15 Easy Fall Craft Ideas for Kids at Home

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Fall is the perfect season for creativity, and nothing brings more smiles than simple fall crafts for kids.

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Children love the excitement of using their hands, and fall provides endless natural materials to make crafting affordable and fun.

Maybe you’re a parent looking for rainy-day activities, a teacher planning classroom projects, or even a grandparent wanting to spend quality time with little ones. These easy fall craft ideas for kids will guide you step by step.

You don’t need to be a professional crafter, and you won’t need expensive supplies either. The best part about these fall crafts for kids is that they use supplies you already have at home.

👉 If you’re also looking for ways to save money this season, don’t miss my post on how to cut your grocery bill into half without sacrificing nutrition. Just like crafts, saving money can be simple if you know a few tricks.

Now, let’s explore these 15 fun projects together.

Why Do Fall Crafts for Kids Matter?

Crafting is more than keeping children busy. It’s a hands-on way to help them grow.

• Creativity – Kids express ideas through colors, shapes, and textures.
• Motor Skills – Cutting, gluing, and painting strengthen hand muscles.
• Patience – Waiting for glue to dry or paint to settle teaches self-control.
• Family Time – Crafts create laughter and conversations you’ll remember.
• Learning – Kids discover nature, colors, shapes, and even history while crafting.

Fall is the best season for crafts because nature gives us leaves, acorns, pinecones, and more. And the cozy feeling of fall evenings makes crafting extra special.

👉 If you want more ideas on creating peace at home, check out my 10 minutes kitchen declutter tips. It’s all about keeping life simple so you have time for fun.

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15 Easy Fall Crafts for Kids to Try at Home

Each of these crafts has clear steps, tips for parents, and creative variations so your kids never get bored.

1. Leaf Rubbing Art

Leaf rubbing is one of the simplest and most magical fall crafts for kids.

Why kids love it: Children get excited as the leaf’s hidden patterns slowly appear on paper.

What they learn: It teaches observation skills, nature appreciation, and the basics of texture.

Supplies Needed:

• Fresh or dried leaves (pick different shapes and sizes)
• White paper
• Crayons (with paper peeled off)

Steps:

1. Place a leaf under the paper, with the veins facing up.
2. Hold the paper still with one hand.
3. Rub the side of a crayon gently across the top.
4. Watch the leaf’s veins and outline appear like magic.

Tips:

• Tape the leaf lightly to the table so it doesn’t move.
• Use darker crayons for bold results.

Variations:

• Use watercolor paint over the crayon rubbing for a wax-resist effect.
• Create a “leaf book” with different types of leaves and rubbings.

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Want even more inspiration? I pin fresh fall crafts for kids on Pinterest every week, feel free to check them out.

2. Paper Plate Pumpkins

This craft turns everyday paper plates into festive pumpkins.

Why kids love it: They can give each pumpkin a funny or spooky face.

What they learn: Colors, shapes, and basic cutting and gluing.

Supplies Needed:

• Paper plates
• Orange paint or crayons
• Green paper for stems
• Glue
• Scissors
• Black paper or markers for faces

Steps:

1. Color or paint the plate orange.
2. Cut a stem shape from green paper and glue it on.
3. Add a face using black paper cutouts or markers.

Tips:

• Use washable paint for younger kids.
• Lay newspaper under the plate to prevent mess.

Variations:

• Make a pumpkin family with small and large plates.
• String them together as a festive garland.

👉 If your kids enjoy pumpkin crafts, you’ll also love these simple Halloween crafts toddlers can actually make.

3. Handprint Fall Trees

Messy hands become works of art with this timeless keepsake.

Why kids love it: They get to dip their hands in paint. What’s more fun than that?

What they learn: Seasons, tree parts, and how colors mix.

Supplies Needed:

• White paper
• Brown paint for the trunk
• Red, yellow, and orange paint for leaves

Steps:

1. Paint your child’s hand brown and press it down for the trunk.
2. Dip fingertips into fall-colored paint and press around the trunk for leaves.
3. Let it dry before hanging.

Tips:

• Have wet wipes nearby for quick cleanups.
• Use thicker paper so paint doesn’t soak through.

Variations:

• Add grass with green paint.
• Repeat each year and compare handprint sizes.

4. Pinecone Owls

Turn simple pinecones into adorable owls.

Why kids love it: They get to create a creature that looks like it might fly away.

What they learn: Shapes, animals, and design creativity.

Supplies Needed:

• Pinecones
• Felt or colored paper for wings and beak
• Googly eyes
• Glue

Steps:

1. Cut wings and beak from felt or paper.
2. Glue them onto the pinecone.
3. Add googly eyes.

Tips:

• Wash pinecones first to remove dirt.
• Use hot glue only if an adult handles it.

Variations:

• Paint the pinecones in bright colors for fantasy owls.
• Make an owl family with different sizes.

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5. Mason Jar Lanterns 🕯️

These glowing jars make fall evenings cozy.

Why kids love it: They see their craft light up like magic.

What they learn: Colors, layering, and safety awareness.

Supplies Needed:

• Mason jars
• Tissue paper (orange, yellow, red)
• Glue or Mod Podge
• Battery-operated tea lights

Steps:

1. Tear tissue paper into small pieces.
2. Glue them on the jar’s outside.
3. Place a tea light inside.

Tips:

• Always use battery lights with kids.
• Coat with Mod Podge for a shiny finish.

Variations:

• Add leaf shapes cut from black paper for a shadow effect.
• Tie a ribbon around the top for decoration.

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6. Acorn Necklaces

Nature becomes jewelry with this craft.

Why kids love it: They get to wear what they made.

What they learn: Counting, patience, and simple design.

Supplies Needed:

• Acorns
• String or yarn
• Paint or glitter

Steps:

1. Clean and dry the acorns.
2. Paint or decorate them.
3. Tie a string around the cap and wear as a necklace.

Tips:

• Use non-toxic paint for safety.
• Double-knot the string so it doesn’t slip.

Variations:

• Make acorn bracelets or keychains.
• Mix acorns with beads for extra color.

7. Coffee Filter Leaves

Cheap and colorful, these brighten any window.

Why kids love it: The colors spread like watercolor magic.

What they learn: Color blending and cause-and-effect.

Supplies Needed:

• Coffee filters
• Washable markers
• Spray bottle with water
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Flatten filter and color with markers.
2. Lightly spray with water to blend.
3. Once dry, cut into leaf shapes.

Tips:

• Place a tray under the filter to catch drips.
• Don’t overspray, or colors may bleed too much.

Variations:

• String leaves into a garland.
• Make a mobile by hanging them from sticks.

8. Corn Husk Dolls

A craft with history and charm.

Why kids love it: They make dolls they can play with.

What they learn: Culture, history, and storytelling.

Supplies Needed:

• Dried corn husks
• Twine or string
• Markers for faces

Steps:

1. Soak husks until flexible.
2. Fold and tie into a doll shape.
3. Add faces or small clothes.

Tips:

• Dry husks fully to prevent mold.
• Show kids pictures of traditional corn husk dolls.

Variations:

• Make a whole doll family.
• Use fabric scraps for dresses.

9. Fall Wreath with Paper Leaves

A colorful door decoration kids can proudly hang.

Why kids love it: They see their work on display at the front door.

What they learn: Patterns and arranging.

Supplies Needed:

• Cardboard circle
• Colored paper
• Glue
• Ribbon

Steps:

1. Cut a circle from cardboard.
2. Cut leaves from paper.
3. Glue leaves around the circle.
4. Add a ribbon.

👉 Want to simplify family life as well? Try my budget-friendly family meal plans.

10. Popsicle Stick Scarecrow

A fun decoration for shelves or windowsills.

Why kids love it: They can give the scarecrow any personality.

What they learn: Expression and building skills.

Supplies Needed:

• Popsicle sticks
• Glue
• Paint
• Scrap fabric or paper for hat

Steps:

1. Glue sticks into a rectangle.
2. Paint a face.
3. Add a hat and hair.

Tips:

• Use yarn for hair.
• Let kids paint different facial expressions.

Variations:

• Make mini scarecrows as fridge magnets.

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11. Apple Stamping

Turn snack time into art time.

Why kids love it: They stamp colorful shapes with fruit.

What they learn: Patterns and printing.

Supplies Needed:

• Apples cut in half
• Paint
• Paper

Steps:

1. Dip apple halves in paint.
2. Stamp on paper.
3. Turn stamps into designs with markers.

Tips:

• Use washable paint.
• Let kids eat the leftover apple slices.

Variations:

• Cut apples into shapes with cookie cutters before stamping.

12. Pumpkin Seed Art

Make art from seeds you’d usually throw away.

Why kids love it: Painting tiny seeds feels satisfying.

What they learn: Sorting, patience, and mosaic design.

Supplies Needed:

• Pumpkin seeds
• Paint
• Glue
• Paper

Steps:

1. Wash and dry seeds.
2. Paint in bright colors.
3. Glue into patterns.

Tips:

• Keep seeds flat while drying.
• Draw designs with pencil first for younger kids.

Variations:

• Create greeting cards with seed art.

13. Leaf Crowns

Let your kids feel like fall kings and queens.

Why kids love it: They get to wear their craft proudly.

What they learn: Sequencing and arranging.

Supplies Needed:

• Cardstock strip
• Leaves
• Glue or tape

Steps:

1. Cut a strip to fit the head.
2. Glue leaves around it.
3. Tape ends to form a crown.

Tips:

• Press leaves between books first so they lay flat.

Variations:

• Spray leaves with glitter for sparkle.

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14. Fall Nature Collage

Collect treasures from nature and turn them into art.

Why kids love it: They enjoy gathering supplies outdoors.

What they learn: Sorting, textures, and creativity.

Supplies Needed:

• Paper
• Leaves, acorns, flowers, twigs
• Glue

Steps:

1. Collect items on a nature walk.
2. Arrange them on paper.
3. Glue in place.

Tips:

• Encourage kids to tell a story with their collage.

Variations:

• Use cardboard as a sturdier base.

15. Gratitude Tree

A meaningful craft that lasts all season.

Why kids love it: They add new leaves every day.

What they learn: Thankfulness and reflection.

Supplies Needed:

• Brown paper trunk
• Colored leaves cut from paper
• Markers and glue

Steps:

1. Tape a tree trunk on a wall.
2. Cut paper leaves.
3. Write something you’re thankful for each day.
4. Glue leaves on the tree.

Tips:

• Do this as a family tradition.
• Add photos for extra memories.

Variations:

• Make a 3D tree with twigs in a vase.

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Wrapping Up

These 15 easy fall craft ideas for kids prove you don’t need expensive supplies or complicated steps to create beautiful memories. With paper plates, pinecones, or even pumpkin seeds, your kids can create treasures that brighten your home.

Remember, crafting is about more than the finished product. It’s about messy hands, laughter, creativity, and the joy of working together. Whether you’re stamping apples or building a gratitude tree, you’re creating experiences your kids will always remember.

👉 And while you’re making life fun, don’t forget to make it easier too. My perfect budget-friendly meal ideas will help you save time and money in the kitchen so you can spend more of your day crafting and enjoying family moments.

Happy crafting, and happy fall!