Inside: Discover 15 fun fall crafts that you can enjoy with your kids this season. These activities are perfect for sparking creativity and spending quality time together.
As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, it’s a great time to explore fun craft ideas with your children.
These fall crafts offer a chance to create lasting memories while embracing the season’s beauty.
Whether you’re looking to use materials from nature or simple household items, these crafts are easy and enjoyable for everyone involved.
1. Leaf Printing
Leaf printing is a fun craft that kids can enjoy in the fall. Here’s how to do it:
- Gather Supplies: You’ll need fresh leaves, paint (red, orange, yellow, or brown), a paintbrush, and paper.
- Prep the Leaves: Choose leaves with interesting shapes. Wash them if needed and let them dry.
- Paint the Leaves: Use the paintbrush to cover one side of the leaf with paint.
- Make the Print: Press the painted side of the leaf down on the paper. Press firmly to get a clear print.
- Lift and Reveal: Carefully lift the leaf to see your print. If it’s too light, add more paint and try again.
- Let it Dry: Allow your artwork to dry completely before displaying.
Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Try using different colors for each leaf to create a rainbow effect. It’s a great way to add more fun to your prints!”
2. Pine Cone Owls
Making pine cone owls is a fun fall craft. Here’s what you need and the steps to follow:
Materials Needed:
- Pine cones
- Felt or natural materials (leaves, pebbles)
- Googly eyes
- Glue (hot glue gun or craft glue)
Steps:
- Create the face by gluing the beak and googly eyes to a felt piece.
- Attach the face to the pine cone.
- Cut out two wing shapes from felt or use leaves.
- Glue the wings to the sides of the pine cone.
- Make ears from felt and attach them behind the face.
Expert Tip: “Use natural materials for a unique look. Kids will love experimenting with different textures!”
3. Apple Stamps
Apple stamping is a fun and creative fall craft for kids. Here’s how to do it:
Materials Needed: Apples, paint, paper, and a knife (for adults to use).
Steps:
- Step 1: Cut an apple in half horizontally. Each half will act as your stamp.
- Step 2: Pour paint on a paper plate. Dip the cut side of the apple into the paint.
- Step 3: Press the painted apple onto your paper to make a print.
- Step 4: Try using different colors or even carve shapes into the apple for variety.
This craft is great for exploring textures and colors while having fun.
“You can use a small paintbrush to add details on your prints. Let your imagination run wild with colors and patterns!”
4. Pumpkin Spice Playdough
Making Pumpkin Spice Playdough is a fun and easy fall craft for kids. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ½ cups of flour
- ¾ cup of salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons of cream of tartar
- 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice
- 1 ½ cups of warm water
- A bit of oil (optional for texture)
Steps to make the playdough:
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
- In a separate container, combine warm water with oil if using.
- Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until it forms a dough.
- Knead the dough until it’s smooth and not sticky.
This playdough smells delightful and is perfect for sensory play.
“To make it last longer, store the playdough in an airtight container. Add a few drops of essential oil for extra fragrance!”
5. Acorn Necklaces
Making acorn necklaces is a fun fall activity.
Here’s what you need:
- Acorns (washed and dried)
- String or yarn
- Scissors
- Optional: paint or glitter for decoration
Steps to make your necklace:
- Take a string and cut it to your desired length.
- If you want, paint or add glitter to the acorns and let them dry.
- Carefully thread the acorns onto the string.
- Tie the ends to secure, and your necklace is ready to wear!
Expert Tip from KidsCareIdeas: “Use different sizes of acorns for a fun look. You can also paint them in various colors to match your outfits!”
6. Paper Plate Scarecrows
Making paper plate scarecrows is a fun and simple craft. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by painting the paper plate with cream-colored paint. Let it dry completely.
- Print and cut out a scarecrow face template.
- Trace the face on the plate and cut it out.
- Glue on eyes and other features to make your scarecrow look lively.
For extra fun, punch holes around the edge of the plate. Lace with black yarn to create a border.
“Get creative with colors and patterns. Your scarecrow can be silly or spooky!”
7. Leaf Crown
Making a leaf crown is a fun and simple craft that kids will love. Here’s what you need:
- A strip of paper (wrap-around for the head)
- Leaves (real or craft)
- Glue
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- Yarn or string
Follow these steps:
- Cut a strip of paper long enough to fit around your child’s head.
- Use glue to attach leaves to the paper strip.
- Punch holes on either side of the crown.
- Tie yarn or string through the holes to secure the crown.
Kids can get creative with leaf patterns. This craft connects them with nature while they have fun.
“Use various colors and shapes of leaves for a vibrant look. Adding glitter can make it even more special!”
8. Twig Picture Frames
Creating a twig picture frame is a fun fall craft for you and your kids. It’s simple and uses natural materials.
What you need:
- Small twigs
- Cardstock or colored paper
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
Steps:
- Cut your twigs to the desired length.
- Prepare a base with cardstock or foam board.
- Glue the twigs around the edges of the base to form a frame.
- Allow the glue to dry before adding your favorite fall photos.
“Let kids pick their twigs so they feel more connected to the craft. It makes the frames even more special when they can choose materials from nature.”
9. Corn Husk Dolls
Making corn husk dolls is a fun and easy craft for kids. Here’s what you need:
- 6-8 corn husks for adult dolls or 2-4 for child-size dolls
- A container with water
- Twine
- String, felt, or cloth for clothing
- Scissors
Steps:
- Soak the corn husks in water for about 10 minutes.
- Take 4-6 husks, lay them in a stack, and tie them together with twine about an inch from the top.
- Fold the husks down in equal sections to form the doll’s shape.
Add details and outfit your doll using string, felt, or cloth.
Expert Tip: “Encourage kids to decorate their dolls with markers or other craft materials. Let their creativity shine while having fun!”
10. Button Tree Art
Creating a button tree art piece is a fun and simple craft for kids. Here’s how you can make it:
- Gather your materials: buttons in various colors, cardstock or canvas, and glue.
- Draw or print a simple tree outline on the cardstock or canvas.
- Start gluing buttons onto the tree, filling branches with seasonal colors like orange, red, and yellow.
- Let it dry completely before displaying.
This craft allows kids to express creativity while working on fine motor skills.
“Use a variety of button sizes for a unique look. Kids can also add glitter or stickers for extra flair!”
11. Yarn Pumpkins
Making yarn pumpkins is a fun and simple craft for fall. Here’s how to do it:
- Gather your materials: You need balloons, yarn, glue, and scissors.
- Prepare the balloons: Inflate the balloons to your desired size.
- Wrap the yarn: Soak the yarn in glue and wrap it around the balloon.
- Let it dry: Allow the yarn to harden. Once dry, pop and remove the balloon.
- Add details: Use pipe cleaners for stems and tendrils.
This craft is great for kids of all ages. It encourages creativity and fine motor skills.
“Let kids choose their yarn colors for a personal touch. This makes the craft even more fun!”
12. Egg Carton Spiders
Making egg carton spiders is a fun and easy craft for kids. You can use simple materials you likely already have at home. Here’s what you need and the steps to follow:
Materials Needed:
- Empty egg cartons
- Black paint or markers
- Pipe cleaners
- Scissors
- Googly eyes (optional)
Steps:
- Cut your egg carton into sections to make the spider body.
- Paint the sections black or use markers to color them.
- Once dry, punch holes on each side of the body.
- Cut pipe cleaners into four pieces each for the legs.
- Attach the pipe cleaners to the holes, bending them to secure.
*“Let kids decorate their spiders with googly eyes or other crafty materials. It adds a personal touch and sparks creativity!”*
13. Autumn Leaf Wreath
Making an autumn leaf wreath is a fun and simple craft for kids. Here’s what you need and how to do it:
- Materials Needed:
- Paper plates or cardboard
- Colored leaves (real or paper)
- Glue
- Scissors
- Hole punch (for paper plates)
- Steps:
- Cut a hole in the center of a paper plate or make a frame out of cardboard.
- Decorate the wreath by gluing on colored leaves. Let kids choose their designs!
- Punch a hole at the top and add a ribbon for hanging.
This craft brings the beauty of fall right into your home.
“Encourage your kids to use their imagination with colors and patterns. It’s a great way to celebrate the season together.”
14. Toilet Paper Roll Turkeys
Making toilet paper roll turkeys is a fun and easy fall craft. Here’s what you need and how to do it:
- Supplies: Toilet paper roll, brown paint, colored cardstock (red, yellow, orange), scissors, glue, and a turkey feather template.
- Paint the toilet paper roll brown and let it dry.
- Use the turkey feather template to cut out feathers from the cardstock.
- Attach the feathers to the back of the roll with glue.
- Draw or cut out a beak and eyes to complete your turkey.
“Kids can really express their creativity with this craft. Encourage them to use bright colors for the feathers!”
15. Pumpkin Seed Mosaics
Creating pumpkin seed mosaics is a fun activity for kids during the fall. Here’s how you can make your own.
- Gather Materials: You will need pumpkin seeds, glue, and a pumpkin template or cardboard.
- Prepare the Seeds: Paint the seeds in fall colors like orange, yellow, and green. Let them dry completely on cardboard or newspaper.
- Arrange the Seeds: Once dry, place the seeds on your template to create patterns or images.
- Glue the Seeds: Use glue to attach the seeds to the template. Make sure to cover all areas you want to decorate.
You can also glue any loose seeds back in place as needed to finish your mosaic.
“Encourage kids to be creative with their designs. It’s a great way to express themselves while having fun!”
Benefits of Fall Crafts
Fall crafts offer exciting ways for kids to express themselves and learn new skills. They engage children in hands-on activities that promote creativity and develop important physical abilities.
Boost Creativity
Crafting gives kids a chance to explore their imagination. They can use various materials like leaves, paper, and paint to make something unique.
As they choose colors, shapes, and designs, they learn to express their thoughts and feelings visually.
You can encourage your child by suggesting themes, like autumn colors or their favorite animals. This helps them think outside the box and generate new ideas. Allowing them to create freely fosters confidence in their creative abilities.
Additionally, kids can share their creations with family and friends. Showcasing their work adds an element of pride and encourages further artistic exploration.
Enhance Fine Motor Skills
Craft projects help improve fine motor skills, which are essential for everyday tasks.
Activities like cutting, gluing, and painting require precise hand movements. Working with different materials improves coordination and dexterity.
For example, when kids cut out shapes for a paper turkey, they practice controlling scissors. As they glue pieces together, they strengthen their grip and hand control. These skills are important as they transition to tasks like writing and buttoning clothes.
Incorporating small items like buttons or beads into crafts can also challenge their motor skills. Encouraging kids to manipulate these objects can lead to better hand-eye coordination over time.
Materials You’ll Need
To create fun fall crafts with kids, you’ll need a mix of natural objects and everyday supplies. These items will help bring your creative ideas to life, ensuring that you have everything you need for a successful crafting session.
Natural Objects
Using natural objects can enhance your crafts and connect kids to nature. Here are some great items to consider:
- Leaves: Gather a variety of leaves in different shapes and colors. They can be used for printmaking, collages, or even to decorate your crafts.
- Pine Cones: Pine cones are perfect for creating fun projects like pinecone pumpkins or decorative wreaths.
- Acorns: Use acorns to create unique characters or as simple decorations.
- Twigs and Sticks: Collect twigs to form the base of trees or as parts of structures in your craft.
- Flowers and Seeds: Dried flowers and seeds can be great for making suncatchers or mixed media art.
These materials encourage creativity and provide a hands-on way to explore the fall season.
Everyday Supplies
Everyday supplies are just as important for your fall crafting. Here are some must-haves:
- Construction Paper: Stock up on various colors for making cards, decorations, and more.
- Glue and Tape: You’ll need these for sticking items together. Craft glue is good for heavier items, while tape works for lighter projects.
- Scissors: You need these to cut paper and crafting materials safely.
- Markers and Crayons: These are great for adding color and detail to your projects.
- Paint and Brushes: If you want to add some flair, paint can create beautiful effects on leaves or paper.
- String or Yarn: Use these to hang crafts or connect various elements together.