43 Fall Crafts for Preschoolers: Easy & Fun Ideas
Fall crafts for preschoolers bring the beauty of autumn indoors while helping young children learn and grow.
As leaves change colors and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to create fun seasonal projects with your little ones.
These hands-on activities keep preschoolers entertained on cool days while building important skills like cutting, gluing, and painting.
From leaf printing to pumpkin decorating, fall crafts for preschoolers offer endless opportunities for creativity and learning. Best of all, most projects use simple materials you already have at home.
Get ready to make wonderful autumn memories with these easy and enjoyable craft ideas!
Why Fall Crafts Are Great for Preschoolers?
Fall crafts provide wonderful opportunities for preschoolers to grow and learn while having fun.
These hands-on activities help young children develop their creativity and imagination as they work with colorful leaves, pumpkins, and autumn materials.
Crafting also strengthens fine motor skills through cutting, gluing, and painting. As kids create seasonal projects, they learn about nature’s changes and the world around them.
Working on crafts together gives parents and teachers quality time to connect with children.
Plus, these activities support important development by engaging multiple senses and encouraging problem-solving skills. Fall crafts make learning enjoyable while celebrating the beauty of the season.
What You’ll Need for Most of These Crafts
Before you start crafting, it helps to gather common supplies that work for many fall projects. Most items are inexpensive and easy to find at craft stores or around your home.
| Category | Materials Needed |
|---|---|
| Basic Craft Supplies | Child-safe scissors, glue sticks, washable paints, crayons, markers, construction paper, cardstock, tape, paper plates, paper bags |
| Natural Materials | Leaves (fresh or dried), pinecones, acorns, twigs, bark pieces, small stones, flowers |
| Textiles & Craft Materials | Yarn, fabric scraps, cotton balls, tissue paper, felt sheets, ribbon, pom-poms, pipe cleaners |
| Painting & Coloring Tools | Brushes, sponges, paint rollers, watercolors, stampers |
| Household & Recyclable Items | Toilet paper rolls, paper towel tubes, egg cartons, cereal boxes, and bottle caps |
| Sensory Materials | Dried corn kernels, uncooked rice, pasta, sand, beans |
| Fall-Themed Additions | Pumpkin seeds, apple slices (for stamping), corn cobs, sunflower seeds |
| Decorative Add-ons | Googly eyes, stickers, glitter, sequins, buttons |
| Adhesives & Finishes | White school glue, glue dots, mod podge, tape, child-safe hot glue (for adults) |
| Safety & Cleanup Tools | Smocks, wipes, old newspapers, disposable table covers |
You don’t need everything on this list to get started. Pick a few crafts that interest your child and gather just the supplies needed for those projects. Many activities use similar materials, so your collection will grow naturally.
Easy Fall Crafts for Preschoolers
Fall is the perfect time to help preschoolers get creative with simple, hands-on crafts. These ideas are easy to set up, use everyday materials, and bring out the cozy colors of the season.
1. Leaf Rubbings
Place a few fall leaves under a sheet of paper and have children gently color over them with crayons or pencils. The leaf’s shape and veins will appear like magic!
Encourage kids to try different colors for each leaf and notice how textures change. It’s a great way to connect art with nature while learning about leaf patterns and symmetry.
2. Paper Plate Pumpkins
Give each child a paper plate and some orange paint or crayons. Once the plate is covered, they can glue on a green stem made from paper or felt.
Add silly or spooky faces using cut-out shapes for eyes, noses, and mouths. These cheerful pumpkins are perfect for classroom walls or home decorations throughout the fall season.
3. Handprint Trees
Dip children’s hands in paint colors like red, orange, and yellow, then press them onto paper to create a beautiful tree canopy. Use brown paint or a marker to draw the tree trunk below.
Each handprint becomes a colorful cluster of leaves. This craft not only looks adorable but also makes a sweet keepsake for parents to remember their child’s tiny hands.
4. Tissue Paper Fall Leaves
Cut out leaf shapes from cardstock or construction paper. Tear or cut small squares of red, orange, and yellow tissue paper, then have kids crumple and glue them onto the leaves.
The layered tissue gives a pretty, textured look that captures the beauty of real fall leaves. Hang the finished pieces near a window for a warm, colorful effect.
5. Pinecone Owls
Collect pinecones and use them as the body for adorable owls. Add googly eyes, small paper wings, and a felt triangle for the beak.
Kids can paint the pinecones first if they want more color. These owls make great natural decorations and can even be used in pretend play. Each one looks different, giving children a chance to express creativity.
6. Corn Cob Stamping
Cut a small corn cob in half and dip it into fall-colored paint. Gently press it onto paper to make fun patterns that look like textured art.
Preschoolers will love the bumpy feel and bright results. You can use this idea to make greeting cards or festive posters. It’s a fun sensory experience and a great way to talk about harvest time.
7. Apple Stamping
Slice an apple in half, dip the flat side into red, green, or yellow paint, and stamp it onto paper. The prints look like little apples with natural textures.
Kids can add stems and leaves using markers or paintbrushes once the prints dry. This craft teaches color recognition and shape observation while giving preschoolers a fun, hands-on way to create.
Nature-Inspired Fall Crafts
Encourage preschoolers to connect with nature through crafts made from leaves, twigs, and other outdoor treasures. These projects are easy to prepare and help kids appreciate the beauty of the fall season.
8. Leaf Collage Art
Go for a short walk with the kids to collect colorful leaves in various shapes and sizes. Give them a piece of cardstock and some glue to create a leaf collage.
They can arrange leaves into patterns, animals, or simple designs. As they work, talk about how each leaf is unique. This activity encourages observation skills and creative expression using natural materials.
9. Acorn Necklaces
Gather a few acorns with caps still attached. Carefully poke a small hole through the top of each cap and thread a string or yarn through. Children can paint the acorns before stringing them or add beads for extra fun.
These little necklaces make a perfect nature keepsake and help preschoolers practice fine motor skills while creating something they can proudly wear.
10. Twig Picture Frames
Collect small twigs of similar lengths and glue them around the edges of a cardboard square to make a rustic frame. Add a small drawing, photo, or leaf art in the center.
Kids can tie ribbons or yarn on top for hanging. This simple project brings the outdoors inside, creating a lovely decoration that celebrates the colors and feel of fall.
11. Nature Scavenger Collage
Create a small checklist of natural items like leaves, grass, flowers, or pebbles for children to find outside. Once they’ve gathered their treasures, glue everything onto a sheet of paper to make a textured collage.
This fun, hands-on craft encourages curiosity and outdoor play while giving preschoolers a sense of accomplishment when they complete their unique artwork.
12. Pinecone Turkeys
Use a pinecone as the turkey’s body and glue colorful paper feathers on the back. Add googly eyes and a small orange triangle for the beak.
Kids can paint the pinecones first or leave them natural. These cute little turkeys are perfect for Thanksgiving decorations and give children a fun way to learn about fall animals and seasonal celebrations.
13. Leaf Crowns
Cut a strip of construction paper to fit around each child’s head like a headband. Glue or tape real leaves along the strip to create a leafy crown.
Preschoolers can arrange leaves by size or color for a beautiful effect. Once dry, staple or tape the ends together to wear. It’s a simple way for kids to feel like kings and queens of fall.
14. Bark Art
Collect small pieces of tree bark that have fallen naturally and use them as a canvas for art. Kids can paint patterns, draw faces, or glue on natural bits like moss and seeds.
The rough texture makes each artwork look unique. Bark art helps preschoolers express creativity while learning about trees and how different textures can be part of creative play.
Pumpkin-Themed Crafts for Preschoolers
Pumpkins are a classic part of fall fun, and preschoolers love their bright colors and round shapes. These craft ideas are simple, hands-on, and perfect for little ones who enjoy painting, gluing, and decorating.
15. Mini Pumpkin Painting
Give each child a small pumpkin and some washable paint. They can decorate it with cheerful faces, polka dots, or stripes using brushes or even their fingers.
Add googly eyes or stickers for extra fun. This craft encourages self-expression and is easy to set up. Once finished, the painted pumpkins make colorful decorations for windowsills, classrooms, or family tables.
16. Paper Bag Pumpkins
Fill brown paper lunch bags with crumpled newspaper or tissue paper until they’re round. Tie the top with a piece of yarn or string to make the stem.
Kids can paint the bag orange and color the stem green. It’s a fun and simple way to create lightweight, easy-to-handle pumpkin decorations perfect for preschool classrooms.
17. Pumpkin Seed Mosaics
After carving or cooking pumpkins, save the seeds for crafting. Clean and dry them, then let kids paint them in fall shades like orange, yellow, and red.
Once dry, glue the seeds onto a pumpkin-shaped piece of paper or cardboard to make a mosaic design. This craft helps improve fine motor coordination and introduces children to texture-based artwork.
18. Cotton Ball Pumpkins
Cut a pumpkin shape from orange construction paper. Have children glue cotton balls all over it, then paint them orange for a fluffy texture.
Add a green paper stem and draw a friendly face. The soft feel of the cotton makes this a great sensory activity while giving preschoolers a chance to create something bright and cheerful for fall.
19. Paper Roll Pumpkin Patch
Save empty toilet paper rolls and wrap them in orange paper or paint them orange. Cut out green paper leaves and glue them near the top, then twist a bit of brown paper for the stem.
Line several together to make a “pumpkin patch.” This craft teaches kids how to reuse materials while creating a cute seasonal display.
20. Pumpkin Handprint Cards
Dip a child’s hand in orange paint and press it on folded cardstock to make a pumpkin-shaped handprint. Add a green stem and a small message like “Happy Fall!” inside.
These handmade cards make thoughtful gifts for parents or teachers. Each one is unique, and the handprint design serves as a keepsake to remember a special fall season.
21. Puffy Paint Pumpkins
Mix equal parts shaving cream and white glue with orange paint to make puffy paint. Let kids use paintbrushes to fill in pumpkin outlines on cardstock.
Once dry, the paint stays slightly raised, giving the craft a fun, squishy texture. Add green stems and black paper faces for extra charm. This simple project beautifully blends art and sensory play.
Leaf Crafts for Preschoolers
Fall leaves bring a mix of colors, textures, and shapes that make crafting extra fun for preschoolers. These leaf-themed activities help kids notice nature’s details while practicing creativity and coordination.
22. Leaf Animals
Gather a variety of leaves in different shapes and sizes. Glue them onto paper to create animals like fish, owls, or hedgehogs. Use markers or crayons to add eyes, legs, and other details.
Each leaf can become a body part, tail, or wing. This fun activity helps children use imagination while learning how shapes and textures can represent different things.
23. Leaf Puppets
Collect medium-sized leaves and glue them onto craft sticks or paper straws. Add googly eyes, smiles, or yarn hair to bring each puppet to life.
Once dry, kids can use them to tell short stories or put on a mini show. It’s an easy, creative way to mix art with pretend play while building fine motor skills and confidence.
24. Leaf Lanterns
Help kids glue dried leaves onto the outside of clear plastic cups or small jars. Once dry, place a battery-operated tea light inside.
The leaves glow softly when lit, creating a cozy fall lantern effect. This easy activity teaches layering and light play while giving children a sense of pride in their handmade decoration.
25. Leaf Maze Boards
Glue leaves and small twigs on a sturdy piece of cardboard to form a maze pattern. Children can roll a small marble or bead through it by gently tilting the board.
This craft encourages problem-solving and coordination while turning natural materials into a fun, hands-on game that kids can play with afterward.
26. Leaf Stamping Tote Bags
Give each child a plain fabric tote bag and some washable fabric paint. Press real leaves coated in paint onto the fabric to create colorful prints.
Once dry, the bags can be used for carrying books or snacks. It’s a creative and practical project that lets kids bring a bit of nature with them wherever they go.
27. Glitter Leaf Mobiles
Paint leaves with glue and sprinkle glitter over them for sparkle. Once dry, tie each leaf to a string and hang them from a stick or hanger to make a mobile.
The shimmering leaves move gently in the air and catch the light beautifully. This project blends art and nature, encouraging creativity and sensory exploration through texture and shine.
28. Leaf People Collage
Choose leaves with interesting shapes to become bodies, arms, or hair for your leaf people. Glue them on paper and use markers to draw faces, clothes, and shoes.
Each “person” can look different depending on the leaves used. It’s a great way for preschoolers to use imagination while learning how natural shapes can inspire storytelling and creative thinking.
Scarecrow & Harvest Crafts
The fall harvest season is full of color and creativity, making it a great time for preschoolers to create cheerful scarecrows and farm-inspired crafts with simple materials like paper bags, popsicle sticks, and corn husks.
29. Paper Bag Scarecrows
Use a paper lunch bag as the base for a friendly scarecrow puppet. Draw or glue on eyes, a nose, and a smiling mouth.
Add straw-colored yarn for hair and a triangle hat made from construction paper. Kids can decorate the clothes with crayons or fabric scraps. When finished, they can use the puppet for pretend play or storytelling.
30. Popsicle Stick Scarecrows
Glue several popsicle sticks side by side to form a square base, then add another stick across the back to hold it. Paint or color the face and glue on paper hats, yarn hair, and buttons.
Each child can design their own expression or style. These small scarecrows make fun decorations and give preschoolers a chance to practice creative design skills.
31. Straw Sensory Scarecrow
Fill a clear zip-top bag with straw, shredded paper, or raffia and seal it tightly. Add a scarecrow face on the front using markers or stickers.
Children can press and move the straw inside to create different looks. This easy sensory craft helps calm busy hands while giving kids a fun way to explore texture and seasonal materials safely.
32. Scarecrow Masks
Cut large circles from cardstock and help children draw a scarecrow’s face on them. Add yarn for hair, paper hats, and a popsicle stick handle at the bottom.
Preschoolers can hold the mask up to pretend to be friendly scarecrows. It’s a creative group activity that encourages imagination, fine motor coordination, and social play through make-believe fun.
33. Corn Husk Dolls
Soak dried corn husks in warm water until they soften. Layer and tie them with a string to create a simple doll shape. Add markers, yarn, or fabric scraps for faces and clothes.
This traditional fall craft introduces children to old-fashioned harvest customs while building patience and coordination. The finished dolls can decorate classrooms or fall-themed displays.
34. Harvest Basket Collage
Give each child a basket-shaped paper cutout and have them glue pictures of fruits, vegetables, and grains cut from magazines or drawn by hand.
Add real dried beans or seeds for texture. This project helps preschoolers learn about healthy foods and the fall harvest while practicing sorting, gluing, and arranging skills in a colorful, hands-on way.
35. Fall Farm Scene Craft
Provide a large sheet of paper for kids to create a full farm scene using paper cutouts or stickers. Include barns, scarecrows, tractors, animals, and cornfields.
Add bits of straw, fabric, or paint to add texture. This craft encourages creativity, storytelling, and teamwork while helping children picture what life looks like during harvest time.
36. Mini Scarecrow Figurines
Use small sticks, pipe cleaners, and fabric scraps to build tiny scarecrows. Wrap the sticks with yarn for clothes and glue on felt hats and button faces.
These little scarecrows can stand in potted plants or mini hay bales. The project is simple, fun, and gives preschoolers a chance to make something they can proudly display for fall.
Sensory and Mess-Free Fall Crafts
These fall crafts are perfect for little hands that love to touch, press, and create without making a big mess. They help preschoolers develop fine motor and sensory skills while keeping cleanup quick and easy.
37. Fall Playdough Mats
Print or draw fall-themed outlines such as pumpkins, leaves, and apples on laminated sheets. Give kids playdough in orange, yellow, red, and brown colors to fill in the shapes.
They can roll, press, and stretch the dough to complete each picture. This craft supports creativity and strengthens hand muscles while providing a calm, mess-free way to enjoy fall activities.
38. Sensory Bin with Leaves and Acorns
Fill a large plastic bin with dried leaves, pinecones, acorns, and a few scoops or cups. Let children dig, scoop, and pour the materials while describing what they feel.
You can also hide small toys or colored pom-poms inside for a mini treasure hunt. It’s a relaxing sensory activity that promotes exploration and fine motor development, without the need for paint or glue.
39. Sticky Wall Leaf Collage
Attach a sheet of clear contact paper to a wall or table with the sticky side facing out. Give preschoolers lightweight items like tissue paper leaves, paper cutouts, and small feathers to stick on.
They can rearrange pieces as they go, creating their own fall collage. It’s simple, fun, and keeps everything contained while letting kids express creativity through color and texture.
40. Fingerprint Fall Trees
Draw or print a tree trunk and branches on paper. Pour small amounts of paint in fall shades and have children dip their fingertips to make leaves on the branches.
Each fingerprint becomes a leaf, giving the tree a bright, full look. This craft is low-mess and allows kids to enjoy painting without brushes while working on coordination and creativity.
41. Puffy Leaf Painting
Mix shaving cream and glue in equal parts to make puffy paint, then tint it with fall colors. Give each child a leaf outline on cardstock to fill in with the mixture using craft sticks or brushes.
When dry, the paint stays raised and soft to the touch. It’s an engaging sensory project that combines color mixing with a fun, squishy texture.
42. Corn Kernel Sensory Art
Spread glue onto a large paper leaf or pumpkin shape and give kids colorful corn kernels to press in patterns. They can sort by color or make simple designs.
The firm feel of the kernels adds a tactile element while the glue keeps the mess contained. This project helps preschoolers practice patience and fine motor control while celebrating harvest colors.
43. No-Mess Leaf Painting Bags
Place a piece of paper and a few blobs of fall-colored paint inside a sealed zip-top bag. Tape the bag to a table and let children press and move the paint around with their fingers.
The colors mix beautifully, creating a leaf-like blend without any mess. It’s a perfect activity for sensory play that keeps hands clean and tables tidy.
Tips for Doing Fall Crafts with Preschoolers
Making fall crafts with preschoolers works best when you plan ahead and keep things simple. Here are some helpful tips for successful crafting sessions:
- Prepare Materials Ahead of Time: Gather all supplies before you start so kids stay interested and engaged.
- Keep Projects Short and Simple: Choose crafts that take 15-20 minutes with just a few easy steps.
- Allow Creativity and Mess: Let children use colors and materials however they like, without worrying about perfection.
- Rotate Crafts Weekly: Switch between painting, gluing, and stamping to keep kids excited about craft time.
- Combine with Stories, Songs, or Nature Walks: Read fall books or collect leaves outside to make activities more meaningful.
The most important part of crafting with preschoolers is enjoying the experience together. Focus on having fun and celebrating their efforts rather than creating perfect finished products.
The Bottom Line
Fall crafts for preschoolers create special bonding moments while teaching valuable skills through play.
These seasonal activities help young children appreciate nature’s changes and express their creativity in meaningful ways. Remember that messy hands and imperfect projects are all part of the learning process.
The joy on your child’s face and the skills they develop matter more than picture-perfect results.
So grab some leaves, paint, and glue, and start crafting together this autumn season. I’d love to hear about your favorite fall crafts! Share your creations and tips in the comments below to inspire other parents and teachers.
