There’s something wonderful about getting kids curious about trees — it’s one of the easiest, most accessible ways to introduce them to nature and the changing seasons. If you’re looking for tree craft ideas that don’t need lots of equipment or planning, this Book of Trees project is a lovely one to try. It works brilliantly with leaves collected on an ordinary walk, and even younger kids can join in.
You will need:
- A selection of leaves collected on walks
- Pens or crayons
- Paper
- A stapler
- Glue
Instructions:
- Make a mini book from your paper — either staple a few A4 sheets together, or fold them in half to create an A5-sized book with staples down the centrefold.
- On the top half of a left-hand page, have your child draw around the shape of each leaf and then stick the real leaf on next to it. On the bottom half of the same page, ask them to draw the tree that the leaf belongs to.
- For older kids, encourage them to look up a few facts about each tree type to go with their leaves. A library book on trees or a nature guide is a great place to start.
- On the right-hand page, write down a fact or two about that tree — for example, “Beech tree leaves turn copper in autumn” or “Beech is often used to make hedges.”
- Let your child get creative with the front cover — a title written in different shades of green, a few leaves stuck onto a hand-drawn tree, whatever feels right to them.
- Don’t forget to bring your Tree Book with you on your next walk in the woods, so you can use it to spot and identify different trees along the way.
Why this craft works so well
This project ties together a few things kids naturally enjoy — collecting, drawing, and a bit of detective work. It also gives a nature walk a purpose, which can be a great help with reluctant walkers. Because the book grows with each outing, it becomes something your child can be genuinely proud of, and a nice keepsake of a particular season or year.
Tips for making it your own
- Keep a small bag or envelope in your coat pocket for collecting leaves as you spot them.
- Younger children can focus on the drawing and sticking, while older kids take on the fact-finding.
- Add a date to each entry so the book becomes a record of the seasons over time.
- Revisit the same trees at different times of year to see how the leaves change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is this tree craft suitable for?
It works well across a wide age range. Younger children can enjoy the drawing, sticking and colouring, while older kids can take on the research side, looking up facts about each tree type.
Do I need to know a lot about trees to do this?
Not at all. Part of the fun is learning together — a simple nature guide or library book can help you and your child identify trees and find interesting facts as you go.
What if I can’t identify a leaf?
That’s perfectly fine — you can still stick it in and draw around it, and come back to add the tree name and facts once you’ve worked it out together.
Can this be done indoors?
Yes — if you’ve already collected a batch of leaves, the drawing, sticking and writing can all happen at the kitchen table. The walk to collect leaves is the only outdoor step.
You might also enjoy
- 15 Fun Nature Activities for Kids
- Pine Cone Crafts
- Terrific Tree Fun
- How to Measure a Tree
- How to Tell the Age of a Tree (without using Tree Rings)
- Nature Scavenger Hunt
Have you tried this tree craft with your kids, or have your own twist on it? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below.
Want more ideas like this?
If you enjoyed this one, why not browse our other nature and craft activities for more simple, screen-free ideas to try with the kids? Or sign up to our newsletter for a weekly dose of activity ideas, crafts and things to do, straight to your inbox.
