8 Plant-Themed Activities To Do With (Or Without!) Kids

In the mood for some fun plant-related activities to do with kids? We tapped into our resident super mom, Léon & George France operations manager, and creative craft project extraordinaire, Angèle, for some inspiration and ideas she’s either tested out or are on her list to try with her daughter at home.

According to Angèle, you don’t need to be a Pinterest expert, nor do you need special materials beyond what you might find around the house. Above all, she says, “keep things simple, let nature inspire, and voilà! You’ve got activities to keep your kids curious for weeks!” Read on for a handful of different plant-related activities to do at home with (or without!) children.

Build a (paper) cactus garden

Having a cactus in the house is probably not a reality for most parents with young children. But a cactus that doesn’t stick?! These adorable paper cacti are not only fun to make but look great on any shelf (and need even less care than real ones!).

Angèle’s daughter, Michelle, watering her sprouted sunflower seeds.

Sprout seedlings

A classic tried and true home experiment, starting a seedling project with seeds or beans takes almost no time yet will fill subsequent days and weeks with wonder as your kids check in with their mini gardens (I have my daughter document their progress each day with a drawing!).

Construct origami plants and flowers

For older school-age children (and us adults!), making origami is not only a fun way to pass the time but also incredibly therapeutic. I’ll admit there are some relatively complicated patterns out there, but for the difficult ones I have my daughter decorate the paper and I construct. A few of my favorites are the plant seedling, lavender flowers, and Elephant’s Ear.

Make simple macrame hanging planters

Have some rope or yarn lying around the house? This simple pattern for a macrame hanging planter is a unique way to let your kids display their favorite indoor plants with something they made on their own.

Start a cutting collection

Propagating plants is incredibly simple and a very fun, interactive way for children to learn about how plants grow. Make an experiment of it by taking cuttings from various different plants and watching what happens next.

This paper sprouts! Tutorial + photo by alphamom.com

Make plantable paper

We all know that the best projects are the messiest ones. Let your kids enjoy the truly hands-on nature of making their own plantable paper—and then use it to send letters to all their loved ones!

Start a cutting collection

Propagating plants is incredibly simple and a very fun, interactive way for children to learn about how plants grow. Make an experiment of it by taking cuttings from various different plants and watching what happens next.

Press flowers for bookmarks

Another classic activity with plants, teach your children the beauty of pressing and conserving flowers, and use them to make an art project like a bookmark or a letter.

Practice still life drawing with plants

The basics of still life drawing are accessible to children of all ages. Use the plants around your home to inspire a quiet drawing session (and play the Léon & George Sounds of Nature playlist to really set the mood while you do it!).

What are your favorite activities to do with plants and children? Let us know in the comments!