Getting kids outside and engaged in creative play is a wonderful way to combine fresh air, imagination, and hands-on learning. Outdoor crafts offer a perfect solution, turning your backyard or patio into a vibrant studio. The best part? You don’t need complicated materials. Many fantastic projects start with simple, accessible supplies that encourage hours of focused, messy, and memorable fun.
This roundup focuses on kits and supplies that are easy to use and designed for success in an outdoor setting. From painting and building to digging and growing, these activities help children develop fine motor skills, express their creativity, and connect with the natural world. Each product is selected for its ability to turn basic materials into something extraordinary, making craft time an adventure everyone can enjoy.
The Best Outdoor Craft Kits for Creative Kids
- Crayola Washable Kids Paint Set (12ct)
- Crayola Ultimate Washable Chalk Collection (64ct)
- SYNCFUN Giant Bubble Wand Kit (3-Piece Set)
- Creativity for Kids Glow in The Dark Rock Painting Kit
- NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Dino Fossil Dig Kit
- Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Giddy Buggy Bubble Lawn Mower
- Creativity for Kids Grow ‘N Glow Terrarium Kit
- Klutz Make Your Own Soap Science Kit
Crayola Washable Kids Paint Set (12ct)
This Amazon Exclusive paint set from Crayola is a cornerstone for outdoor art projects. Its washable formula provides peace of mind for parents, knowing that spills on skin, clothing, or patio surfaces can be easily cleaned. The set includes six classic colors for bold, smooth coverage and six glitter paints to add a special sparkle to any creation.
Whether painting on large sheets of paper taped to a fence, decorating rocks, or creating sidewalk murals, these paints are versatile and user-friendly for young artists. The combination of classic and glitter colors in one kit allows children to experiment with different textures and effects, making every project feel unique. It’s an excellent basic supply that fuels endless creative possibilities.
Crayola Ultimate Washable Chalk Collection (64ct)
Transform any driveway or sidewalk into a vibrant canvas with this bulk collection of 64 chalk sticks. Crayola’s washable formula ensures that the art is temporary and easy to clean away with water, making it ideal for repeated use. The set features a exciting mix of standard, neon, glitter, and even tie-dye colors to inspire detailed drawings and colorful games.
A standout feature is the anti-roll stick design. This practical detail means less time chasing runaway chalk and more time drawing. The large quantity is perfect for group play, ensuring that multiple children can create together without running out of their favorite colors. It’s a classic outdoor activity reimagined for maximum fun and convenience.
SYNCFUN Giant Bubble Wand Kit (3-Piece Set)
This kit turns bubble blowing into a spectacular outdoor craft and activity. The specially designed wands, complete with an extra-soakable string, are engineered to hold more solution and create enormous, long-lasting bubbles. The process of mixing the solution and mastering the technique to create giant bubbles is a engaging project in itself.
Included is a concentrated bubble mix powder that is non-toxic and safe for children. A single 80g packet can be combined with household dish soap and water to make up to 3.5 gallons of bubble solution, providing hours of entertainment. It encourages physical activity, experimentation, and pure wonder as kids see the magnificent results of their efforts floating through the air.
See Customer Reviews for Bubble Kit
Creativity for Kids Glow in The Dark Rock Painting Kit
This all-in-one kit combines art with outdoor hide-and-seek. Children can paint and decorate the ten included smooth rocks using vibrant, weather-resistant paints and special 3D glow paint. The activity can be done outdoors at a picnic table, with the finished creations meant to be displayed in a garden or hidden as cheerful surprises for others to find.
The magic happens at night when the glow paint activates, making the rocks shine with a soft light. This dual-day and night functionality extends the craft’s enjoyment. It encourages kids to think about design, color, and placement, turning simple rock painting into an interactive art project that blends creativity with outdoor exploration.
Learn More About This Rock Kit
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Dino Fossil Dig Kit
This kit brings the excitement of a paleontological dig right to your backyard. Kids can use the provided digging tools to carefully excavate a realistic replica T. rex tooth from a plaster block. It’s a hands-on, slightly messy craft that teaches patience, fine motor skills, and the basic principles of how fossils are discovered.
Included is a full-color National Geographic Kids Dino Records book, which adds an educational layer to the activity. Children can learn fascinating facts about dinosaurs and fossil science, connecting their physical digging activity with real-world knowledge. It’s a perfect example of a craft that feels more like an adventurous mission.
Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Giddy Buggy Bubble Lawn Mower
This charming toy combines active play, role-playing, and bubble-making into one sunny outdoor activity. As children push the lawn mower along, it produces a steady stream of bubbles from its front. The simple mechanics are easy for toddlers to operate, encouraging them to walk and run while they “mow” the grass.
It’s more than just a bubble blower; it’s a prop for imaginative play. Kids can pretend to help with yard work, host a bubble parade, or simply enjoy the cause-and-effect of movement creating bubbles. The design is sturdy and colorful, built to withstand outdoor use and provide lasting fun during playtime outside.
View the Bubble Mower on Amazon
Creativity for Kids Grow ‘N Glow Terrarium Kit
This craft kit allows kids to build and care for their own miniature ecosystem. The process involves layering pebbles, soil, and chia and wheatgrass seeds in the included terrarium jar, then decorating it with colorful stickers and plastic figurines. The project is ideal for a porch or patio where it can receive sunlight.
After assembly, the terrarium glows in the dark thanks to removable glow-in-the-dark stickers. Children learn basic plant biology and responsibility through watering and observing the growth cycle. It’s a living craft that changes daily, providing ongoing engagement and a sense of accomplishment as the seeds sprout and grow.
Klutz Make Your Own Soap Science Kit
Soap-making is a fantastic outdoor craft because it can involve melting, pouring, and molding—activities best done in a well-ventilated space. This Klutz kit provides safe, kid-friendly materials and instructions to create colorful, custom-shaped soaps. The process feels like a fun science experiment as children combine colors and scents.
The kit includes everything needed: soap base, fragrance, color, molds, and wrapping materials. Making soap outdoors minimizes mess concerns and allows kids to focus on the creative process. The finished products are functional, giving kids a useful item they can be proud to have made themselves, perfect for gifting or personal use.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in Outdoor Craft Supplies
Getting kids outside and making art is one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon. The best part is, you don’t need a fancy craft store haul to make it happen. When I’m gathering simple supplies for the 8 best outdoor crafts for kids using simple supplies, I focus on a few key things: safety, accessibility, and versatility. Let’s talk about what to keep in mind.
First, think about safety and age-appropriateness. For younger kids, I avoid very small items like loose beads that could be a choking hazard and might get lost in the grass. I also choose washable paints and non-toxic glues. Scissors should be blunt-tipped for little hands. For older kids, you can introduce more tools, like a hand drill for making nature mobiles, but always with direct supervision. The goal is fun, not a trip to the emergency room.
Next, consider the “simple supplies” part. I raid my recycling bin first. Cardboard tubes, egg cartons, plastic lids, and yogurt cups are gold mines for craft bases. Old sheets or pillowcases become fantastic canvases for sun prints or giant collaborative paintings. Kitchen supplies are also winners: cornstarch for sidewalk chalk paint, baking soda for fizzy paint, and ice cube trays for freezing nature confetti. The less you have to buy, the better.
Then, there’s the outdoor element. I look for supplies that either come from nature or can be used on it. This means having a good collection of child-safe string, twine, or pipe cleaners for tying sticks and leaves together. A roll of masking tape is essential—it’s easy for kids to tear and sticks to most natural items without causing damage. For paints, I make sure they are okay for use on rocks, wood, or even the sidewalk (always with permission and an eye for clean-up).
Finally, I think about versatility and clean-up. A pack of cheap paintbrushes you don’t mind ruining is a must. A big bucket for water and old towels are my clean-up crew. I store everything in a portable caddy or a sturdy box so we can take our project to the shade or under a tree. By focusing on these simple, multi-use items, you’re set for countless afternoons of creativity without the stress or expense.
FAQ
What are the absolute simplest supplies I need to start?
You can start with just four things: sidewalk chalk, a bucket of water, some old paintbrushes, and a bag for collecting nature treasures. With these, kids can make wet chalk art, paint with water on the sidewalk, or create temporary nature collages on the ground. It’s a zero-cost, zero-mess way to begin.
How do I handle the mess of outdoor crafts?
I embrace it, but within limits. I set up our craft station on an old tablecloth or a grassy area that could use a watering. We wear old clothes. For really messy projects like mud painting, I keep a hose or a large bucket of soapy water ready for immediate clean-up of hands and feet. Remember, outside is the perfect place for messes you wouldn’t want indoors!
Are these crafts suitable for a wide range of ages?
Absolutely. The key is to adjust the involvement. A toddler can stick leaves to contact paper, while an older child can use the same leaves to create a detailed leaf animal with markers and glue. For projects like rock painting, a younger child might make simple color blobs, while an older sibling paints intricate patterns. I often present the same base materials and let each kid use them at their own skill level.
What if I don’t have a backyard?
No backyard? No problem. A balcony, a patio, or a trip to a local park works perfectly. For park trips, I bring a small, portable kit: a bag for collectibles, some crayons and paper for leaf rubbings, and maybe some string. Crafts like nature scavenger hunts or creating fairy houses from found sticks are perfect for public spaces.
Can you suggest a craft that combines art and science?
My favorite is the classic sun print. You place objects like leaves or keys on special sun-sensitive paper (a simple supply you can buy online) and let the sun do its work. It’s a fantastic way to talk about light and shadows. Another is making frozen nature art: kids place flowers and leaves in a container of water, freeze it, and then observe the melting process to retrieve their treasures.
Where can I find more ideas for projects?
I often look for inspiration in nature itself—a pile of pinecones suggests one project, a bed of smooth rocks another. For the 8 best outdoor crafts for kids using simple supplies and beyond, I also check trusted parenting blogs, educational science sites, and even library books focused on nature play. The best ideas usually come from seeing what’s around you and asking, “What could we make with this?”