5 Fall Nature Activities and Crafts for Kids
Isabella Cannon
| 4 min read
As the seasons start to change, make it a goal to keep your kids active and outside. Michigan fall is a beautiful time to get your kids involved in nature while letting them be creative and hands-on.
Are you unsure of how to get them off their screens? Try these five inexpensive and interactive ideas:
1. Nature walk carboard bouquets
All you need for this activity is:
- A piece of cardboard or thick cardstock paper
- A hole punch or scissors
- Markers or colored pencils
First, have kids draw their own vase or bouquet holder on the cardboard. Then, using a whole punch or scissors, punch various holes close together at the top, just above the vase. After that, it’s time to go for a walk. Find your closest park or trail and get those kids exploring. As they walk, have kids collect wildflowers and stick the stems through the holes, designing their very own flower bouquet arrangement.
2. Leaf tracing
Once the leaves change color and fall to the ground, you may want to get the crayons out. One simple yet remarkably entertaining fall activity to do with your kids is leaf tracing.
All you need is:
- Paper
- Tape
- Crayons or colored pencils
- Fallen leaves
Have kids collect an assortment of their favorite leaves. Encourage them to pick a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Next, use washi tape or painter’s tape to assist your kids in lightly taping the corners of the leaf onto a piece of paper. Flip the paper over and have kids run their coloring utensils over the paper. As they color, the unique design of the leaf will show through and create a beautiful work of art.
3. Fall scavenger hunt
A fall-themed scavenger hunt is the perfect remedy for a boring afternoon. Consider creating an incentive to motivate older kids or siblings to join in. Start by making a list of 10-20 items kids can find outside. Use your backyard or park as the parameters. Give each child a scavenger hunt check list and start your timer. The person who checks off the most items on the list wins.
Some item ideas for your fall-themed scavenger hunt could include:
- Acorn
- Red leaf
- Mini pumpkin
- Apple
- Spider web
- Feather
- Pine needle
- Squirrel
4. Pinecone animal craft
For the especially crafty, you can make adorable animals out of pinecones. First, have your kids collect pinecones from outside. The larger the better for this craft.
The materials you will need are:
- Pinecones
- Acrylic paint
- Felt
- Glue
- Scissors
- Googly eyes
- Pipe cleaners
First, have your child paint his or her pinecone and let it dry. The pinecone will be the “body” of the animal. Next, cut the felt into small shapes such as circles, triangles, squares or whatever shape best fits the animal of your choice for the head, arms and feet. After that, glue the googly eyes onto the head. Next, help your child glue all the felt pieces onto the pinecone body. Feel free to use paint or markers to draw on a mouth, nose or any other element you desire. Lastly, cut and twist pipe cleaners onto the end of the pinecone to make a tail.
Some animals to try making:
- Pig
- Owl
- Cow
- Porcupine
- Sheep
5. Rock painting
Painting rocks is a classic craft. Kids love to paint and having them take the time to find their own rocks outside makes it more interactive.
All you need is:
- Rocks
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrushes
- Water
Once children have collected their rocks, have them wash and dry them. Cover your table or surface before you begin. Let kids design their own rocks with paint and paintbrushes, providing a cup of water to switch colors. Once the rocks are done and dry, you can make a rock garden in your yard filled with their special creations.
Images: Getty Images
