7 COZY FALL CRAFTS USING NATURAL MATERIALS FROM MADISON AREA PARKS

Cozy Fall Craft Ideas for Kids Using Natural Materials from Madison’s Parks…

Fall in Madison brings vibrant colors and crisp air, making it the perfect season for family adventures in nature. While you’re out enjoying the beauty of autumn in local parks and forests, why not gather some of those fall treasures—like leaves, acorns, pinecones, and twigs—to bring home for cozy, creative crafting? These simple fall-themed crafts are great for kids and use natural materials you can easily collect during your family outings.

Here are some fun, easy fall crafts your kids can make with materials found right here in Madison’s parks. Not only will you get outside and explore the changing season, but you’ll also be bringing a little piece of nature indoors for some quality crafting time.

Where to Find Natural Materials in Madison

Madison is home to many parks and green spaces where you can gather natural materials for your fall crafts. Here are some of the best spots to explore:

• UW Arboretum: A beautiful spot to collect leaves and twigs while enjoying the fall colors.
• Governor Nelson State Park: Ideal for finding pinecones, acorns, and other autumn treasures.
• Elver Park: Great for family walks and gathering natural materials like leaves and small branches.
• Pheasant Branch Conservancy: A stunning location to explore with kids and find a variety of fall materials.
• Cherokee Marsh: A quiet, scenic spot to collect acorns, leaves, and twigs along the trails.

COZY FALL CRAFTS TO MAKE WITH NATURAL MATERIALS FROM MADISON AREA PARKS

1. Leaf Rubbing Art

Materials:

• Leaves of different shapes and sizes (collected from places like Tenney Park or Olin Park)
• White paper
• Crayons in autumn colors (reds, yellows, oranges, browns)

Instructions:
Take your family for a walk in one of Madison’s parks and gather a variety of leaves. Once home, place a leaf under a sheet of white paper, and let your child rub a crayon (held sideways) over the paper. The leaf’s shape and texture will appear, creating beautiful, colorful patterns. Experiment with different leaves and colors to create a unique fall collage.

Pro Tip: Choose dry leaves for the best results.

2. Acorn Cap Necklaces

Materials:

• Acorn caps (found in parks like Hoyt Park or Owen Conservation Park)
• String or yarn
• Beads
• Hot glue gun (for adult use)

Instructions:
Acorn caps make charming, nature-inspired necklaces. After collecting acorn caps, secure a bead inside each cap using a hot glue gun. Thread a string or yarn through the cap to create a necklace. Kids can choose their favorite bead colors or decorate the acorn caps with paint for a personalized touch.

Pro Tip: Make it extra fun by using beads in fall colors like orange, gold, and red.

3. Pinecone Bird Feeders

Materials:

• Pinecones (from places like Governor Nelson State Park or Cherokee Marsh)
• Peanut butter (or a nut-free alternative)
• Birdseed
• String

Instructions:
Create a simple bird feeder that lets kids interact with nature! After gathering pinecones, cover them with peanut butter and roll them in birdseed. Tie a string to the top of each pinecone and hang it from a tree in your yard. Kids will love watching birds enjoy their handmade feeders as they fly in for a snack.

Pro Tip: Use a nut-free alternative if your family has peanut allergies.

4. Leaf-Crowned Headbands

Materials:

• Colorful fall leaves (from places like Elver Park or Vilas Park)
• Construction paper
• Glue or tape
• Scissors

Instructions:
Transform your little ones into forest royalty with DIY leaf crowns! Start by cutting a strip of construction paper to fit around your child’s head. Glue or tape colorful leaves along the strip. Once dry, tape the ends of the paper together to form a crown. Your kids will love wearing their leaf-crowned headbands during their fall playtime.

Pro Tip: Add glitter or sequins to make the crowns sparkle.

5. Twig Picture Frames

Materials:

• Twigs and small branches (gathered from places like the UW Arboretum or Warner Park)
• Cardboard
• Hot glue gun (for adult use)
• String or ribbon for hanging

Instructions:
Gather twigs and small branches from your nature walks to create a rustic picture frame. Cut a piece of cardboard to the desired size and glue twigs around the edges to make the frame. You can layer the twigs to add texture. Once the frame is complete, insert a photo or your child’s fall artwork, and hang it using a piece of string or ribbon.

Pro Tip: Decorate the frame with small acorns or dried leaves for extra flair.

6. Fall Nature Mobile

Materials:

• Twigs, leaves, pinecones, acorns, and other natural items
• String or fishing line
• A sturdy branch or stick (from parks like Pheasant Branch Conservancy or Yahara Hills Park)

Instructions:
Create a nature-inspired mobile with the fall materials your family collects. Tie twine or string around items like pinecones, acorns, and leaves, and attach them to a sturdy branch. Hang the mobile near a window where it can spin and catch the light, bringing a little bit of the outdoors inside.

Pro Tip: Hang lightweight objects for better balance and movement.

7. Nature-Themed Fall Wreath

Materials:

• Grapevine or foam wreath base
• Pinecones, acorns, and colorful leaves (gathered from local parks like McCarthy Youth & Conservation Park)
• Hot glue gun (for adult use)
• Ribbon for hanging

Instructions:
Turn your fall findings into a beautiful wreath to display on your front door! Using a grapevine or foam wreath base, glue pinecones, acorns, and vibrant leaves in layers to create a textured, colorful wreath. Finish it off with a bow or ribbon for hanging, and you’ll have a seasonal decoration that’s perfect for welcoming fall guests.

Pro Tip: Swap out natural elements as the season changes to keep your wreath looking fresh.

Why Fall Crafts Are Great for Kids

Not only are these crafts fun and easy, but they also give kids the chance to connect with nature and explore the changing seasons in Madison. These activities encourage creativity and teach children to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. Plus, fall crafting is a wonderful way to spend time together as a family, creating memories along with your handmade decorations.