Crafts for kids inspired by nature

With a world of wonder just outside the door, you can harness kids’ creativity and curiosity through nature-inspired crafts. Simple backyard materials can turn into extraordinary projects that encourage hands-on learning. Try these fun, educational, free crafts for kids.

1. Indoor tree craft: Kickstart a scavenger hunt around your yard or a local park. Collect sticks, leaves, and any other intriguing natural items. Once you've gathered enough, transform the pieces into a unique indoor tree. On a large piece of paper, arrange the sticks as the trunk and branches, and use the leaves as foliage. Glue them in place, and you have a nature-inspired original artwork for your wall. 

2. Maple seed dragonflies: Maple seeds look like bird and helicopter wings. Challenge your kids to collect some, along with thin twigs, on your next walk. At home, assemble two maple seeds onto a twig using glue to form the wings and body of a dragonfly. Add some eyes, and voila: Sweet dragonflies ready to fly!

3. Pine cone crafts: Transform brown pine cones into beautiful roses with paint. Get the kids to gather as many pine cones as possible and bring them home. Then, set them up with paint and glitter to decorate each one like flowers. Arrange them in a vase for a rustic bouquet that never wilts!

4. Leaf faces: Bring out your child’s silly side. Collect leaves of different shapes and sizes. Back home, kids can arrange them on paper and color them to create funny faces. Googly eyes are highly recommended!

5. 3D tree: Before you spend big bucks on a 3D printer, ask young builders to practice their skills using twigs and leaves. Have them gather their outdoor materials, then use a flat surface like cardboard as a canvas. Arrange the twigs as the trunk and branches, and attach the leaves as foliage. You’re using the tree parts to craft a mini-tree! 

6. Nature-inspired frame: Get your kids in on gift-giving with a homemade keepsake. Gather twigs, flowers, and leaves of different shapes and sizes. Arrange them around a simple photo frame with glue and finish with a favorite photo or drawing to create a personalized, nature-inspired frame.

7. Seasonal wreath: This craft for kids changes with the seasons. In winter, collect evergreen branches. For fall, gather colorful leaves. Arrange them into a wreath shape at home and secure with floral wire. It's a festive welcome sign you can hang on your door!

8. Rock animals: Keep an eye out for interesting rocks on your next outing. At home, challenge your kids to paint them like their favorite animals. Once they dry, let the kids spread the joy by decorating your garden, their rooms, or giving them away as gifts. 

9. Leaf prints: For a truly unique craft, collect leaves with interesting shapes and bring them home. Paint one side and press it onto a piece of paper. Lift it gently, and you have a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind leaf print.

10. Twig boat: This one's for the adventurous. Find sturdy twigs and tie them together to make a boat base. Craft a leaf or paper sail and set your twig boat off on its maiden voyage in your nearest bathtub or stream.

These craft ideas for kids foster creativity and encourage appreciation for nature. Kids love learning about the natural world. And it's a great way to spend quality family time. 

For more ways to make learning fun, head to the Greenlight Learning Center for great tips on parenting, kids, and family.