Kids love to explore and get messy, so why not channel all that energy into some super fun nature activities? Creating art with natural materials isn’t just about the final masterpiece. It’s about connecting your child with the world around them in a whole new way.

These activities are perfect for your curious kiddos (and the reluctant ones who need a little extra nudge). Transform your backyard, local park, or even a hiking trail into an art studio where nature’s inspiration takes the lead. 

Start with a nature scavenger hunt. Use an online printable, design your own, or let the kids run free as they gather items like colorful leaves, unique-looking pinecones, smooth and rough rocks, delicate feathers, and sturdy sticks of all sizes.

Use your collection of leaves for abstract collages, or try creating an animal or a person. Make colorful leaf rubbings using crayons or colored pencils. See what happens when you try using different leaf shapes and textures. String leaves together to create a decoration for your home or outdoor space—parent’s choice!

Twigs, branches, and sticks are perfect materials for building a small house or boat—don’t forget to see if it floats! Try gluing small sticks together to make a natural photo frame, then decorate it with rocks and leaves. Use twigs and twine to make stars, build other shapes, or decorate stick people with fabric and googly eyes. Or keep it simple by decorating branches with chalk for a pretty nature painting.

My child’s room seems to be a magnet for random rocks. If you’re also constantly finding new rocks around your house and wondering what to do with the growing collection, I have the answer! So. many. things. But don’t even think about throwing them out! After all, each one is their “favorite,” right? 

Let your kids decorate the garden with a rock collage in the dirt, or see how high they can build a beautiful rock tower. Use colorful paint to decorate your rocks or make kindness rocks by writing inspirational messages. Then, hide them in a local park or nature trail for others to discover. Make sure the paint is non-toxic and safe for the environment. 

If your kids are asking for a pet, look no further. The pet rock is a perfect addition to any busy household… and it requires minimal care! You can also use rocks for playing games like checkers, hopscotch, or tic-tac-toe. Or create doll faces using rocks, markers, felt, and yarn for hair.

Finally, use all your natural materials to create a beautiful mandala. Arrange colorful leaves, flower petals, stones, and other objects in a circle on the ground. Kids can do this on their own or make a larger design together with everyone’s materials. Glue your mandala on paper or just create a big one on the ground. Just don’t forget to remind your kiddos that the wind might blow it away! 

The best part about creating with nature is that there are no rules. Just let your imaginations run wild, have fun, and stay safe. Oh, and a friendly reminder: make sure those treasures are bug-free before bringing them indoors!

Have any nature project ideas to share?

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