Easy DIY Mini Terrarium For Kids: A Magical Nature Craft

Today, I did something so simple yet so magical with my toddler — we made a DIY mini terrarium! (Yes I hope I can sell them to earn a bit extra.)

This nature craft/ activity is part nature walk, part craft, and part mess (the good kind). And honestly? My toddler loved every second of it.

Whether you’re looking for a calm afternoon activity or a way to connect with nature without neccessarily leaving your living room, this is one project I can’t recommend enough. Take a peek at our cute miniature fairytale garden:

🪴 What Is a Mini Terrarium?

A terrarium is basically a mini garden inside a clear container. Think of it like a tiny world — complete with soil, rocks, moss, and plants. Some people even add tiny figurines or animals to make it look like a fairy garden.

I have been eyeing these for a while on Youtube and today I decided to try a simple one myself.

🧒 Why This Nature Craft is Perfect for Toddlers

• Hands-on (dirt = fun!)
• Teaches about nature – perfect stem activity.
• Builds fine motor skills and a green thumb.
• Easy to do together — no fancy skills needed

Your kid loves gardening and the outdoors? Check this:

>> Magical Sensory Garden Ideas for Kids

🌲 Our Experience (And What I’d Do Differently)

We started by heading outside to collect moss and stones. It became a little scavenger hunt — and that alone was a hit! My toddler was so proud every time he found a “cool rock” or a “soft moss patch.”

Our buggy is still a bit messy from all the treasures we collected. My son loved the fluffy moss. I did take images of a lot of plants to see if they are poisonous thought..

I got a super nice glass container at DAISO (this was my first mistake, more on that in a sec), added some soil, and started building our mini ecosystem. He helped choose where the rocks went and “gently” patted down the moss.

What went great:

• Nature walk + activity = win
• He felt proud creating “his own little world”
• It’s now part of our daily routine to check on it
• He already has showed it off to my grandparents and anyone who wants to see it. <3

What I’d do differently:

• Glass isn’t toddler-friendly. I worried the whole time about him smashing it with the stones. It’s really beautiful. I’d still recommend a clear plastic container instead (here is one I consider getting on Amazon– beautiful and see through).
• I added a cactus-style plant, which was a mistake. Since it prefers dry air, I can’t close the lid without causing mold. If you want a closed terrarium, skip the desert plants.

✅ What You’ll Need For The DIY Mini Terrarium

Here’s a quick list of supplies (with affiliate links to make it easy!):

Optional: Tiny figures, twigs, bark, or shells from your nature walk.

🌿 Best Plants for a Closed Terrarium (No Mold Problems!)

If you want to seal your terrarium with a lid, use moisture-loving plants. These work well in humid, closed environments:

• Fittonia (Nerve Plant) – colorful, loves moisture
• Ferns (like button fern) – soft and lush
• Peperomia – small and compact
• Moss – perfect base layer
• Mini orchids or baby tears – for more advanced terrariums

❌ Avoid cactus, succulents, or desert-style plants — they like it dry and will rot in humid conditions.

💡 Pro Tips

• Let your toddler take charge! Even if it gets messy.
• Keep it near a bright window (not direct sun).
• Spray with water once a week or when it looks dry.
• Watch for mold — if you spot any, remove the lid and let it dry out a bit.
• Your toddler will try to open the lid. Place it where toddler can’t reach.

❤️ Final Thoughts

This tiny project ended up being one of our favorite activities lately. It was educational, sensory, and honestly — really calming (even for me). Plus, it’s still sitting proudly on our windowsill.

If you’re looking for a nature-inspired toddler activity that’s fun, low-stress, and beautiful — this is it.

🔗 Want to Try This? Here Are Some Supplies to Get You Started:

Here is a set on Etsy with all the plants and moss.

Here is an extremly beautiful Terrarium that makes my heart beat faster. Maybe for older kids lol.

I saw this super cute Terrarium starter kit for kids, while i was on Amazon. Check it out here if you are curious. The price seems reasonable.

• Here is a less childish Terrarrium.