Would you like to get the kids playing outside and exploring nature more? Nature play and nature crafts are a great way to do just that – and they have lots of other benefits too.
The benefits of nature play
There are so many great reasons why kids should take part in nature crafts and play.
For starters, nature craft and play can have a hugely positive impact on children’s wellbeing. Fresh air, exercise, outdoor play and immersion in nature can all boost feelings of happiness and lower levels of stress and anxiety, and study after study has shown this to be true in both children and adults.
Nature craft and play is also really accessible, which makes it a great low-cost way to spend time together as a family. This amazing resource is right on our doorsteps, and you don’t need lots of time or money to enjoy it. Nature play can be as simple as heading to your local park or nature reserve, or stepping out of the back door and using the garden as a natural playground.
You can also craft with nature at any time of year, and each season gives you lots of fab new materials to work with.
Crafting with nature is a very eco-friendly way to craft too. Rather than using lots of plastic and manufactured bits and bobs, you’re using natural materials that haven’t been produced using energy and resources. Natural materials will break down and biodegrade easily too.
The other really lovely thing about getting kids connected with nature when they’re young is that it makes them more likely to protect it when they grow up. So by encouraging our kids to have fun with nature now, we’re helping take care of the planet in the future too.
Nature play ideas for kids
So nature craft and play is absolutely a wonderful thing for our kids to embrace – but how do we actually get them outside and having fun?
Both of my kids love exploring nature, but sometimes it’s hard to tempt them outdoors and away from the screens. This is when you need some easy and fun ideas up your sleeve.
My new nature book for kids A Year of Nature Craft & Play (co-written with children’s therapist Becky Goddard-Hill) is full of simple nature activities for kids to enjoy all year round.
There are kids nature activities for every week of the year, including nature crafts, gardening projects, outdoor games, art activities and science experiments. All of the activities use materials you can easily find in nature, so they’re simple to organise, low cost, and eco-friendly.
And of course, spending time in nature gathering materials for a project is also a brilliant way for kids to get outside, have fun and keep active.
If you need some inspiration for your family outdoor adventures, or are buying a gift for a child who loves nature, this is a perfect resource.
‘A Year of Nature Craft & Play’ is available from Amazon and all leading bookstores.
Find out more about ‘A Year of Nature Craft & Play’
In this video Becky and I share some of our favourite activities from the book:
We’ve also had some lovely reviews on other websites which are well worth a look.
Jen from Mum in the Madhouse has shared our post on how to build the perfect den.
We’ve been sharing ideas for autumn crafting over at Rural Mums and Happiful.
Tots 100 are sharing our tips for crafting with sticks and stones.
Collins for kids have included our book in their feature on getting kids outside in Autumn and Winter.
We’ve written about easy nature craft ideas for Ailuna.
Just Average Jen shared our post on how to get kids outside.
Kiddycharts have shared our autumn scavenger hunt and turned it into a fab printable.
We’ve written about fun bulb planting projects for National Children’s Gardening Week.
Britmums have hosted our tips on getting kids immersed in nature.
We’ve shared ideas for using nature to winter-proof your child’s mental health at Grazia.
I had a great time chatting about the book on the Skinny Jean Gardener podcast.
Becky has also made a podcast on Nature Craft and Play Ideas.
A Year of Nature Craft & Play blog tour
To celebrate the launch of ‘A Year of Nature Craft & Play’, we’ve organised a virtual book tour. Take a look at all the fantastic bloggers taking part:
More ideas for nature crafts and play
For more ideas on nature crafts for kids, check out the craft section of the blog. My gardening with children and exploring nature sections are great for outdoor fun too.
My free printable family bucket lists are also full of simple kids outdoor activities – there’s one for spring, summer, autumn and winter.
You might also like to join my Nature Crafts & Play Facebook group where we share lots of great tips and ideas for exploring and enjoying nature with children.
And finally, if sharing nature play pictures on social media is your thing, my copy & paste nature hashtag lists will come in very handy!
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