Kids & Company Blog

7 Nature-Inspired Crafts That Help Kids Explore, Learn and Play

Looking for simple, screen-free ways to keep your child engaged and inspired this summer? Nature crafts are a fantastic way to combine fresh air, creativity, and learning, all while making lasting memories together. Whether you're exploring your backyard, a local park, or just your front porch, these fun DIY activities invite children to connect with the natural world through hands-on play. 

Here are five nature-inspired craft ideas that will inspire curiosity, imagination, and maybe a little bit of dirt under the fingernails (that’s part of the fun!).

 

 1. Grass Heads

Create a fun observation experiment for your child to learn how plants grow and drink up their water. Using a plastic see-through cup will help your child with their observations. Have your child decorate the outside of the cup to resemble a face - you can use stickers, googly eyes or markers. Then have your child fill up the cup halfway with soil. Sprinkle with grass seed and cover with more soil and water. Leave on a sunny porch and observe. Your child can give their grass heads a spring haircut when they get too long!

2. Playdough Prints

Take playdough outdoors for a sensory nature experience! Roll out a chunk of playdough and invite your child to press leaves, flowers, pinecones, or other textured nature finds into it. The impressions left behind are a fun way to explore different shapes and patterns. For an added twist, turn the prints into sculptures or pretend nature fossils.

3. Exploring Shadows 

This simple activity combines art and science. Head outside with paper, crayons or pencils, and a few small toys or nature items. Let your child place objects on the paper in the sunlight and trace the shadows they cast. It’s a fun way to learn about how light works, and it results in unique shadow drawings they can colour in afterward.

4. Sun Pictures

Explore the power of the sun and preserve the items gathered on your child's nature hike. Encourage your child to find special items with a variety of shapes. Lay out the pieces on top of a piece of construction paper and leave them in the sun for a few hours. Return to the picture after the sun has worked its magic and remove items to explore what the sun has left behind.

5.  Popsicle stick bird feeder

Help your child build a triangle or square frame using popsicle sticks. Then, brush the top surface with honey and sprinkle bird seed all over it. Hang it from a tree branch or balcony railing and watch the birds flock to their new snack station. It's a great way to introduce your child to the value of patience!

 

6. Spring Suncatcher

MacTac or contact paper is the secret ingredient to this beautiful nature craft. Head outside to collect flower petals, leaves, or other small natural treasures. Then, let your child stick them onto a sheet of MacTac. Cover with a second sheet to seal the artwork and hang in a sunny window. The light shining through will create a natural, glowing masterpiece!

7. Rock painting 

Turn an ordinary rock into a masterpiece! All you need are some smooth stones, non-toxic paint, and your child’s imagination. Try painting rock monsters with funny faces or create a whole family of animals, bugs, or magical creatures. These painted rocks can decorate your garden, front porch, or even be left on a trail as a cheerful surprise for other hikers.

 

Tips for Nature Crafting with Children:

• Always use non-toxic, eco-friendly materials when possible.

• Let your child lead the creative process, even if it gets messy!

• Use this as an opportunity to talk about seasons, habitats, and the importance of caring for the environment.

• Bring a bag for collecting nature items (and be mindful not to disturb living plants or wildlife).

These crafts are more than just fun, they're opportunities to slow down, connect with the natural world, and make memories together. So grab some supplies, head outside, and let the creativity flow!

For more nature craft ideas and outdoor activity inspiration, check out our Kidco At Home Resources HERE

 

Posted on: Friday May 30th, 2025

Posted by: Kids & Company