Toddler at Play | Kids Crafts & Activities

25+ Nature Inspired Ideas for Kids

dandelion lion craft- toddler at play (5)

Looking for Nature Inspired Ideas for kids?

Here’s a fun list! These nature-inspired ideas are quick to set up and kids will really love them.

 

RELATED: 100+ Outdoor activities for kids

All activities should be supervised by an adult. This post contains affiliate links- this just means I earn a small commission if you purchase via links below, no extra cost to you! Read our disclosure policy here.

 

#1: egg carton wildflower garden

Do you save egg cartons? This Egg Carton Wildflower Garden is a fun recycled activity you have to try! 

egg carton wildflower garden - toddler at play (4)

 

MATERIALS:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • To prep the egg carton for the garden, place the egg carton upside down and make holes in each of the sections using a screw driver. The holes do not have to big as the wildflowers usually have thin stems and they can stand up nicely when inserted into the hole if the hole isn’t too big. THIS STEP IS FOR ADULTS.
  • Next, using the permanent marker, write “MY WILDFLOWER GARDEN” across the bottom of the egg carton.

You’re all set! Go explore the outdoors and create your beautiful and unique garden!

 

 

#2: Dandelion Lion Craft

This Dandelion Lion Craft is a fun way to use up a piece of cardboard and make something beautiful using nature around us!

dandelion lion craft- toddler at play (5)

 

MATERIALS:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Cut the cardboard into a circle using the craft scissors.
  • The fun part! Go outdoors on a hunt for dandelions! Collect as many as you can find so you can make a nice, bushy mane for the lion!
  • Glue the dandelion flowers all around the edge of your cardboard circle. Let the glue firm up.
  • Using the permanent marker or crayons (brown or black) draw a simple face for the lion. Add googly eyes if using.

 

 

#3: Mini Christmas Wreaths

These Mini Christmas Wreaths are made from cardboard, elastics and the most wonderful nature finds of the season!

mini christmas wreaths- toddler at play (11)

 

MATERIALS:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Cut out mini wreaths out of the cardboard. I traced a large lid and a smaller lid first and then cut out.
  • Once you have the wreaths cut out, cut through one of the side with the craft scissors (to make an opening).
  • Now put 5-6 elastics through the opening and onto the wreath.

 

 

#4: Fall Bouquet Craft

This Fall Bouquet Craft is the perfect craft idea for Fall. 

Simple, easy and beautiful! Kids will love the simple steps for creating these Autumn Bouquets and you will too! The prep for this craft is minimal. You’ll need a piece of cardboard, colored permanent markers and assorted Fall leaves, that’s it!

fall bouquet craft - toddler at play (4)

 

MATERIALS:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Using a beige or gray permanent marker, draw a vase on the cardboard.
  • Next, using a green permanent marker, draw several stems out of the vase.
  • Now, using the glue, glue the leaves on the stems to create a beautiful bouquet.

 

 

#5 Pine Needle Hedgehog

This Pine Needle Hedgehog Craft is a simple, fun way to use those good old pine needles! 

pine needle hedgehog craft - toddler at play (4)

 

MATERIALS:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Take a large chunk of play-dough and roll it out on the table to create an even layer.
  • Using the toy pizza cutter, carefully cut away extra play-dough to make a hedgehog body. You can help your little ones with this step. 
  • Add the peppercorn for the eye, pressing it in slightly.
  • Add the small pom-pom for the nose, pressing it in slightly.
  • Now, layer the pine needles starting at the top of the hedgehog and working your way down. Press the pine needles into the play-dough so they stay securely in place.

 

RELATED: Fork stamped hedgehog

 

#6: Leaf Garland

This Leaf Garland is simple, yet adds a perfect touch of Autumn to a home and best of all, it’s something that is made by your own little humans.

 

MATERIALS:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Gather leaves and make a hole with the hole puncher at the top of each leaf.
  • Place the string through every hole and tie the ends into loops.

 

 

#7: Leaf Scavenger Hunt Activity

This outdoor Leaf Scavenger Hunt Activity is a great reason to head outdoors and get kids moving! They will have a ton of fun searching for leaves, matching them up to the pictures on the cardboard and then securing them to the board.

 

MATERIALS:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • On a piece of large cardboard (not too large but so it’s still easy for kids
    to hold), draw 4 or many different types of leaves as you can. I simply
    opened up leaf clip art on Pinterest and free-hand drawn them.
  • Write which tree each leaf comes from underneath each leaf. That’s it! It’s
    time for the leaf hunt!

 

 

#8: Leaf Prints on Stones

Make lovely prints with this Leaf Prints on Stones Craft this Autumn with your kids. It’s a perfect, fun and fairly easy craft idea that will let you see all of the distinct and beautiful features of the leaves. This craft requires no fancy materials, meaning you can do this today, without heading to the store…my favorite type of craft!

leaf prints on stones- toddler at play (9)

 

MATERIALS:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Squeeze the washable kids paint onto the paper plate and prepare the paint brushes.
  • First paint the stones a desired paint color and let dry a bit (this step is totally optional).
  • Next, take your leaf and paint the front side of it with a different color of paint.
  • Press or stamp the leaf onto the stone painted side down. Press gently all of the corners of the leaf to transfer the paint and release the leaf. 

TIP- Try painting the leaf all sorts of fall colors at once. When you stamp your leaf onto the stone and release, you’ll have a beautiful Autumn leaf print.

 

 

#9: Autumn Play Dough Tray

Autumn Play-dough Tray: Invitation to Create is a simple and easy way to spark your child’s creativity.

autumn play-dough invitation to create- toddler at play (10)

 

MATERIALS:

  • Tray with sections
  • Play-dough (I’ve linked our favorite brand!)
  • Nature finds (acorns, sticks, pine needles, pine cones, leaves, etc.)

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Lay out everything onto the tray so the child can visually see all of the elements he’s/she’s able to create with. That’s it!

 

 

#10: Autumn Leaf Embossing

Are you looking for a simple activity that’s appropriate for toddlers as well as older children? This Autumn Leaf Embossing activity is super fun and the process couldn’t be simpler even for the most little ones to follow!

autumn leaf embossing- toddler at play (6)

 

MATERIALs:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Lay a leaf under the cardstock paper and lightly use the crayon to go over the leaf in one direction. The leaf will them be magically embossed! Create a collage of leaves, make Fall greeting cards or cut out each embossed leaf for a fun matching game, imagination is yours!

 

 

#11: Painting Acorns

This Painting Acorns activity is a super quick and easy activity anyone can do this Fall! It’s creative and simple at the same time.

 

MATERIALS:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Place the desired colors of washable kids paint onto the paper plate and arrange the paintbrushes along with the acorns.

 

 

#12: Leaf Symmetry

Easy activity for preschoolers to leaf symmetry using best of nature!

leaf symmetry- toddler at play (13)

 

MATERIALS:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Cut yourself a large piece of easel board paper. Cut each leaf in half and glue onto the paper, scattered.

 

 

#13: Acorn Art

This Acorn Art is a super easy and fun craft for toddlers and preschoolers.

 

MATERIALS:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Place a piece of white cardstock inside the bottom of a bin.
  • Add small dollops of desired washable kids paint.
  • Add that acorns and shake, shake, shake (kids love this part)!

 

 

#14: Story Stones

Simple and fun, creativity-sparking activity for toddlers and preschoolers.

story stones- toddler at play (13)

 

MATERIALS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

Using the colored permanent markers (and your best drawing abilities), draw simple illustrations/pictures on each stone.

Let me give you some ideas for pictures:

  • Sun, clouds, rain cloud, thunder cloud, lightening
  • House, garage, hospital, vet shop, store
  • Tree, bush, flowers, pond
  • Animals, birds, fish
  • Cars, trucks, bus, train, airplane

There’s endless possibilities to creativity!

 

RELATED: Nativity story wooden disks

 

#15: My Rock collection

Enjoy the outdoors with this My Rock Collection Activity! It’s a super quick and easy, low prep kids activity that works on both gross and fine motor skills.

 

MATERIALS:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Inside, at the top of the egg carton write “My Rock Collection”. I used different colors of permanent markers to make it more fun!
  • Now head outdoors with your little ones on a fun, outdoor hunt for rocks!

 

 

#16: Painting salted rock gems

This Painting Salted Rock Gems activity is an easy to prep, fun and exciting activity you can do with your kids in no time (besides freezing the rocks overnight!).

 

MATERIALS:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • The day before doing this craft, cover the rocks in glue and rock in salt. Place on a plate and pop in the freezer to freeze overnight.
  • Once frozen, prep the paint by placing a small amount of desired paint into a bowl and add a bit of water, mix.
  • Arrange the paints with droppers and take out the salted rocks out of the freezer, last minute. Now you’re ready to paint the salted rock gems!

 

 

#17: Painting with nature

What’s better than creating a unique and exciting painting experience for your kids? How about this Painting with Nature activity? Drop those paintbrushes and paint away using nature!

painting with nature- toddler at play (13)

 

MATERIALS:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Lay out all of your nature “paintbrushes” onto the tray to visually display them all to the child. Add a little bit of each paint color to the paper plate and you’re ready to go!

 

 

#18: cardboard window wildflower craft

This Cardboard Window Wildflower Craft is an easy and beautiful recycled craft any one can do!

 

MATERIALS:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Lay a piece of cardboard onto the cutting mat and using the craft knife cut out a square approximately 6″ x 6″. This size makes it easier for toddlers to hold. Next draw a simple window doodle, you don’t have to make it perfect! Next using the super glue, glue the mini clothespins to the “window sill”. Make sure the opening of the clothespins are at the top. Now you’re ready to go on a hunt for wildflowers and fill the vases!

 

 

#19: wildflower hunt activity

This Wildflower Hunt Activity is a simple and easy activity requiring only 2 materials and lot’s of gross motor fun!

 

MATERIALS:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Using the scissors cut off the flap on the egg carton for the closing. Next, using the colored permanent markers, write “My Wildflower Collection” right on the lid part of the egg carton. Prep is done, now it’s time for the hunt!

 

 

#20: Glittery Seashells

This Glittery Seashells Craft is the perfect summer craft! They’re easy to make, colorful, glittery and kids will love the process!

glittery seashells- toddler at play (3)

 

MATERIALS:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Start by placing the glitter into the tray. You can “layer” the glitter by alternating the colors, you can mix the glitter together to create a new color or you can even “draw” something with glitter. You’ll be stamping the seashells into the glitter, so get creative! Next, paint the seashells with the paintbrush and glue, making sure to get every corner nice and evenly. Now, stamp the seashell into the prepared glitter, using the spoon to help scoop the glitter onto the empty spots and let dry completely.

 

 

#21: Outdoor Play-dough Invitation to Create

This Outdoor Play-dough Invitation to Create is so simple to set-up! Open-ended play ideas are a great way for kids to get creative, use their imagination and play with what’s available.

 

MATERIALS:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Place play-dough in the middle of the tray and arrange all of the nature treasures around the play-dough. That’s it!

 

 

#22: nature hunt activity

Simple way to get kids outdoors and explore the nature around them! 

nature hunt activity- toddler at play (14)

 

MATERIALS:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take the cardboard (cut if too large) and add 3 elastics around it separating into 3 spaces. Label each space using the permanent markers. We did flowers, leaves and twigs.

 

 

#23: christmas tree branch painting

Easy to set up activity, using a Christmas tree branch!

 

MATERIALS:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Add a little bit of each paint color to the paper plate. Let your child use the tree branch as the paintbrush!

 

 

#24: creative play sensory tray

Sensory bins are amazing for the improvement and development of…well, senses! But did you know that activities with sensory play, such as bins and trays, also help a child explore, discover and create play using the most everyday practical life skills. These skills include dumping, pouring, scooping, filling, you name it. Anything that requires the use of fine motor skills combined with senses can be classified as sensory play. And the best part about Creative Play Sensory Tray is that kids love it. They play and learn, what a wonderful combination, heh? #playandlearn for life!

 

MATERIALS:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Collect as many things as you can; leaves, twigs, pine needles, acorns, clover flowers, etc. and arrange on your tray. Now, you can let your kids get creative and do whatever they would like with all of their little treasures. Create an art by gluing, painting, cutting or do a soup with all of the ingredients (and get a little messy, because mess is play too, right?)

 

 

#25: Hold a fall leaf

Easy and creative idea using a leaf!

hold a leaf (3)

 

MATERIALs:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Trace both hands of your child onto the beige (skin toned) cardstock and cut out. Slightly draw lines on the cut-out hands to look like there’s all 5 fingers! Pick a colored cardstock for the base of the craft and glue two of the hands right onto the colored cardstock, making sure that the palms are up and thumbs are facing away from each other. Pick a medium sized fall leaf and glue right on to the palms. Glue 3-5 small sized leaves around the hands.

 

 

#26: exploring outdoor scavenger hunt

This Exploring the Outdoors Scavenger Hunt is a super fun idea for kids to do outdoors!

 

MATERIALS:

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Print the free printable, cut out along the grey lines and tape to your egg carton. Choose 6 different items to place in the carton (I chose a pine cone, rocks, mulch, fall leaves, sticks and grass. Having the items they need to look for right in front of them gives them a perfect visual, which also helps if they are toddlers). Rules of the activity are simple: kids have to find those same items you have chosen and place in the spot right in front of the example.

 

Enjoy these Nature Inspired Ideas for Kids!

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