My favorite! Between going on walks with your children to find these treasures to watching how children reconnect with nature, nothing beats this. (Not to mention FREE!)
Nature-Based Loose Parts!

Pinecones and sweet gum balls picked up from walk.

Wood cookies cut from fallen tree branches.

Sticks and rocks found on a walk in the woods.

Seashells donated from a girl who went to the ocean.

Acorns picked up on a nature walk.

Dried wild flowers found in the field.

Dehydrated oranges and grapefruit.

Leaves found on the ground fallen from the trees.

Dirt! Yes! Great outdoor loose part or fabulous for sensory table and containers inside!

Dried sunflower makes for several loose parts within.
List of Nature-Based Loose Parts
- Acorns
- Sticks
- Dirt
- Dried Flowers
- Rocks
- Leaves
- Seeds
- Sand
- Pinecones
- Wood Cookies
- Wood Chips
- Moss
- Shells
- Pods
- Logs
- Peach Pits
- Feathers
- Squash
- Sweet Gum Ball
- Anise Stars
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Nutmeg
Explorations: Nature-Based Loose Parts in the Classroom

Leaf Collage

Home Creations

Mortar and Pestle Collages

Investigating and Sketching on Light Table

Number Invitation
Be on the lookout for the rest of the 7 types of Loose Parts in our series of Loose Parts posts this month.
For more information on this topic, don’t miss our in-depth guide How to Get Started with Loose Parts.
BONUS! Download our Loose Parts Wish List and start collecting! ↓
In case you missed the other 6 Types of Loose Parts blog posts, no worries. I included that all right here for you!
- Metal Loose Parts
- Plastic Loose Parts
- Glass & Ceramic Loose Parts
- Fabric, Fiber & Paper Loose Parts
- Wood Reuse Loose Parts
- Packaging Loose Parts
What Loose Parts are YOU playing with?
What have your children inevstigate through nature-based loose parts?