30 Fun Nature Crafts for Kids

Nature crafts using found materials like flowers, leaves, rocks, and sticks are the perfect kids’ activity for the summertime.

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Spending sunny summer days outside means your kids are probably coming in with pockets full of stick, rocks, and other found treasures. After a day outdoors, turn some of those natural elements into craft projects! We collected 30 fun nature crafts for kids that use found items.

There’s something about nature crafts and art projects that brings out the creativity in kids. And even if you don’t live in an area where you can collect nature elements in your backyard, plan a family trip to a nearby park or visit a friend with a big backyard.

Pinecone bird feeder

Make a classic pinecone bird feeder following Red Ted Art’s instructions. Hang them outside a window where you can watch the birds all summer.

Leaf chalk art

Look how pretty this leaf chalk art from Arty Crafty Kids turned out! Have your kids decorate the leaves and then turn them into a garland to display around the house.

Nature mandalas

Mandalas are a popular mindfulness activity and they’re so soothing to make. Learn how to make nature mandalas from How We Learn.

Nature Faces

Forget selfies and make these precious nature faces with your kids. Happy Hooligans shares how to make these creative self-portraits.

Shell daisy

All those tiny shells collected at the beach are perfect for making this shell daisy art from Rhythms of Play.

Journey stick

Plan this fun family activity from Growing Family for your next camping trip or woodland hike. A journey stick is made from items you find along the path.

Marker leaf prints

Turn leaves of all shapes and sizes into stamps to make marker leaf prints inspired by Kitchen Table Classroom.

Art bugs

These art bugs at The Craft Train are pretty cute. Learn how to make them from found natural materials.

Clothespin paintbrushes

Collect leaves and stems in a variety of textures to use as clothespin paintbrushes. Martha Stewart has a fun way to use them to create all kinds of unique artwork.

Twig boats

Easy Peasy and Fun shares how to make twig boats with your kids. They can really sail on the water too.

Flower fairies

Flower fairies are a great open-ended activity that blends nature and art. See how Meaningful Mama set this one up.

Nature suncatcher

Make a nature suncatcher to hang in your windows for an easy way to bring nature indoors. Get tons of good tips and ideas from Messy Little Monsters.

Pinecone pet

Your child might’ve had a pet rock, but what about a pet pinecone? Blue Bear Wood shares how to make these cute critters.

Birds and nests

See how Kids Activities Blog turned a handful of sticks and pinecones into a cute bird and birds’ nest.

Campfire

This tiny campfire craft from Box of Ideas would be a fun addition to a dollhouse. Your kids will love playing pretend camping with their dolls.

Nature names

Art and writing combine with this simple nature names activity from Mrs. Jones’ Creation Station. This is a great activity for kids of all ages.

Felted acorns

Acorns are one of those items that you can often find in bulk. Gather a few handfuls from beneath a tree to make felted acorns like Ideas for the Home by Kenarry.

Nature pocket art

Take the kids on a walk and let them collect small found items in their pockets. When you get home, make this nature pocket art from 5 Minutes for Mom.

Butterflies

Visit Crafts on Sea to learn how to make this gorgeous butterfly craft project. Your kids will be able to create all kinds of shapes and designs.

Dandelion play dough

You have to see this dandelion play dough from Parenting Chaos. It’s the perfect thing to do when your kids bring you a bouquet of these bright yellow flowers.

Natural butterfly wings

Dress-up time just got even cuter with your child wearing a pair of natural butterfly wings. Learn how to make them at Family Days Tried and Tested.

Rock photo holder

Kids love making handmade gifts, like this rock photo holder from Buggy and Buddy. You could also use them to display your summer family photos.

Story stones

Add some story stones to your play ideas list for year-round fun. Learn how to make them from collected rocks at Homeschool Preschool.

Bark owl

Everyone loves owls. Make a whole family of bark owls using natural materials like Fireflies and Mud Pies.

Nature weaving

Make a simple weaving loom like Reading My Tea Leaves. Your kids can use it to weave all of their nature walk finding together.

Clay leaf prints

Leaves have really unique and interesting textures that will stand out when you make these clay leaf prints from The Imagination Tree.

Natural coloring

Learn how to do hapa zome, the Japanese art of naturally coloring fabric with leaves and flowers. Thimble and Twig makes this looks much less messy than dying.

Rock cactus

This painted rock cactus is much more kid-friendly than the real thing. Woo Jr. shares how to make this cute and colorful potted plant craft.

Mud bricks

Visit Education.com to discover how to make mud bricks. This messy fun activity is a good hands-on activity for kids who love learning about the pyramids.

Seashell fish

A trip to the beach isn’t complete without collecting a few shells. Turn your kids’ collection into a cute seashell fish from Crafts by Amanda.

We love getting out in nature and seeing what our kids can discover. It always leads to a fun learning experience. Spend the summertime making nature crafts with your kids as part of your backyard summer camp plan.

More fun ideas from Backyard Summer Camp:

• 12 Family Nature Walk Ideas
• 15 Mindfulness Activities for Kids and Families
• 10 Classic Jump Rope Songs for Kids