How to Make a Summer Nature Table for Children

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How to Make a Summer Nature Table for Children

Creating a Summer Nature Table for Children

What is a nature table?

A nature table is typically a table but can really be any space in your home where a selection of natural or handmade items are displayed to be played with, explored, and enjoyed. For optimal enjoyment, we’ve found it best to rotate it occasionally, typically based on the season.

How do you make a nature table?

First, designate a space for your nature table or nature area. You’ll want a space that isn’t too out of the way, as you want to create an inviting space that your children will actually use.

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.

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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