Collection · 7 activities
Backyard nature play
Get outside. Pick up sticks. Make something.
Seven hands-on activities that turn a backyard into a craft supply closet. Most use leaves, twigs, or rocks instead of store-bought materials, so they work on a whim and travel well to the park.
In this collection
7 activities to get outside
Cardboard Nature Treasure Hunt
Hedgehog Leaf Nature Craft
Peacock Nature Craft
Piggy Nature Craft
Sheep Nature Craft
Cardboard Flower Vase Nature Craft
Unicorn Sand Play
Before you start
What you'll need
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From outside
- ·Fallen leaves (various shapes)
- ·Small sticks and twigs
- ·A handful of rocks or pebbles
- ·Outdoor sand or dirt (for sand play)
- ·Wildflowers or grass stems
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From your craft drawer
- ·Paper (white or coloured)
- ·Card stock or cardboard scraps
- ·White craft glue or glue stick
- ·Washable paint and brushes
- ·Googly eyes (optional)
- ·Markers or crayons
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Handy extras
- ·A small basket or bag for collecting
- ·Newspaper or a tray for paint mess
- ·Scissors (adult-supervised)
- ·A damp cloth for sticky fingers
Common questions
Questions parents ask
What age is this collection for?
Most activities work for kids aged 3 to 8. The nature treasure hunt and unicorn sand play stretch younger; the leaf-and-stick crafts work older when kids want a more detailed result.
Do I need to buy anything?
Almost nothing. The whole collection leans on what you can find outdoors plus glue, paper, and recyclables you already have at home.
What if it rains?
Send the kids out with a basket for ten minutes between showers, gather materials, then come inside and craft. Every activity is designed to be assembled at the kitchen table after the outdoor scavenge step.
How long does each activity take?
Most run 20 to 30 minutes once you have your materials gathered. The nature treasure hunt is the longest at about an hour because it is a sustained outdoor activity, not a craft.
Are these safe for toddlers?
The unicorn sand play is toddler-friendly with adult supervision. The rest involve glue, scissors, or small natural materials that suit ages three and up.