If you’re out walking, picking up sticks and twigs along the way is a great activity for kids. Kids have wonderful imaginations and come up with different ways to use all the things you find. Gather a collection of sticks and twigs and see what you can make. With a little imagination and research, you’ll have the glue out before you know it. Here’s some fun sticks and twigs craft for kids that will help inspire a new project.
Story on a stick
A long stick can be the beginning of a story. We created a visual story of two characters stealing a giant spider’s egg. It doesn’t look like it’s going too well for them! With a dig through the craft box, we found some feathers, which began a story of an American Indian tribe and a wedding headpiece.
Framed in twigs
We purchased picture boards, then found an image online to print it in black and white. Kids got the pencils out and brought the images to life. We then went down to the park to source smaller straight twigs. The hot glue gun came in handy here, and with help, they created their natural twig frames.
Funny stick people
The kids enjoyed creating funny stick people. You’ll need to collect some straight sticks in various sizes. We also found some eyes in the craft box, some old material, and wool leftovers that made great hair. Grab your hot glue gun and get creating. If you find some small gum nuts on your walk, you could also use these for eyes and a nose. Anything is possible with a little imagination.
Nature weaving
Nature weaving is lots of fun and you can use up any wool or twine you have at home. While you’re out walking, keep an eye out for sticks that are relatively straight and similar in size. Tie them together at the ends with wool. Then get to work weaving the wool across the structure. Take a walk around your garden and see what you can find to weave through. Nature weaving will reflect a child’s taste in flowers, scents, and textures.
Backyard stick teepee
While you’re cutting back your garden and trimming the bushes, keep an eye out for big branches because they make the best teepee! Once you have enough, tie them together at the top and wrap a sarong, old sheet, or thin blanket around it. You can use pegs to clip it together. Best outdoor cubby ever! Hours of fun in the backyard.
Creative campfire
Right next to your teepee, you can also build a campfire out of branches with leaves. You’ll need some yellow and red paint, and while you’re out walking, look for branches that have leaves still attached. Big trees in the park will have a good selection on the ground below. Place them all together as you would a campfire and add your painted leaves around the outside as the fire. Get out the marshmallows and sing a few campfire songs.
Sometimes it’s the simple things that kids have the most fun with. Exercise and outdoor play is a great way to enjoy balance and family time. If you’re looking for more ideas for the kids, check out our kids section: Fun ideas for kids in Lake Mac
