Autumn is a season filled with color, coziness, and plenty of creative opportunities for kids. With leaves crunching underfoot, pumpkins waiting to be decorated, and nature offering endless supplies, fall is the perfect time to craft together as a family. These 35 fall crafts for kids are simple, fun, and designed for real homes, using everyday items and a sprinkle of imagination to turn ordinary afternoons into lasting memories.
35 Fun and Creative Fall Crafts for Kids:
Here’s a collection of easy, kid-friendly autumn crafts that are simple to make, full of seasonal charm, and perfect for doing at home.
1. Leaf Rubbing Art
Slip a leaf under a sheet of paper and hand the kids some crayons. As they rub, the hidden patterns appear like magic. It’s a simple, mess-free way to enjoy nature indoors.
2. Pinecone Bird Feeders
Spread peanut butter on pinecones and roll them in birdseed. Hang them outside, then watch feathered friends flock to your yard. Kids love seeing the wildlife they helped feed.
3. Acorn Necklace
Gather acorns on a crisp fall walk, then paint them in bright colors. String them together to make a necklace or bracelet. It’s wearable art straight from nature.
4. Pumpkin Painting
Skip the carving knives and bring out the paint. Kids can cover pumpkins with silly faces, patterns, or even glitter. They’ll glow just as brightly on a porch or table.
5. Handprint Autumn Tree
Trace little hands on paper to build the branches of a tree. Cut and glue colorful leaf shapes on top for the foliage. It becomes both a fun craft and a sweet keepsake. A perfect activity for kids to try in summer.
6. Mason Jar Leaf Lanterns
Glue pressed leaves around a clear jar, then pop in a battery tealight. At night, the glow shines through the autumn shapes beautifully. Cozy, safe, and magical.
7. Twig Picture Frame
Collect twigs during a walk and arrange them around a frame. Kids can glue, paint, or even sprinkle glitter for flair. Add a favorite photo to make it extra special.
8. Paper Bag Scarecrow
Stuff a paper bag with newspaper to form a head, then decorate with a silly face. Yarn makes great hair, and a stick holds it up. It’s fun, cheap, and very autumn.
9. Corn Husk Dolls
Dry corn husks can be tied into dolls with just a bit of string. Add scraps of yarn or fabric to dress them up. Kids enjoy learning a harvest tradition while crafting toys.
10. Felt Leaf Garland
Cut leaves from colorful felt, then string them together with twine. Kids love mixing shades of red, orange, and yellow. Hang it across a window or mantel for a cheerful touch.
11. Nature Collage Board
Bring home leaves, seeds, feathers, or bark and glue them to cardboard. Let kids design their own collage, layering textures and colors. It’s a great way to remember a nature walk.
12. Apple Stamp Printing
Slice an apple in half, dip it in paint, and press onto paper. Shapes pop out, sometimes pumpkins, sometimes hearts. It’s quick, creative, and a little messy in the best way.
13. Pinecone Hedgehogs
Turn pinecones into hedgehogs with felt ears, noses, and googly eyes. Each one comes out with its own personality. These little critters look adorable on a shelf or table.
14. Acorn Tic-Tac-Toe
Paint acorns in two colors to use as game pieces. Draw or paint a board on cardboard, wood, or even a rock. Kids get to craft and then play again and again.
15. Fall Suncatchers
Press tissue paper or leaves between contact sheets. When hung on a window, sunlight shines through in glowing fall colors. It brightens a gray day instantly.
16. Paper Plate Owls
Fold and decorate paper plates to make owls with wide eyes and wings. Add feathers, buttons, or markers to bring them to life. These playful owls look great on walls.
17. Cinnamon Stick Bundles
Tie cinnamon sticks together with twine and tuck in a felt leaf or ribbon. The scent fills the room with autumn warmth. Simple to make, yet so cozy.
18. Leaf Crown
Glue or tape leaves onto a strip of paper to form a headband. Kids wear them proudly, pretending to be autumn royalty. Perfect for playtime or parties.
19. Painted Rock Pumpkins
Paint smooth rocks orange and add green stems or spooky faces. These “pumpkins” last all season without rotting. Display them in a bowl or garden bed.
20. Twig Star Ornaments
Cross twigs into a star shape and tie with yarn or string. Kids can decorate with paint or glitter. Hang them indoors for rustic charm or outside on trees.
21. Fabric Scrap Pumpkins
Wrap fabric scraps around crumpled paper balls and tie with twine. Kids love choosing fun patterns for each pumpkin. They’re cute, soft, and reusable year after year.
22. Autumn Sensory Bin
Fill a bin with dried corn, leaves, and small gourds. Kids scoop, pour, and sort while exploring textures. It’s playtime and learning rolled into one.
23. Seed Mosaic Art
Sort seeds, beans, or grains, then glue them into colorful patterns. Kids get a hands-on lesson in harvest foods. The textured artwork looks beautiful once complete.
24. Button Tree Canvas
Paint a bare tree trunk and let kids glue buttons as leaves. Each branch fills with bright shapes and colors. It makes a cheerful piece of art for their room.
25. Yarn Wrapped Sticks
Wrap yarn in cozy autumn shades around twigs or sticks. Patterns can be simple or colorful, depending on little hands. Place them in a vase for a rustic centerpiece.
26. Egg Carton Turkeys
Cut egg carton cups into turkey bodies, then add paper feathers. A beak, eyes, and paint bring them to life. These festive birds are perfect for Thanksgiving.
27. Leaf Puppets
Glue leaves onto popsicle sticks and add silly faces or eyes. Kids instantly have a set of autumn puppets. Perfect for an afternoon puppet show.
28. Harvest Wreath
Glue leaves, pinecones, and ribbons around a paper plate ring. Kids can layer and decorate until it feels full and festive. Hang it proudly on the front door.
29. Paper Roll Owls
Take toilet paper rolls and paint them in fall colors. Add wings, eyes, and a beak for personality. Line them up as a family of owls.
30. Sunflower Seed Craft
Cover the center of a paper plate with sunflower seeds, then paint bright petals. The finished “flowers” feel textured and real. Kids love making a whole sunflower patch.
31. Handprint Acorns
Trace a child’s hand to form the acorn body and add a paper cap. Decorate with crayons, paint, or glitter for detail. It’s quick, personal, and makes a sweet keepsake.
32. Leaf Stamped Clay Ornaments
Press leaves into air-dry clay for detailed imprints. Once dry, kids can paint them in autumn shades. Add string to turn them into ornaments.
33. Pumpkin Spice Playdough
Mix playdough with cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a seasonal scent. Kids love shaping it into pumpkins or pies. It’s safe, sensory fun that smells like fall.
34. Popsicle Stick Scarecrows
Glue sticks into a flat base and decorate with hats, yarn hair, and smiles. Each scarecrow has its own silly style. They brighten up windowsills or desks.
35. Woodland Animal Masks
Cut mask shapes of foxes, owls, or bears from sturdy paper. Paint and decorate before adding elastic bands. Kids will love dressing up for pretend woodland adventures.
Conclusion:
Crafting in autumn is more than just keeping kids busy, it’s about slowing down, creating together, and enjoying the season’s beauty in simple ways. From painted pumpkins to nature-inspired collages, each project helps kids explore, imagine, and celebrate fall right at home. So gather your supplies, make a little mess, and let your children’s creativity shine, it’s these small seasonal crafts that often become the biggest memories.