Last Updated on May 7, 2021 by Natalie
I love the idea of crafting with my kids, but the preparation work involved can be far too daunting. After that, the clean up can also feel exhausting. I’m always looking for something fun to do with the kids that can be done without having to purchase something new or expensive and I love it when it can be done on a whim. If the clean up is easy, that’s even better. Nature crafts tick off all of those boxes.
Let’s check out these nature crafts that require little or no preparation!
Easy Nature Crafts for Kids that Require Little Preparation
If you are looking for easy crafts to do on a whim with your kids of varying ages, these all fit into that parameter. Fun bonus: they are all pretty easy clean up!
My kids partook in these between the ages of 5 and 8. We have done some multiple times and starting when the kids were 5 and 6 and then again more recently, at ages 7 and 8 years old. Your mileage may vary, depending on the interests of your children.
As always, I expect that nature and private property will be respected when wandering and doing nature crafts.
Don’t Aim for Social Media Worthy Crafts
Remember, crafting with kids doesn’t need to include results that are Pinterest-worthy. In fact,that’s detrimental to us because it may either become stressful instead of fun or we won’t do the activity at all. As always, I include my less-than-Pinterest-worthy results so you can have a healthy expectation of how the craft may look when finished. Your results will vary, so just have fun with your kids!
If you want to create your own masterpiece, make sure you have enough materials around for you to create your own. You can throw all your perfectionism into that, as needed. Let the kids create theirs on their own and only helping when asked.
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Note About Small Yard Spaces
We currently live in a tiny neighborhood and have a small yard. The yard is mostly tiled, with only a small bit of foliage. This makes collecting items for nature crafts a little more difficult than in our previous home. We use weeds and parts trimmed from overgrown plants. Our home in the USA had 5 acres of mostly natural property, so there was an abundance of items to use. However, the small yard size doesn’t mean we can’t make nature crafts. The lovely thing about these easy crafts is that they are appropriate for small yards and massive yards alike.
Nature Bracelets
Tape bracelets are the the absolute easiest item on this list! In fact, the most difficult part of this one will be finding the tape. At least, that’s how it works in my house! All you have to do is measure out a piece of tape that’s long enough to fit around your child’s wrist, put it on them with the sticky side out, and let them add plant bits to their heart’s desire.
We used mostly debris from the plants in our yards, only upsetting a few blooms (very carefully and in small amounts, because I enjoy the hummingbirds that come multiple times daily to my yard). This craft was a much bigger hit than I expected it to be for my 8 year old son. He created two bracelets and enjoyed the time outside.
This is a wonderful activity to include while taking a nature walk with kids.
Doll Sized Fairy Wings
Due to not having access to sticks and leaves galore, we attempted doll sized fairy wings made from the weeds in our yard. This was a perfect craft for the space! Doll sized fairy wings are much easier for small hands to create, plus you can see your craft come together quickly.
I did this craft a couple of times. First, I did an entirely plant based craft (well, other than the glue involved). I loved how the wing turned out in attempt #1. However, I didn’t have enough fallen plant material to complete a second wing. I decided to try this craft again, except with a template (freehand template, above. See, it’s imperfect!) I used a cereal box because cereal boxes are thicker than paper, thin enough to cut easily, and the boxes are hanging around the house, waiting to be reused.
While having to cut out a template is a bit of extra prep, it doesn’t take long at all. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect. If your kids are old enough, they can prep this themselves.
I glued plant matter on the wing and noted that it would be sturdy enough for play. Plus, it’s really easy for kids to make it this way. They can color it before they start gluing, if they want. Or just grab the items they want to use and start sticking them to the wings. Once dry, they can play until the item fall apart.
Leaf Masks
We’ve made leaf masks several times now and they turn out different each time. I really enjoyed this craft and my kids took it to a new level by also creating leaf “armor.” We collected various items to use and used a combination of glue and tape. We have done the masks in different ways, meaning it’s something that can be repeated without being too repetitious.
Click here for complete instructions on how to make your own!
Nature Crowns
Nature crowns are another easy item to make and can also be turned into complicated works of art. We opted for simplicity, since we are limited in our plant resources. We used some errant long grass that was growing in our non-grass garden. Also known as a weed! I love how they turned out. They are beautiful and were simple to create.
We have also used cereal boxes to create crowns and then glued on our beautiful nature finds. It’s a fun and simple nature craft, even if you choose to use this option!
Flower Vase
This craft needs slightly more prep work than other crafts. First, take a piece of cardboard and draw a vase on it. Or your children can draw it. I used recycled cereal boxes, which worked well for us. They are sturdier than paper, but still easier to cut than cardboard. Then, using a small hole punch or the tips of scissors like I used, punch holes above the vase. After that, let your children find flowers and plants to fill their vase. Even with the preparation beforehand, it’s still really easy and fun.
When we were done with the project, I decided to pull out the plants we’d found and put them in a vase. I love how this one turned out!
Seasonal Nature Craft Options
All of the crafts above can also be adjusted for seasonal variations. Instead of flowers in the flower vase, dried leaves can be your bouquet. In the spring, when the plants are just starting to come to life, using small sticks or the first weeds on nature bracelets is fun (just leave those dandelions and early flowers for the bees!) In the winter, construction paper can be used to create the illusion of nature or try one of these outdoor winter activities for kids.
Spend Time Outside and Have Fun
Me, being silly, with my nature mustache.
The most important thing when crafting with kids is to have fun. Second, let your expectations and/or Pinterest aspirations go. If the creations you and your kids made are social media worthy, that’s awesome! If not, that’s also awesome! I have hard time enjoying the process and I want to hurry to the end product. That can take away from the fun, so I do try to sit back and let my kids create.
Let your children be as free as they can be. They are capable of creating and the result doesn’t have to be Pinterest-worthy. Let the idea of perfection go. Even if they take your craft idea and run in a direction you don’t expect, that’s okay. Let your kids and yourself enjoy the experience!
Do you have feedback on nature crafts that require little or no preparation? The best feedback comes from parents like you. Please leave a comment. Thank you!
