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How to Make a Summer Nature Table for Children
Creating a Summer Nature Table for Children
Summer is bursting with treasures just waiting to be explored—shiny rocks, seashells, pinecones, leaves, wildflowers, feathers… you name it! A summer nature table is the perfect way to bring the outdoors inside and help kids connect with the natural world.
Not only does it look beautiful, but a nature table encourages:
✅ Observation skills (kids notice shapes, colors, and patterns)
✅ Hands-on learning (sorting, classifying, and even measuring objects)
✅ Seasonal awareness (understanding how nature changes through the year)
And the best part? It’s so easy to make—no fancy supplies required. Just a small table or shelf, a curious kid, and a little bit of outdoor exploring.
What is a Nature Table?
A nature table (sometimes called a seasonal table) is a dedicated space where children can display and explore natural objects they’ve collected. Think of it as a mini science lab meets art display!
For summer, that might include:
- Seashells and beach sand (if you’re near the coast)
- Wildflowers and pressed leaves
- Pinecones, seeds, or interesting rocks
- Insects or butterflies (photographs or models work best for live critters!)
You can add books, magnifying glasses, or field guides to turn it into an interactive learning corner.
Why Create a Summer Nature Table?
Children are natural collectors, and a nature table gives them a special place to observe, ask questions, and spark curiosity about the world around them. It also encourages them to spend more time outside exploring (which means more fresh air and less screen time—hallelujah!).
Nature Tables for Smaller Children and Babies
Even if you have a baby or smaller children, they can still enjoy interacting and exploring nature in the home. These blocks are perfect for tucking small or delicate nature finds in.
Incorporate nature finds
Grab a bag or pail, head out for a nature walk, and see what great finds you can discover. Then, bring your treasures home. Or, for those treasures that you can’t bring home, (a butterfly, for example) draw a picture of it in a journal or take a picture and print it out to add to your nature table. A small photo album full of nature photos and drawings is a great addition to a nature table!
This free printable would also make a great addition to your scavenger hunt.
You could even set out several flowers, a pair of scissors, and a small vase and invite your child to arrange their flowers.
A magnifying glass is another fun addition to a nature table – perfect to place near their basket of nature finds.
I also found some other amazing finds that would make a wonderful addition to a summer nature table.
This is incredible and this as well.
Incorporate beautiful artwork
Don’t forget to incorporate beautiful, seasonal artwork with your nature table. This beautiful Waldorf-inspired artwork would make a great addition.
Add summer-themed books
Books are always a great addition to any nature table! Below are a few of our favorite summer-themed books for children.
Find lots of fun summer activities here! 🏖️
Incorporate natural toys + puzzles
Incorporate open-ended, natural toys into your summer nature table and you will be amazed at the imaginative play your children will have!
You can spend as much or as little on your summer nature table as you’d like. You don’t have to have a huge amount if you’d like to start off small – your children will still enjoy learning and exploring their new space!
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Rachel Going
Sunday 14th of July 2019
That is a great idea to have a nature table!
The Art Kit
Sunday 14th of July 2019
Thank you! It's so fun - for the kids and adults! :)
Laura Noelle
Friday 12th of July 2019
Oooh I love this!! This is so awesome! My daughter is a huge nature fan (I always was too). I need to make this with her!
The Art Kit
Friday 12th of July 2019
<3
Karla Cook
Wednesday 10th of July 2019
What a fun idea! Perfect for informal summer learning!
The Art Kit
Friday 12th of July 2019
Thank you!