our favorite nature crafts because kids basically get to go on a treasure hunt before putting together all of their findings. The possibilities with this one are truly endless.
17. DIY Nature Stick Frame
This is such an adorable DIY activity to do with kids of all ages. Whether you’re at home or at your local park, you’ll be able to find some sticks, leaves, and wildflowers to use for your frame.
18. Pinecone Trees
While this fun nature craft can certainly be themed for Christmas, it doesn’t have to be a holiday exclusive craft. Just have your kiddos round up some pinecones and decorate as they please.
19. Pinecone Owls
I can’t be the only one who has a little kiddo in their life that goes a little cuckoo (or should I say, hoo-hoo) for owls. That’s why I was so excited to find these adorable pinecone owls—not only are they adorable and fun to make, I think they would make a great Christmas ornament as well!
Nature Crafts with Rocks
20. Mosaic Rock Heart
In my house, it may as well always be Valentine’s Day for the amount of heart-shaped crafting perpetually taking place. This project is an easy way to get your child totally invested in their artwork—and leave them with something adorable to display in the end.
21. Cactus Pet Rocks
Remember Pet Rocks?! Simply collect a few rocks, use Googly eyes and paint to decorate, and then glue these little cuties into mini Terracotta pots and you’ve got a set of adorable pals to hang out with at home all summer long.
22. Ladybug Tic Tac Toe
We can’t think of a single thing better than a craft that doubles as a game. Not only will kids love crafting this Tic Tac Toe set out of rocks, but they’ll want to play with it again and again.
23. Rock Pendants
With this craft, you can paint a rock of your choosing and then attach it to string to wear as a necklace. Kiddos who are obsessed with jewelry will love this activity.
24. Fairy Garden in a Jar
This may just be the easiest DIY fairy garden out there, especially since the “fairy house” is a painted rock of your choosing. Other than that, you’ll just need some sand or rocks, and some moss for decoration.
Nature Crafts for Wildlife Lovers
25. DIY Bug Observation Box
What better way for kids to befriend bugs and marvel at the unique lives they lead, than by creating a cozy and colorful home for them? These bug-friendly observation boxes have a spacious set-up and plenty of oxygen flow, where kids can decide to free their critters at any time.
26. DIY Bird Feeder
Invite feathered friends into your backyard with this easy homemade bird feeder. Children can do most of the work here with some help from an adult for the final assembling. Hang this one near a window to encourage your kids to get acquainted with the birds as they feast.
27. DIY Bee Bath
Bring bee friends to your yard or other outdoor space by creating a welcoming bee bath for them to cool off in. Besides, they’ll be much less likely to go in for the sting if they have a special bath calling their attention.
28. Milk Carton Birdhouse & Bird Feeder
Help the kiddos make their own bird feeders with these easy-to-follow instructions. They’ll love being able to design it however they want, and be excited every time they see a new flying friend use it.
29. DIY Butterfly Feeder
This craft is especially great for late summer, when Monarch butterflies are in the midst of their summer migration. By putting up these feeders, kiddos can help with butterfly conversation efforts and provide some much-needed food resources.
30. Bird’s Nest Helpers
These colorful bird helpers assist birds in finding what they need for their nests, especially in the wintertime. The helper is bound to draw lots of interesting birds to your backyard, for any kids (and adults) who like to watch wildlife from their home.
Nature Craft Ideas By Age
We know you may have a wide age range of kiddos at home, and some of the crafts on this list are better suited for certain age groups than others. Below, you’ll find our guide to the best nature crafts by age.
Best Nature Crafts for Toddlers (Ages 2-3)
The best nature crafts for toddlers include hands-on activities that aren’t overly complicated, but still develop fine motor skills and encourage outdoor exploration. Some of our favorites include:
Best Nature Crafts for Little Kids (Ages 4-7)
Once kids get to this age, you can step up their crafting game a bit, so long as there’s an adult around to help with the more complex activities. Some of our favorite nature crafts for little kids include:
Best Nature Crafts for Big Kids (Ages 8+)
For big kids, crafts that encourage creativity and exploration are still the go-to, but your kiddos will most likely be looking for something with a little more heavy lifting. They can handle it, and the payoff is worth it! Some of our favorites include:
FAQs
How do nature crafts help child development?
Nature crafts encourage creativity and sensory exploration while helping to develop fine motor skills and an interest in STEM. Outdoor crafts are also a great discussion starter for questions about wildlife and greenery—it’s an excellent learning opportunity!
What are good summer nature activities for kids?
Anything that gets kids outside and moving around is excellent summertime entertainment. Some of our favorite nature activities for kids include DIY bug observation boxes, DIY bird feeders, and simpler nature crafts like rock painting and stick fairies.
What natural materials can kids use for crafts?
Pretty much anything they want to! Just make sure they know if there’s any plants or bugs in the area around your home they should avoid. Here are some key supplies your kiddos can use:
- Rocks
- Sticks
- Pinecones
- Flowers
- Leaves
- Acorns
- Seed pods
Nature crafts are a go-to in my household for easy summer activities. They encourage outdoor exploration, creativity, and a love and appreciation for nature and wildlife. Make sure to save these nature crafts for kids to try out at home with your family!
Lizzie Goodman, Contributing Writer
Lizzie is an editor and writer specializing in pregnancy, child development, and parenting. She lives in Chicago with her husband and two young daughters in a funny old house filled with books.
Rebecca Smith, Editorial Assistant
As an Editorial Assistant, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented.
