If you’re looking for an easy, calming nature-inspired activity for your little one, this DIY leaf matching game is perfect. It’s simple to set up, uses materials you can collect for free on a walk, and gives kids a wonderful hands-on way to explore leaves and learn about nature. Whether your child is a toddler or preschooler, they’ll love finding, matching, and counting the leaves while developing key early learning skills through play.
A Fun Way to Connect with Nature
After a walk to collect leaves, children can enjoy turning their findings into a homemade children’s matching game. This kind of craft encourages observation and curiosity. Kids naturally start to notice the shapes, patterns, and textures of each leaf.
They’re building early science knowledge and fine motor skills as they handle and compare the leaves, trace around them, and match each one to its outline.
It’s also a quiet, screen-free activity that’s perfect for a cozy afternoon by the window with some nature books nearby for extra inspiration.
You do not need a lead matching game printable for this activity as every leaf you collect will be unique, so it’s best to draw around your own leaves. That way you will get a perfect match rather than trying to match your leaves to generic pre-prepared leaf shapes.
Developmental Benefits of Playing Matching Games
This leaf matching activity helps kids in so many ways. Matching is a powerful early learning skill that strengthens visual memory, attention to detail, and problem-solving.
By finding which leaf fits each outline, children are also learning spatial awareness, counting leaves, and building confidence as they see their progress. It’s a nature matching game with lots of fun exploration.
How to Set Up the Leaf Matching Game
Follow along with the simple instructions below to set up your match a leaf game at home with the kids.
How to make your Leaf Matching Nature Puzzle Activity
Turn your nature walk treasures into a fun leaf matching game! Kids can collect, trace, and match real leaves while learning, creating, and connecting with nature. This is the perfect hands-on activity for toddlers and preschoolers.
Materials
- Leaves
- Paper or cardboard
- Marker pen
Instructions
- Go on a leaf hunt. Take a walk outdoors with your child and collect a variety of leaves in different shapes and sizes.
- Lay out the leaves. Spread them on a flat surface like a table or tray.
- Trace around each leaf. Use a marker or crayon to draw around the edges on a sheet of paper.
- Remove the leaves. Now your paper will have outlines ready for matching.
- Play the game. Invite your child to match a leaf to each outline — just like a puzzle!
- Add color and creativity. If you like, paint the outlines or decorate around them for extra fun.
- Repeat and extend. Mix up the leaves and play again, or create a new leaf matching game with different leaf shapes next time.
This matching game feels like a mix between art, science, and play. It’s part craft, part activity, and part nature exploration. There’s no pressure to get it perfect, it’s all about the process and curiosity.
Kids love seeing how the leaves fit, noticing the little differences, and showing off their finished leaf collage. The whole thing becomes a beautiful keepsake of your outdoor adventure, a memory from your nature walk turned into creative fun.
If you want to paint or decorate the paper outlines after completing the activity, go for it! This is a great way to extend the activity even further.
More Matching Games for Kids
If your little one loved this leaf matching game, try more simple matching games to keep the fun going. You can make your own DIY matching activities using toys, shapes, or even pictures from books.
This type of activity is perfect for rainy days or quiet playtime at home. These games help children strengthen memory, focus, and visual recognition while having fun together.
- Autumn Nature Puzzle
- Toy Shape Match DIY Puzzle
- Star DIY Color Matching Puzzle (Printable Template)
- DIY Wooden Shape Puzzles
- Celebrate Diversity with The Skin I’m In Is Magic And A Free Printable Matching Game!
- Superhero Memory Game Printable Pack
- 10 Busy Bags for Matching Activities
More Leaf Theme Activities for Kids
If your kids enjoyed this leaf matching game, try other leaf activities too like leaf rubbings, leaf printing, or making a leaf crown! They’re great ways to use your nature finds and learn more about the seasons.
- Wax Resist Fall Leaf Art
- How to Create a DIY Nature Crown with Your Kids
- Autumn Leaf Face Art With Free Printable Templates
- Mason Jar Autumn Leaf Lanterns
- Fall Leaf Hedgehog With Printable Template
More Nature Activities for Kids
We have lots more nature activities and crafts that help kids connect with the world around them from rock painting to flower pressing. Follow the links below to explore more fun, free ideas and bring nature play into your everyday life!
- Free Printable Nature Journal for Kids To Explore The Natural World
- Flower Mandalas & Nature Art
- Emotions Flower Face Craft
- Flower Vases Nature Craft Activity
- How to Make a Journey Stick Outdoor Activity for Kids
Don’t forget to share this blog post with other parents or teachers who might enjoy setting up this easy nature-inspired matching game. We’d love to see your results too so please tag us if you try it!
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.