6 DIY Winter Bird Feeder Ideas for Kids: Bringing Nature Closer to Home

Winter is a wonderful time to introduce your children to the wonders of nature right in your backyard. Creating bird feeders is a fun and educational activity that not only allows kids to unleash their creativity but also fosters a love for wildlife. With a few simple materials and a pinch of imagination, you can easily craft delightful winter bird feeders with your children. Let’s dive into 6 DIY winter bird feeder ideas that will surely inspire your little ones.

Photo credit: https://www.littleexplorersdiscoveryschool.com/post/pine-cone-bird-feeder

1. Pine Cone Bird Feeder:

The classic DIY bird feeder and for good reason.

Materials:

  • Pine cones
  • Peanut butter or suet
  • Birdseed
  • String or ribbon

Steps:

  1. Tie a string or ribbon around the pine cone for hanging.
  2. Spread peanut butter or suet on the pine cone.
  3. Roll the pine cone in birdseed, making sure it sticks to the peanut butter.
  4. Hang the pine cone feeder on a tree branch.

Resources: Check out this tutorial here for more details and ideas on this craft.

Photo credit: https://www.firefliesandmudpies.com/toilet-paper-roll-bird-feeder/

2. Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeder:

Materials:

  • Empty toilet paper rolls
  • Peanut butter or suet
  • Birdseed
  • String or ribbon

Steps:

  1. Spread peanut butter or suet all over the toilet paper roll.
  2. Roll the peanut butter-coated roll in birdseed until fully covered.
  3. Thread a string through the hole in the roll and tie a knot to create a loop for hanging.

Resources: Check out this tutorial here for more details and ideas on this craft.

Photo credit: https://www.naturalbeachliving.com/orange-bird-feeder/

3. Orange Cup Bird Feeder:

Materials:

  • Halved oranges
  • Birdseed
  • String or twine

Steps:

  1. Hollow out the halved orange, leaving the peel intact.
  2. Fill the hollowed-out orange with birdseed.
  3. Thread a string through the orange and tie a knot for hanging.

Resources: Check out this tutorial here for more details and ideas on this craft.

Photo credit: https://www.crayola.com/crafts/milk-carton-bird-feeder-craft/

4. Milk Carton Bird Feeder:

Materials:

  • Empty, clean milk carton (Preferably a half gallon size)
  • Paints and brushes
  • Birdseed
  • String or wire

Steps:

  1. Cut a large opening on one side of the milk carton.
  2. Paint and decorate the carton as desired.
  3. Fill the carton with birdseed through the opening.
  4. Attach a string or wire to the top for hanging.

Resources: Check out this tutorial here from Crayola’s C.I.Y. (Create It Yourself) for more details and ideas on this craft (and many other fun crafts).

Photo credit: https://www.kitchencounterchronicle.com/how-to-make-a-cookie-cutter-bird-feeder/

5. Cookie Cutter Bird Feeder:

Materials:

  • Birdseed
  • Gelatin
  • Cookie cutters
  • Drinking straws
  • Ribbon or string

Steps:

  1. Mix birdseed with gelatin according to package instructions.
  2. Place cookie cutters on a tray and fill them with the birdseed mixture.
  3. Press the mixture down firmly using the back of a spoon.
  4. Insert a drinking straw at the top to create a hole for hanging.
  5. Let it dry, then remove the cookie cutters and thread a ribbon or string through the hole.

Resources: Check out this tutorial here for more details and ideas on this craft.

Photo credit: https://rangerrick.org/crafts_activities/bagel-bird-feeder/

6. Bagel Bird Feeder:

Materials:

  • Stale bagels
  • Peanut butter or suet
  • Birdseed

Steps:

  1. Spread peanut butter or suet on both sides of the bagel.
  2. Press the bagel into a bowl of birdseed, coating it well.
  3. Hang the bagel feeder using a string.

Resources: Check out this tutorial here or here for more details and ideas on this craft.

Encourage your kids to observe and identify the feathered visitors that come to enjoy the feeders. Not only will these DIY bird feeders attract a variety of birds to your backyard, but they’ll also teach your children about the importance of caring for wildlife and the environment. Happy crafting and birdwatching!

PS: If you are looking for some gear, check out our affiliate links below for some resources to me the most out of your bird watching experience. OR you might not have time to gather the supplies for a DIY but still want to put out a bird feeder that your little ones could decorate. Check it out!

Kids Binos and a little book on birds

Get a deal on a whole set of Binos for your kids and the WHOLE neighborhood

These are some fun and different variations on the classic wood bird feeder.

We like that these can allow the kids to add their own flair.

Nice and simple wood bird bistro.

We like how this one comes with paint for you to customize and paint it how you would like. 

Want to get a little nerdy on it?! Check out this cool bird feeder and camera in one!

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