LET'S PLAY!

Join us for activities that spark curiosity, discover creative art and crafts projects, and download resourceful instant play ideas for kids and families

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Eco-friendly DIY Crafts and Play Activities for Kids

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PRINT & PLAY!

Download, print, and play instantly with our templates and kits

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Our printable pack of geometric shapes has 5 patterned, colorful and modern variations on classic simple shapes for endless learning uses, games and more.

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Patterned Geometric Shape Printable Extension Pack

$1.99

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This bold modern art project for kids deconstructs rainbows to create bright & colorful collages inspired by Frank Stella

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Rainbow Art Templates

$0.99

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City Architecture Printable Pack Preview 1

Make a vibrant and colorful art-filled city neighborhood with cardboard boxes! This craft activity for kids incorporates art and imagination for hours of creative play!

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Neighborhood Architecture Printable Extension Pack

$1.99

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Why Creative Play Matters

Raising the next generation of world-changers means raising kids who think creatively, understand the power of their individual voice and develop a deep connection with nature, the arts & their community.

Using activities that stimulate creativity, encourage appreciation of our envionment, and cultivate empathy, we think we can build a bright future. And it all starts with innovative play and collective creation as a family.

OUR LATEST KIDS PROJECTS

Little kiddos will love this summer swim-themed playdough invitation - with a quick DIY playdough mat you can easily make yourself! | from barley & birch

14 Jun

All, Freebie, Make

Make: A Summer Swim-Themed Playdough Invitation

June 15, 2021
Art Projects, Doughs and Clay, Eco-Friendly Crafts, Paper, Summer
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Here's a quick and easy summer swim DIY playdough mat you can make yourself. Of course, we've also included some ideas to help you turn this into...

Use recycled household supplies to make a miniature swimming pool (that holds real water!) for imaginative summer small world play. | from barley & birch

11 Jun

All, Make

Make: A DIY Miniature Swimming Pool for Small World Play

June 15, 2021
Cardboard, Eco-Friendly Crafts, Small World Play, STEAM Learning, Summer
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June came in hot this year - nine days over ninety and counting! It's been one of those weeks when it's hard to be outside unless you're...

Use up scrap supplies to make this chill pool art for creative summer fun with kids! | from barley & birch

09 Jun

All, Freebie, Make

Make: Paper Pool Art with Scrap Supplies

June 15, 2021
Art Projects, Eco-Friendly Crafts, Fabric, Paper, Summer
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We're having a scrap art pool party, and YOU'RE invited! Don't you want to just dive right into our vibrant pool art?! This summer art project is...

Our free printable insect scavenger hunt on a blue background

04 Jun

All, Freebie, Make

Freebie: A Printable Bug Scavenger Hunt

June 9, 2021
Nature-Based Play, Paper, Spring, STEAM Learning, Summer
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We're buggin' out over bugs this year! This summer's bug-stravaganza was kicked off with a cool set of DIY clothespin cicadas, and we're rounding it out with...

Make a cute recycled DIY bug observation box with your kids this summer! Perfect for STEAM learning and nature play. | from barley & birch

13 May

All, Make

Make: A DIY Bug Observation Box from Recycled Supplies

June 9, 2021
Art Projects, Cardboard, Eco-Friendly Crafts, Nature-Based Play, Spring, Summer
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Welcome to BUG SEASON! The flowers are bursting open in the garden and the bugs are BACK in a big way! Just this week I've seen my...

These DIY clothespin cicadas clip on to anything and make the cutest summer nature craft for kids. | from barley & birch

11 May

All, Make

Make: Clip-On Clothespin Cicadas for Kids

June 14, 2021
Art Projects, Eco-Friendly Crafts, Nature-Based Play, Summer
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They're baaaa-aaaack...! In different parts of the US this week the Brood X Cicadas are beginning to emerge! Here in Minnesota, we won't be seeing this particular...

Our recycled juice carton birdhouse decorated with egg carton flowers hanging from a small branch.

06 May

All, Make

Make: A DIY Juice Carton Birdhouse (with a Surprise!)

May 10, 2021
Art Projects, Cardboard, Eco-Friendly Crafts, Nature-Based Play, Spring, Summer
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A few springs ago, I was inspecting the garden in the backyard when I heard the faintest little chorus of "cheep! cheep!"'s coming from...somewhere....! As I wandered...

This sweet little spring cardboard deer craft for kids is a great way to recycle a cereal box and play with natural decorations from the garden!

27 Apr

All, Freebie, Make

Make: A Stand-Up Cereal Box Spring Deer

May 13, 2021
Art Projects, Cardboard, Eco-Friendly Crafts, Nature-Based Play, Spring
1 comment

It's been a cold and rainy spring here in Minnesota, and although the chilly days have slowed my progress outside, Mother Nature works away unphased. Bees have...

22 Apr

Make

Make: A DIY Watercolor Flower Garden Card

June 9, 2021
Art Projects, Chalks and Pastels, Eco-Friendly Crafts, Paint, Chalks and Pastels, Paper, Spring, Summer
1 comment

Spring's arrival brings the loveliest changes to our garden, and also a parade of holidays that stretch right into summer. Mother's Day, Father's Day, Teacher Appreciation Day...coming...