Keep Little Hands Busy with These Simple Fall Crafts for Kids

When the leaves start turning and there’s a crispness in the air, it’s a clear sign that fall is upon us. As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, finding activities to keep kids entertained indoors becomes a priority. Fall is the perfect time to break out the craft supplies and let your kids’ creativity shine. Crafting keeps kids engaged and allows them to explore their artistic side while creating beautiful seasonal decorations for your home.

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Fall crafts for kids are an ideal way to bring the colors and themes of the season into your home. Think of pumpkins, colorful leaves, acorns, and all the other wonderful things that come with autumn. These projects are not just about keeping kids busy; they’re about connecting with the season and creating memories together. Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy or a project that will occupy an afternoon, there’s a fall craft idea for every family.

Fall Crafts for Kids: Simple, Fun Ideas to Keep Your Little Ones Busy

Easy Leaf Rubbings

One of the simplest yet most satisfying crafts you can do with your kids this fall is leaf rubbings. All you need are some fresh leaves, paper, and crayons. This activity is perfect for younger children who are just starting to explore their artistic abilities.

1. Start by collecting different types of leaves from your yard or a nearby park.
2. Place a leaf under a piece of paper.
3. Use the side of a crayon to rub over the paper. The shape and texture of the leaf will magically appear.
4. Experiment with different colors and leaf shapes.
5. Once you’ve got a pile of leaf rubbings, use them to create a fall collage or cut them out to make leaf-shaped garlands.

Pumpkin Painting

Carving pumpkins can be a bit messy and challenging for younger kids, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get in on the fun. Pumpkin painting is a great alternative that allows kids to decorate their own pumpkins without the need for sharp tools.

1. Grab a few small pumpkins from your local grocery store or pumpkin patch.
2. Set up a painting station with washable paints and brushes.
3. Let your kids’ imaginations run wild, painting funny faces, patterns, or turning their pumpkins into their favorite characters.
4. Allow the pumpkins to dry completely before displaying them.
5. Use the painted pumpkins as decorations for your porch or living room.

Pinecone Bird Feeders

Fall is also a great time to think about our feathered friends. Making pinecone bird feeders is a simple fall craft that also teaches kids about caring for animals.

1. Gather a few pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed.
2. Tie a string to the top of each pinecone so you can hang it later.
3. Have your child spread peanut butter all over the pinecone, making sure to get it into all the little nooks and crannies.
4. Roll the peanut butter-covered pinecone in birdseed until it’s fully coated.
5. Hang the finished bird feeder outside on a tree branch and watch as birds come to enjoy their treat.

Autumn Handprint Trees

This craft is a wonderful way to create a keepsake that captures your child’s growth year after year. Handprint trees are easy to make and don’t require a lot of supplies.

1. Start by tracing your child’s hand and arm on a piece of brown construction paper—this will be the tree trunk and branches.
2. Cut out the handprint and glue it onto a larger piece of paper.
3. Use different colored pieces of paper (red, yellow, orange) to create leaves.
4. Cut out leaf shapes or tear the paper into small pieces.
5. Have your child glue the “leaves” onto the branches of the tree.
6. Display the finished tree on the fridge or frame it as a seasonal decoration.

Scarecrow Puppets

Scarecrows are a classic symbol of fall, and making scarecrow puppets is a fun way for kids to create their own characters.

1. Gather paper lunch bags, markers, construction paper, and glue.
2. Have your child decorate the front of the paper bag to look like a scarecrow’s face, drawing on eyes, a nose, and a mouth.
3. Glue pieces of yarn on for hair.
4. Cut out a hat, patches, and other details from construction paper.
5. Glue the pieces onto the bag to complete the scarecrow puppet.

Corn Husk Dolls

Making corn husk dolls is a traditional craft that has been enjoyed for generations. It’s a bit more involved than some of the other crafts, but the results are worth it.

1. Soak dried corn husks in water for about 10 minutes to make them pliable.
2. Tie a bundle of husks together at one end to form the head of the doll.
3. Continue adding and tying husks to create the body, arms, and legs.
4. Allow the doll to dry completely.
5. Use markers or small pieces of fabric to add details like a face or clothing.

DIY Fall Wreath Craft for Kids

Wreaths aren’t just for Christmas. A fall wreath can add a touch of seasonal charm to your front door or any room in your house.

1. Get a wreath form from a craft store, some artificial fall leaves, mini pumpkins, acorns, and a hot glue gun.
2. Arrange the items around the wreath form.
3. Help your child glue everything in place.
4. Add a bow or some ribbon if you like.
5. Hang the wreath on your front door or use it as a centerpiece.

Fall Leaf Garland Craft for Kids

Creating a fall leaf garland is a fun and easy way to bring a touch of autumn into your home. This craft is simple enough for kids of all ages and results in a beautiful seasonal decoration.

1. Start by gathering construction paper in fall colors like red, orange, yellow, and brown.
2. Draw and cut out leaf shapes from the construction paper. You can use a template or freehand the shapes, making sure to create a variety of sizes.
3. Set up a crafting station with scissors, markers, and a hole punch. Let your kids decorate each leaf with markers or crayons, adding veins, shading, or personal designs.
4. Punch a small hole at the top of each leaf, being careful not to tear the paper.
5. Thread a piece of string or yarn through the holes in the leaves, spacing them out evenly along the string.
6. Hang the finished garland across a mantel, along a window, or anywhere that needs a bit of fall cheer.

This craft keeps kids engaged and gives them a sense of accomplishment as they see their work displayed in the home.

Apple Stamping

Apple stamping is a classic fall craft that kids of all ages enjoy, and it’s a great way to use up any apples that might be past their prime.

1. Cut an apple in half horizontally.
2. Dip the cut side of the apple into washable paint.
3. Press the apple onto a piece of paper to create a stamped apple shape.
4. Experiment with different colors and patterns.
5. Let the stamped designs dry, then display them as fall art.

Toilet Paper Roll Owls

Toilet paper roll owls are an easy and adorable craft that uses materials you probably already have at home.

1. Start with an empty toilet paper roll.
2. Use scrap paper, markers, or paint to decorate the roll with an owl face, ears and feathers.
3. Cut out wings and a beak from construction paper and glue them onto the roll.
4. Add googly eyes or draw eyes with markers.
5. Display the owls on a shelf or hang them as decorations.

Final Thoughts on Fall Crafts for Kids

Crafting with your kids during the fall is more than just a way to pass the time; it’s about creating memories and traditions that will last a lifetime. From simple leaf rubbings to more involved projects like corn husk dolls, there’s a fall craft for every age and skill level. These activities not only keep kids entertained, but also help them connect with the changing season. Plus, you’ll end up with some wonderful handmade decorations to enjoy throughout the autumn months. So grab your craft supplies and get started on some fall crafts for kids—you’ll be glad you did.