Home Projects

Outside with Kids: 15 Ways to Play with Nature

updated May 4, 2019
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

I don’t know about you, but Fall is one of my favorite times of year. My kids and I get outside more than ever: I love the cooler temperatures and the fact that we don’t have to worry as much about constantly slathering on sunscreen or getting eaten alive by mosquitos. And the colors are the absolute best! My kids are constantly coming home with collections — rocks, sticks, leaves, and yes, even pockets full of carefully collected mulch. Rather than throw out all of those amassed treasures, we often try to put them to good use. Here are 15 of my favorite crafty projects to do just that — so get your kids outside and play with some nature already!

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

ROW ONE

1. Leaf Insects: Modern Parents Messy Kids
2. Painted Sticks: Nature Linc Farrington
3. Flower Stained Glass Window: Artful Parent
4. Leaf Crown: Varpunen
5. Yarn-Wrapped Sticks: Aesthetic Outburst

ROW TWO

6. Nature Color Wheel: Playful Learning
7. Leaf Drawing and Doodling: Artful Parent
8. Fall Leaf Animals: Handmade Charlotte
9. Layered Leaf Art: Amanda K. by the Bay
10. Wax Paper and Crayon Leaves: Vanessa Christenson

ROW THREE
11. Clay Leaf Mobile: The Craft Train
12. Handmade Stick Boats: Minieco
13. DIY Painted Stones: Giochi di Carta
14. Nature Crowns: Small Hands Big World
15. DIY Story Stones: Paint on the Ceiling