Nature Spotter Printable (Easy Nature Craft for Kids)

One of my favorite ways to get kids outside is to give them a simple mission instead of telling them to “go play outside.” I’ve found that when my kids have something to look for, they stay outside longer and notice things they would normally walk right past. Suddenly, flowers become treasures, bugs become discoveries, and even the backyard feels exciting.

These DIY Nature Spotter magnifying glasses are an easy nature craft for kids that doubles as an outdoor activity. They aren’t real magnifying glasses—but kids don’t seem to care. The colored window and stickers make them feel special enough to turn an ordinary walk into a scavenger hunt.

I made ours with cardboard and cellophane because I wanted something simple and inexpensive that kids could actually help create themselves. Once they finished decorating, they headed straight outside to search for butterflies, leaves, flowers, bugs, and backyard discoveries.

The printable template keeps setup easy, and if you want them to last longer for camps or classrooms, try tracing the template onto thin cardboard before decorating.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Nature Spotter printable (print directly onto cardstock OR use it as a tracing template)
• Cardstock or thin cardboard
• Scissors
• Markers
• Nature stickers (flowers, butterflies, bees, bugs, leaves, etc.)
• Colored cellophane or clear cellophane
• Tape or glue

Optional:

• Empty drink cases or cereal boxes (the inside cardboard is sturdy but still easy for kids to cut)
• Adult scissors for cutting thicker cardboard

---

How to Make a Nature Spotter Craft

1. Print the Nature Spotter template onto cardstock and cut out the pieces.
2. Optional: Trace onto cardboard if you’d like a sturdier nature viewer.
   One of my favorite tricks is using the inside of drink cases or cereal boxes —they’re thinner than shipping boxes and much easier for kids to cut.
3. Cut out the center circles of the magnifying glass shape.
4. Tape or glue colored cellophane behind the opening to create a colorful viewing window. (Add 2 pieces of cellophane for a deeper color)
5. Decorate your Nature Spotter with markers and nature stickers.
6. Head outside and explore!
   Look for flowers, bugs, leaves, bark textures, clouds, butterflies, and other backyard discoveries.

---

Download Your Free Nature Spotter Printable

Ready to make your own?

Grab your Magnifying Glass Nature Spotter Printable

Print on cardstock for the best results. Add colored cellophane to the center window, decorate with stickers and markers, and head outside to start exploring.

Melissa’s Tips For Making these Nature Spotter Crafts

Cellophane: Double up to deepen the cellophane’s color.

Cardboard Version: Printing directly onto cardstock is the quickest option. If you want these to last longer for camps or classrooms, trace the printable onto cardboard first. The inside of drink cases works especially well because it’s sturdy yet easy to cut.

Cardstock Version: Cut out the magnifying glasses, let the kids decorate them, then laminate them. Finally, glue cellophane over the center.

More Nature Crafts and Outdoor Activities

If your kids enjoyed making these DIY Nature Spotter magnifying glasses, here are more easy nature crafts and outdoor activities to keep the adventure going.

Cloud Spotter Printable
→ Perfect companion activity after making the spotters.

Spring Flower Suncatcher Printables
→ Collect leaves and flowers to create colorful nature art.

Water Bottle Flower Craft
→ Easy flower-inspired craft for preschool and elementary ages.

Water Bottle Bee Craft
→ Continue the backyard bug and nature theme.

🏕️ Outdoor Activities for Kids
→ More ways to get outside and explore.

🔬 Science Activities for Kids
→ Nice semantic connection because this feels observational/exploration-based.

🌿 Summer Crafts for Kids
→ Seasonal relevance.