By the end of summer, my children usually aquire a substantial nature collection. We often use bits and pieces of their collection in nature inspired arts and crafts activities. Shared below is a tutorial for our newest nature inspired game, Twig-Tac-Toe!
Are you following our Kids in Nature board on Pinterest?
Children are attracted to the simplicity of Twig-Tac-Toe. The game is easy for kids to create around the yard, park, or campfire and does not require a trip to the craft store – use whatever string, twine, or yarn you have on hand!
Materials Needed:
- 4 sticks (I used sticks about the circumference of my finger)
- 4 small stones
- 8 twigs
- twine
- scissors
Directions:
1. Use the twine to tie the 4 sticks together into a tic-tac-toe board.
2. Next, use the twine to tie 2 twigs together into the shape of a letter X. Repeat 3 more times.
3. Find a partner to play, relax, and enjoy the game with! Three in a row wins!
15 Nature Inspired Crafts for Kids
Listed below are 15 nature inspired crafts that use simple, free materials often collected by children throughout the summer.
Recycled Paper Seed Cards by Fireflies and Mud Pies
Children will enjoy learning about the recycling process while creating beautiful, plantable cards for their loved ones!
Seaside Shell Wind Chime Craft by Red Ted Art
Bucket of shells from the beach? Learn how to create a lovely shell wind chime!
Camouflage Art by Fireflies and Mud Pies
Craft with natural materials while learning about how animals use camouflage to protect themselves from predators.
Stamping with Acorn Caps by My Nearest and Dearest
Kids will have a blast collecting and creating art with acorn caps.
Scrap Ribbon Tree Ornaments by Fireflies and Mud Pies
Learn how to create a rustic tree ornament using sticks and scraps of ribbon.
Homemade Wind Chimes by Happy Hooligans
This simple tutorial shares how to create colorful wind chimes with sticks.
Nature Kites Science Activity by Fantastic Fun and Learning
Learn how to create miniature kites with natural materials from the forest floor.
Spring Wreath by Twig and Toadstool
In this post, you and your kids will be inspired to create natural, seasonal décor for your home!
Leaf Suncatchers by Fireflies and Mud Pies
Learn how to preserve beautiful, seasonal leaves and shape them into seasonal suncatchers.
Painted Stick Instrument by Twodaloo
If you have kids who like to collect sticks and make music, this is the post for you!
Painting with Nature by No Time for Flashcards
Anything can become a tool for art. This post shows you how!
Painting Seed Pods by Wildlife Fun 4 Kids
Think beyond paper! Learn how to choose seed pods for painting.
Painted Rocks by The Artful Parent
Inspiration can strike anytime. Rocks are always there for you!
Flower Chain Crowns by Fireflies and Mud Pies
Whether for imaginative play, crafts, or just for fun, in this post you will learn how to weave flower chain crowns.
Nature Mobile by Danya Banya
Put that nature collection to good use, and create a beautiful mobile for your home or porch!
Karen S. says
These are great ideas to have fun with nature. And in the end, learning to work with nature may be the best lesson.
Lisa @ The Wellness Wife says
Love this idea! Pinning to try this summer!
Mary P says
Finding the elements to build the game makes it more important to the kids.
Heather Meek says
I loved the stick instruments- what a great craft to make with my second grade class! I also think the ribbon scrap tree ornaments are adorable. And the seed paper cards are a great idea for my Ancient China Unit when we talk about how paper is made, and plus I can pick the seeds to put into the card to go along with the unit.
~Heather
The Meek Moose
Carolin says
Such a fun and simple idea x
Ursula says
Awesome website!!!!!
Vesper Meikle says
Could of done with some of these ideas when we lived next to a forest as children
Michelle Cannon says
We’re nature lovers in this house. My daughter is going to LOVE this!
Diana says
Neat! Thanks for sharing!
Michelle L says
I love this game Thanks for the chance.
smithdw2026 says
I really like the Twig-Yac-Toe idea. Great creative project for a game that has been around for so long.
Jessica says
Love these ideas. Thanks for sharing!
Joanne Higgins says
love nature, so these are perfect for our family, thank you so much for sharing xx
Joanna Ladesma says
I like the seaside shell wind chime craft.
Ronald G says
Thank you…you have given me some great ideas to share with my young nieces this summer
Ronald G says
I may be trying this myself..i am a 63 year old bachelor
Jasmine P says
Thanks for sharing! Great post!