As the seasons transition from warm summer days to crisp autumn afternoons, finding engaging activities for preschoolers can be a challenge. To combat the inevitable indoor playtime that comes with colder weather, I’ve curated a selection of creative and fun fall crafts that are sure to captivate young minds. From simple yet effective materials to innovative ideas that will keep little ones entertained, these autumn-inspired projects offer a refreshing way to spend quality time together.
Squirrel Toilet Paper Roll Craft
The humble toilet paper roll is a treasure trove of creative possibilities, particularly when it comes to autumn-themed crafts. Its versatility knows no bounds, making it an ideal material for upcycling. Who wouldn’t love transforming a mundane household item into a charming squirrel that’s sure to delight your preschooler? The template and instructions available for download will guide you through the process with ease, ensuring a fun and successful crafting experience.
Scarecrow Craft
There’s an undeniable charm to crafting scarecrows, especially as the fall season approaches with its vibrant foliage and spooky undertones. This simple yet engaging activity is a fantastic way for you and your child to spend quality time together, repurposing old craft supplies like wooden blocks, toys, or other materials to create a unique and personalized fall scarecrow.
Additionally, this project provides an opportunity to reuse and upcycle scraps of fabric or ribbon, reducing waste while fostering creativity.
Paper Plate Apple
There’s something endearing about working with tissue paper that brings out our inner child. For preschoolers, the tactile experience of manipulating this material can be incredibly engaging. The process of scrunching up tissue paper and shaping it into a creative form is reminiscent of a carefree autumn day spent picking apples in an orchard. To recreate this delightful fall craft, you’ll need just a few simple supplies: a paper plate, red-colored tissue paper, and some green pipe cleaner.
Begin by scrunching up the tissue paper to your desired shape, then arrange it on the plate before securing everything in place with glue. The finished product will resemble a cluster of apples nestled among the branches of an apple tree.
Pom Pom Fall Leaf
When seeking alternative mediums for creative expression, it’s essential to think outside the box. A hefty investment in specialized brushes may not be feasible or practical, especially when introducing children to artistic endeavors. One such innovative solution is utilizing pom poms as paintbrushes. By repurposing a paper plate and clothespins, you can create makeshift applicators that hold the pom poms securely, allowing for unique and imaginative results.
Cookie Cutter Fall Placemats
What I love most about cookie cutters is their incredible versatility. While they’re perfect for shaping cookies, they can also be used as a creative stencil. This idea sparked a fun project in our household: stenciling fall shapes onto placemats using the cutters. We started by laying out long sheets of paper on the dining table, cutting them to size, and then letting the kids have a blast with the cookie cutters!
Salt Crystal Fall Leaves
Discover the magic of salt crystal experiments! This delightful fall activity combines science, creativity, and fun, making it an ideal project for kids of all ages to enjoy on rainy days or during fall breaks. With numerous variations to explore, this art project is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the process of creating stunning salt crystal fall leaves! To get started, gather a few essential supplies: jars, plenty of salt, yarn, clothespins, and leaves.
Pom Pom Fall Tree
Got leftover pom poms from a previous project? Perfect! Grab them and get ready to create a charming fall-themed pom pom tree. Not only will this craft activity bring a burst of color to your preschooler’s playtime, but it’ll also add a pop of color to your home decor. Consider displaying the finished tree on your mantel, windowsill, or table for a lovely touch that can brighten up any room.
Hedgehog Craft
Let’s spark our preschoolers’ curiosity with a fun and easy craft project that brings nature indoors. Who says you need to head out to the park to spot hedgehogs? With just a few simple supplies, we can create a delightful hedgehog craft at home. What’s more, let your little ones get creative by collecting real leaves outside to decorate their masterpiece!
Pumpkin Playdough Recipe
For parents seeking a fun and safe way to engage their little ones in sensory play, making homemade playdough from scratch is an excellent option. This recipe requires no cooking, making it quick and easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and some cookie cutters on hand, you’ll be all set for a delightful fine motor experience with your kids.
Handprint Apple Tree
Handprint painting has captivated the hearts of many with its endearing charm. This art form’s essence lies in its simplicity – using one’s own hand as a stencil to create something new. The process is not only enjoyable but also fosters creativity and self-expression.
Take, for instance, this delightful handprint apple tree craft designed specifically for children.
It involves tracing handprints onto paper, painting them with vibrant colors, and then adding tiny paper apples to create a whimsical masterpiece.
Paper Pumpkin
For those who revel in the majesty of pumpkins, autumn is the season that reigns supreme, and pumpkin-inspired crafts become an art form unto themselves. Take, for instance, this delightful paper pumpkin with its expressive eyes and whimsical green tendril – a true masterpiece! To bring this vision to life, simply gather fall-hued construction paper and let your creativity flow.
Pumpkin-themed crafts abound, each one offering a unique blend of color and charm that’s sure to delight both children and adults alike. By substituting the standard paper eyes with googly eyes, you can add an extra layer of whimsy to this already-adorable design. When it comes to keeping young minds engaged in the classroom, pumpkin-themed crafts are just the thing.
For a more comprehensive approach, be sure to check out our selection of fun Halloween games designed specifically for the classroom.
Printable Fall Hat
The joy of printable craft projects lies in their effortless simplicity. With minimal setup required, these activities can be quickly organized. Simply download the template – in this case, a charming ‘Happy Fall’ fox hat design – and half the work is done. The next step involves allowing your little ones to unleash their creativity by painting, coloring, or decorating the hat as they see fit. Finally, the only remaining task is to don the finished masterpiece and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Scratch Art Fall Leaf
Imagine an afternoon spent in creative bliss with your little ones. No screens needed! Take out the art supplies and get ready to unleash their inner artist with scratch art. This activity is perfect for fall, as you’ll be working with autumn-themed paper leaves, creating intricate designs and patterns that will reveal hidden colors beneath the surface. As you work together, you can create a beautiful garland by stringing up your finished pieces with twine.
Not only is this a fun way to spend quality time with your kids, but it’s also a great way to encourage their creativity and fine motor skills.
Popsicle Stick Pumpkin Craft
As the last wisps of summer’s warmth dissipate, the remnants of a fun-filled season with kids may still linger at home – namely, an abundance of popsicle sticks that served as makeshift handles for their favorite ice lollies. Take advantage of this unexpected treasure trove and give them a good cleaning. Then, set them aside to transform into a delightful popsicle stick pumpkin craft project!
To create one ‘pumpkin,’ simply gather five orange-painted wooden sticks and arrange them side by side on a flat surface. Once you’re satisfied with the arrangement, use your imagination (and some crafting magic) to connect the sticks together, forming the shape of a pumpkin.
Fall Leaf Prints
Embracing the crisp autumn air, spend the day outdoors with your kids and let them revel in the simple joys of fall. Encourage them to forage for treasures like leaves, sticks, and acorns, which can be used to create a variety of art projects. One fun activity is painting the face of a leaf, letting their imagination run wild with vibrant colors and patterns.
Once they’ve finished, simply flip the leaf over and press it flat onto a sheet of paper to create a beautiful print of its intricate veins, serving as a unique reminder of the day’s adventures.
Fall Paper Dolls
Create a seasonal learning experience for your kids by using paper dolls that showcase seasonally-appropriate clothing. Start by having a core doll set, including one male and one female, then add an assortment of autumnal attire such as sweaters, pants, scarves, and more. Print out the various outfits from the template, have your children color them in, and then use these colorful creations to dress the base dolls.
This activity allows for creative expression and teaches kids about dressing according to the season. Simply place the completed outfits over the core dolls to mix and match their favorite fall looks.
Paper and Paint Fall Tree
Create an unforgettable fall-themed art project with your kids! This fun and playful activity is sure to get them excited about art. Start by clipping small pom poms onto clothespins – these will replace traditional brushes as applicators. Next, dip the pom poms into paint and gently dab the imprints around the ‘trunk’ area, building a vibrant fall-colored bushel or tree shape. Feel free to experiment with a range of colors including warm reds, oranges, greens, and even purples!
Popsicle Stick Scarecrow
While preschoolers may not be ready for full-fledged Halloween frights, they can still have a blast with a gentle and educational scarecrow activity. In fact, constructing a popsicle stick scarecrow from scratch can be a fantastic way to introduce these little ones to the concept of building something new.
By using simple materials like popsicle sticks, googly eyes, glue, paints and brushes, and a black marker, you’ll be able to create a fun and engaging project that’s both spooky and kid-friendly.
Acorn Craft
As the seasons change, one ubiquitous element that’s hard to ignore is the humble acorn. It’s a symbol of autumn, don’t you think? Why not engage your little ones in an activity that celebrates this tiny treasure? Here’s what you’ll need: a stash of colored card stock, some pipe cleaners, markers, glue, and scissors. And if you’re feeling extra prepared, there’s even a printable acorn template available to help guide the creative process.
With these simple supplies, your kiddos will be well on their way to crafting their very own acorns. For more autumnal fun, check out our selection of large group activities designed specifically for preschoolers.
Coffee Filter Fall Garland
As the autumn evenings unfold, there’s no better way to unwind than with a steaming cup of coffee by the crackling fire. But what about those used filters piling up? Before you dispose of them, take a moment to appreciate their potential. By drying out each filter, they transform into charming fall-colored shapes that can be molded into pumpkins and leaves. Simply string them together to create a delightful garland that captures the essence of the season.
Leaf Rubbing Tree Toilet Paper Roll Craft
While it may sound like a complex endeavor, I assure you that this creative pursuit has an undeniable charm to it. Your young ones will undoubtedly delight in its simplicity! To begin, gather a few empty toilet paper rolls.
Squirrel
Get cozy by the fire with your little ones as you work on a delightful squirrel craft together! This engaging activity is sure to bring smiles all around. To make it happen, simply grab a printable template, which can be easily accessed for free. You’ll also need some essential materials like googly eyes and mini brads (two per squirrel), along with your trusty craft supplies.
Paper Plate Scarecrow
Paper plate craft projects are a delight! With just the most basic supplies, they’re easy on the wallet and simple to execute. Case in point: this adorable paper plate scarecrow. Perfect for Halloween-loving preschoolers who crave something not too spooky, it’s an ideal activity. The beauty of paper plate crafts lies in their versatility – feel free to get creative with colors and craft supplies, experimenting to your heart’s content!
Fall Wreath
Transforming your front door with a warm and inviting fall-themed wreath is an excellent way to kick off the season. Not only does it add a personal touch, but it also sets the tone for cozy autumn gatherings. For a fun and creative twist, consider incorporating air-dry clay into your design. This medium is perfect for kids of all ages, as they can get messy and creative while shaping their own clay or using pre-made pieces.
Maple Leaf Printable
Embark on a creative adventure with your preschooler, as this maple leaf project combines tactile fun with messy artistry. The process involves scrunching tissue paper, applying sticky glue, and reveling in the joy of creation – all within the comfort of your own home. A perfect way to spend a cozy fall evening together. Just be prepared for a few spills and messes along the way, and have paper towels or newspapers at the ready to make cleanup a breeze.
Apple Stamping
Recapture the whimsy of childhood by sharing the joy of fruit and vegetable stamps with your own little ones! As the seasons transition into fall, take advantage of the abundance of autumnal colors and textures. Grab an apple, slice it up, and use it as a stamp on a paper plate palette. Don’t forget to have some paper towels handy for any mess that might ensue.
Paper Towel Tube Pumpkin
One of the most versatile and creative aspects of crafting is the numerous ways to create fall pumpkins. While there are countless options available, let’s explore two simple yet effective methods: transforming paper towel tubes or toilet paper rolls into autumnal masterpieces.
To begin, take your chosen tube and shape it to your desired pumpkin form. Once you’re satisfied with its shape, grab some paint and bring the orange hues to life.
For added realism, simply attach a few pipe cleaners at the top to mimic those iconic green tendrils.
Fall Sensory Bin
When it comes to fostering early childhood development, sensory experiences play a vital role. Young children are in a unique window of opportunity where every skill they learn has a direct impact on their future growth. To maximize the benefits of sensory activities, consider creating a fall-themed sensory bin that incorporates your child’s input.
By involving them in the process from start to finish, you’ll not only encourage creativity and ownership but also provide a valuable learning experience.
Marble Painting Pumpkin
Want to spark your child’s creativity? Try this exciting pumpkin craft that combines abstract painting with unbridled fun! It’s a perfect activity for pre-k kids to unleash their inner artistic genius. To get started, grab a printable template or draw a big pumpkin yourself. Then, let your little ones take the reins and let their imagination run wild. Don’t worry about making a mess – just have paper towels and newspaper at the ready to catch any spills and splatters that may occur.
The end result is sure to be a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that will bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Felt Scarecrow
For another fun and easy scarecrow craft activity, turn to this simple five-step process. With minimal materials required, you can create unique and textured scarecrows using a combination of felt scraps and other fabrics like burlap, gingham, and jute. By repurposing leftover fabric pieces from previous projects, you’ll not only reduce waste but also add an extra layer of character to your creations.
Paper Apple
While apples are indeed a year-round fruit, they take on a special significance during the fall season. The crisp air and cozy atmosphere make it the perfect time to indulge in classic autumn treats like candied apples, warm apple pies, and refreshing apple cider. Additionally, this period offers a great opportunity to engage in fun and creative activities with your little ones. One such activity is crafting a simple paper apple with your preschooler.
This project requires minimal materials, most of which are likely already at home, making it an easy and accessible way to spend quality time together.
Acorn Painting
Leave the comfort of your home behind and embark on an adventure with your little one! Put on your comfiest shoes and get ready to spend some quality time outdoors, exploring the backyard or a nearby park in search of acorns. If you’re already stocked up on these tasty treasures, now’s the perfect opportunity to use them all up. For those who prefer a more contained experience, grab a sturdy cardboard box and set up shop inside it to keep the paint splatters and mess at bay.
Egg Carton Apple Tree
When cooking eggs for breakfast, consider setting aside those empty cartons – they’ll come in handy for an upcoming creative project! This endeavour will delight your young ones on a crisp autumn evening, as you snuggle up indoors by the warmth of the fireplace. Imagine crafting a beautiful egg carton apple tree together, a perfect activity to enjoy with your little ones.
Corn and Button Apple Tree
Imagine spending an extra hour or two creating art with your kids by the warmth of the fire, accompanied by the sweet scent of cookies and milk. This project is a great way to bond with your little ones while encouraging their creativity. You can use wine corks as unique stampers, and gather supplies like brown and green paint, paper plates for mixing colors, and white cardstock to get creative on. Don’t forget to have some paper towels handy for any unexpected messes!
Egg Carton Pumpkin
One more creative way to make pumpkins is by repurposing empty egg cartons. This DIY project requires minimal materials, which you likely already have at home. Gather your family and get started! Once you’ve painted the egg cartons a vibrant orange hue, let them dry completely before adding the finishing touch – attaching a pipe cleaner stem.
Pressed Flower and Leaves Bookmark
The art of preserving flowers is an undervalued tradition that deserves to be passed down through generations. In an effort to keep this craft alive, let’s explore the various ways we can incorporate pressed flowers into our daily lives. For instance, bookmarks are a simple yet elegant way to add a touch of nature to our favorite books.
With just a few basic materials and some patience, you can create a one-of-a-kind bookmark that will not only preserve memories but also serve as a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us.
Fall Leaf Wreath
Creating a fall-themed wreath with your children is an excellent way to instill a sense of seasonal excitement. They can proudly display the finished product on their bedroom door or above their workspace, fostering a connection to the changing seasons. This activity also lends itself well to creativity, as you can simply download and print out the template for them to color and embellish with their favorite fall-inspired designs.
Paper Halloween Luminaries
Transforming plain paper into mesmerizing luminaries is a fun and creative activity that can elevate your Halloween decorations. As you’re carving pumpkins, consider setting aside some time to craft a few ghostly luminaries that will add an eerie charm to your windows or mantel. Their ethereal glow will undoubtedly make your home stand out this spooky season.
Leaf Imprint
Developing fine motor skills in young children is a crucial step in their cognitive and physical development. This leaf imprint activity seamlessly combines indoor and outdoor play, allowing toddlers and preschoolers to collect leaves outside and then create artful imprints inside. To maximize the experience, be sure to have a stash of crayons ready for your little ones to get creative with.
Fall Suncatchers
The magic of sunlight dancing through colorful shapes is unbeatable. This autumn, why not create a collection of fall-themed suncatchers with your child? Begin by cutting small strips of colored paper, using the chance to teach your kid about scissor skills and fine motor control. You can even incorporate this activity into a lesson on textures and patterns.
Turkey Craft
Transform the spirit of Thanksgiving into a fun-filled experience with your little ones by crafting adorable turkeys together! To bring this beloved holiday’s essence to life, create these charming fowl friends from scratch. A perfect way to spend quality time with your child, making memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t forget the finishing touch – add those playful googly eyes to give your turkeys an extra dose of personality.
