Nature-Inspired Crafts for PNW Kids
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we’re surrounded by some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country — evergreen forests, winding rivers, wildflowers galore, and enough pinecones to last a lifetime. It’s no wonder our kids are little adventurers at heart.
Whether you're dealing with a drizzly afternoon or looking for a way to make the most of your latest hike, these nature-inspired crafts are a fun and meaningful way to bring the outdoors in — or better yet, take crafting outside. Here are some of our favorite PNW-themed craft ideas that are perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids alike.
1. Pinecone Bird Feeders
A classic for a reason! Pinecone bird feeders are simple, fun, and teach your kids to care for the wildlife around them.
What you need:
Pinecones (foraged on your next walk!)
Peanut butter or sunflower seed butter
Birdseed
String
How to do it:
Tie a string to the top of each pinecone, coat in nut butter, roll in birdseed, and hang from a tree branch. Then watch and wait for feathered friends to come visit.
Looking for family-friendly parks and trails to collect supplies? Check out our Parks Guide and Fall Hikes and Leaf-Peeping Guide for inspiration.
2. Rock Painting with a PNW Twist
Grab a handful of smooth rocks and let your kids transform them into mushrooms, bears, mountains, or even Sasquatch.
Bonus idea: Hide your painted rocks around town as part of a community rock hunt! (Some Wenatchee families already do this — keep an eye out on local Facebook groups.)
Add this activity to your next outing from our 100 Things to Do in Wenatchee list!
3. Pressed Leaf and Flower Art
Use what’s already in your yard — or collect leaves, ferns, and blooms from a forest walk — to create beautiful, frame-worthy art.
Supplies:
Leaves and flowers
Wax paper and heavy books or a flower press
Glue
Paper or canvas
Your kids can arrange their nature finds in patterns, create animals or scenes, or simply press and preserve them to hang as is.
Want more ways to enjoy nature as a family? Browse our Outdoor Adventures Guide.
4. Twig Picture Frames
Twigs, glue, and a little imagination — that’s all it takes to craft a rustic frame for your child’s favorite picture or drawing.
How to do it:
Cut cardboard into your desired frame shape, then glue twigs and bark pieces around the border. Add a photo, drawing, or nature art to the center and hang with twine.
This one makes a great gift for grandparents or a cute addition to your gallery wall.
5. Nature Weaving
Grab a paper plate or a cardboard loom and have your child weave natural elements like grass, yarn, leaves, and wildflowers through it. It's part art, part sensory experience.
6. DIY Bug Hotels
Teach your kids about pollinators and helpful insects by building a simple bug hotel using sticks, bark, bamboo, and pinecones. Stack the materials inside an old wooden box or tin can, and place it in a quiet garden corner.
Learn more about local classes and camps that teach eco-awareness in our Education Guide and Summer Guide.
Final Thoughts
Nature crafts help kids slow down, observe the world around them, and get creative — all without needing a ton of supplies or screen time. Whether you're prepping for a cozy fall, planning your next outdoor adventure, or just want an easy after-school activity, these nature-based projects are perfect for PNW families.
If you try any of these, we’d love to see! Tag @valley_moms on Instagram or submit a photo to our Reader Features section — you might just be featured in our next newsletter.
