Enchanted Houses for Fairies and Leprechauns

Another great (free) outdoor activity is to create Elf houses out of pine cones, twigs, and other ground floor materials that can be found in nature.  These natural items you can easily find around you in your backyard or in a park. Nestle the elf houses amidst the tree roots, then leave them for other walkers to find and admire.  If you wish, you can leave out little treats like berries and nuts for the fairies and leprechauns as treats.  Check back in a few days to see if you see any signs of activity.

Enchanted Houses for Fairies and Leprechauns Supplies

• Loose branches, twigs, sticks
• Twine
• Small rocks or pebbles
• Pine cones
• Pine needles
• Leaves
• Shells
• Bark
• Feathers, shells, nut shells, nuts (for decorations)

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Enchanted Houses for Fairies and Leprechauns Directions

• Step 1. Gather Supplies. Collect and inventory small sticks, branches, and twigs in the area.  Be sure to also look for leaves, bark and dead plant matter that can be used for roofs.  Make sure that kids are not breaking off live plants and branches to use as supplies, but are using dead material or material that is naturally separated from their source.
• Step 2. Pick a site. You will need to look for a place that is quiet and not in a busy location.  However, you also don’t want it too remote, otherwise no one will ever see your enchanted house.  A crook between large tree roots is a good spot, as is an open area under a branch of a small bush.
• Step 3.  Walls and Roofs. Put up some walls by leaning twigs and branches together like a teepee.  Continue to pile them on top of each other so that you will have a sturdy house.  Pine cones make good corners too.  You can also add leaves to cover the sides and roofs.  Large pieces of round bark also make good walls.
• Step 4. Flooring. For the flooring of the enchanted house, use a covering of pine needles.  The more pine needles, the softer the flooring, and will make a great sleeping area for the fairies and leprechauns.
• Step 5.  Pebble Path. Use small pebbles to make a path leading to the front of the door of the Enchanted house.  Use small shells to decorate the edge of the path or other small decorative pebbles.
• Step 6. Decorate. Decorate your house with any flowers, berries, decorative pebbles, bark, etc. that you can find.  With a small piece of bark you can easily make a plate and place small berries, nuts, or treats on there for the fairies and leprechauns.

Other Eco-Friendly Nature and Camping Party Activities

• Scavenger Hunt and Nature Hike
• Enchanted Houses for Fairies and Leprechauns