Looking for an easy bird feeder craft for kids? This homemade Cheerio bird feeder is a fun and simple nature activity that children of all ages can enjoy. Made with just pipe cleaners and cereal, this DIY bird feeder helps kids develop fine motor skills while learning about backyard birds and wildlife.
Whether you’re planning a preschool bird theme, a spring nature study, or a rainy-day craft, this easy bird feeder craft is the perfect way to combine creativity and outdoor learning.
Why Kids Love This Bird Feeder Craft
This Cheerio bird feeder craft is one of our favorite outdoor activities for kids because it’s:
Quick and easy to make
Budget-friendly
Great for toddlers and preschoolers
Encourages fine motor skill development
Helps children learn about birds and nature
Requires only a few simple supplies
Once your bird feeders are hanging outside, kids will love watching local birds stop by for a snack.
How to Make a Cheerio Bird Feeder
Step 1: Thread the Cheerios
Invite children to thread Cheerios onto a pipe cleaner. This simple action helps strengthen hand muscles and improve coordination.
Step 2: Create Your Shape
Once the pipe cleaner is mostly filled, bend it into a circle, heart, star, or other fun shape.
Step 3: Secure the Ends
Twist the pipe cleaner ends together to hold the cereal in place.
Step 4: Add Hanging String
Tie a piece of twine or ribbon to the bird feeder.
Step 5: Hang Outside
Place your homemade bird feeder on a tree branch, fence, or garden hook and watch for visiting birds.
Educational Benefits of This Bird Feeder Activity
This bird feeder craft is more than just a fun project. It also supports:
Fine Motor Skills
Threading cereal onto pipe cleaners strengthens finger muscles and hand-eye coordination. Similar threading activities are commonly used to support early childhood fine motor development.
Nature Exploration
Children become more aware of local wildlife as they observe different birds visiting their feeder.
Early Science Learning
This activity opens the door to conversations about bird habitats, migration, feeding habits, and backyard ecosystems.
Top Tips
- Bend one end of the pipe cleaner before threading to stop Cheerios from sliding off.
- Create seasonal shapes like hearts, stars, or wreaths.
- Hang several feeders at different heights to attract a variety of birds.
- Observe and record which bird species visit your garden.
- And if your little one loves Cheerios like mine, then make sure they don’t keep scoffing them!
More Nature Crafts for Kids
If your children enjoyed making this DIY bird feeder, they may also love:
- Pine cone bird feeders
- Nature scavenger hunts
- Bird watching journals
- Bug hotels
- Leaf art projects
This easy Cheerio bird feeder craft for kids is a simple way to encourage outdoor exploration, creativity, and learning. With just a few household supplies, children can create a homemade bird feeder and enjoy watching birds visit their garden or backyard.
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Oh, this is a good idea! My little girl would love to do this 🙂
Such a simple idea, my kids would have fun with this – thank you!
This is such a good ideas, and very easy to keep refreshing once the birds have eaten them!
Would never of thought of this
Brilliant idea we’ll be trying
I didn’t know that birds like cheerios! I think it would be hard not to eat them myself though!