Creative Fall Crafts for Preschoolers

Last week, I was sitting at my kitchen table with a cup of tea, watching the leaves drift down in that lazy fall way, and I couldn’t help but think—this is the perfect season for little hands to get messy. If you’ve got a preschooler (or two) tugging at your sleeve, you know exactly what I mean. Fall crafts for preschoolers aren’t just about glue sticks and construction paper—they’re about slowing down, keeping tiny fingers busy, and honestly… saving your sanity on those long, chilly afternoons. I’ve been there, wondering what on earth to do when the weather says “stay inside” but the kids are bouncing off the walls. That’s why I put this list together. You’ll find simple, fun, and actually doable craft ideas that don’t require a shopping spree. Think cozy, creative, and kid-approved. Ready to dive in? Let’s make this fall a little more colorful.

Fall Crafts for Preschoolers

Fall crafts for preschoolers are fun, creative activities that celebrate the season’s colors and textures. These simple projects help little ones learn, play, and explore using natural and everyday materials.

Leaf Rubbing Art

One of the first fall crafts I ever tried with preschoolers was leaf rubbing art, and honestly, it still makes me smile every time. There’s something almost magical about watching the shapes of the veins appear when the crayon glides across the paper. The kids get wide-eyed like they just discovered a hidden picture, and to be fair, I kind of feel the same way. I usually take them outside to collect leaves, and it becomes a little adventure in itself. They’ll pick big maple leaves or tiny ones, and sometimes even ones that look half-crunchy—because let’s face it, kids don’t care about “perfect” leaves the way we do.

When we get back inside, I just grab some plain white paper, lay the leaves underneath, and let the kids choose their favorite crayon colors. I’ve found that peeled crayons work best for little hands because they can use the sides more easily. The kids end up layering colors, sometimes making what they call a “rainbow leaf.” It’s such a simple thing, but it never fails to spark giggles and “look at mine!” moments. In my opinion, it’s one of those crafts where the process is more fun than the final artwork, though the artwork always ends up stuck proudly on the fridge.

Paper Plate Scarecrow

Now, this one makes me laugh because I remember the first time I did it, my preschooler made a scarecrow that looked more like a pumpkin monster than anything else—but hey, that’s the charm. Paper plate scarecrows are my go-to when I want something a little silly and seasonal without spending much. I usually pull out a stack of plates, some scraps of construction paper, googly eyes if I have them, and whatever random craft bits are hiding in my drawer. The kids always love choosing wild hat colors or giving the scarecrow crooked smiles, which, in my opinion, makes them look even cuter.

I guide them by cutting out triangle noses or floppy hats, but I let them decide placement. Sometimes the nose ends up on the side of the face, and honestly, it’s hilarious. Straw or shredded paper works well for hair, but I’ve also used bits of yarn—it all depends on what I have lying around. The best part is when the scarecrows are finished, and we line them up in the kitchen like a quirky little fall parade. Every time I see them, I can’t help but grin because they show so much personality in such a simple craft.

Handprint Fall Tree

Handprint crafts always tug at my heart, and the handprint fall tree is no exception. To be fair, I think it’s one of those projects parents treasure because those little handprints won’t stay little forever. I usually start by tracing or painting the kids’ hands and arms to make the “trunk” of the tree. It gets messy, but honestly, the messier the better—it means they’re having fun. Watching them giggle as I paint their hands brown always makes me laugh too.

After the trunk is done, I let them dip their fingers in reds, oranges, and yellows to stamp leaves all around the branches. Sometimes they go wild and turn the tree into a giant blob of color, but that’s part of the charm. I’ve found it helps to remind them that leaves “fall down,” so they’ll stamp a few at the bottom too. When the paint dries, the trees look so cheerful and vibrant, and I always think, “Wow, we made autumn on paper.” In my opinion, it’s one of the sweetest keepsakes for this season, and I usually tuck one away for myself before sending the rest home.

Pinecone Creatures

Turn pinecones into fun animals like owls, hedgehogs, or foxes using felt, googly eyes, and glue. This hands-on craft helps kids imagine characters while building fine motor skills. It’s also a great way to use materials found in nature.

• Collect pinecones that are dry and clean

• Cut felt pieces for ears, tails, or wings

• Add googly eyes with school glue

• Use pom-poms or tiny twigs for details like noses or arms

• Display the animals on shelves or windowsills

Apple Stamping

Apple stamping is a sensory-rich painting activity that lets preschoolers explore colors and fruit. When cut in half, apples create fun patterns that look like flowers or circles. This fall craft is great for introducing patterns and basic printmaking.

• Cut apples in half horizontally or vertically

• Dip in paint and press onto paper to make prints

• Use red, green, and yellow paint for variety

• Let kids mix colors for fun effects

• Talk about how apples grow and come in different colors

Tissue Paper Pumpkin

Tissue paper pumpkins are bright and textured, making them perfect for preschoolers. Kids get to tear, scrunch, and glue tissue paper to create a fun and squishy pumpkin shape. It’s a good way to explore color blending and hand coordination.

• Cut a large pumpkin shape from orange cardstock

• Tear or cut small pieces of orange and yellow tissue paper

• Glue tissue pieces all over the pumpkin shape

• Add a green paper stem and leaf

• Let it dry and hang it in a window

Nature Bracelets

Nature bracelets are simple and get kids outside and moving. They wear a strip of tape around their wrist, sticky side out, and collect small fall items like leaves, petals, or seeds. It’s like wearable art made from the season itself.

• Use masking tape or painter’s tape

• Wrap it loosely around each child’s wrist, sticky side out

• Take a short walk and collect small items to stick on

• Avoid using anything sharp or prickly

• Wear and show off their natural bracelet indoors

Pumpkin Seed Art

Pumpkin seed art is a unique fall craft that uses seeds from real pumpkins. After a pumpkin carving activity, save the seeds, wash them, and use them for creative art projects. Kids enjoy sorting, gluing, and painting the seeds.

• Dry pumpkin seeds after washing them

• Color the seeds with markers or tempera paint

• Use the seeds to form shapes or pictures on paper

• Glue them in patterns like flowers, trees, or even names

• Let the finished artwork dry flat

Fall-Themed Sensory Bottles

Sensory bottles filled with fall-colored items are calming and educational. They’re perfect for younger preschoolers who may not be ready for glue and scissors. Kids can help choose what goes inside while learning about textures and colors.

• Use empty water bottles or plastic jars

• Fill with colored rice, glitter, sequins, and small plastic leaves

• Add warm-colored beads or buttons

• Seal lids tightly with glue or tape

• Shake and explore the colors and sounds

Leaf Crown

A leaf crown lets kids become fall royalty while practicing fine motor skills. It’s a great way to celebrate fall leaves collected from outside. Every child’s crown is different and makes for a fun costume or photo prop.

• Measure and cut a strip of cardstock to fit the head

• Tape or glue colorful leaves onto the band

• Overlap leaves for a full crown effect

• Use tape instead of glue for less mess

• Staple or tape ends to form the crown

Thankful Tree

A thankful tree helps kids express gratitude in a visual and seasonal way. This craft can become a family or classroom project that adds a new leaf every day. It teaches positive emotions and reflection in a playful way.

• Draw or paint a bare tree trunk on poster board

• Cut out paper leaves in fall colors

• Each day, write something they’re thankful for on a leaf

• Glue or tape leaves onto the tree

• Display the tree through November

Paper Roll Owls

Paper roll owls are cute, colorful, and easy to make. Using toilet paper rolls, kids can craft wise little owls to sit on a windowsill or shelf. They’ll learn basic shapes and how to combine materials to create animals.

• Flatten the top of the roll to form ear shapes

• Wrap in patterned paper or color with crayons

• Glue on wings, eyes, beak, and feet

• Use googly eyes or draw your own

• Add feathers or stickers for decoration

Cinnamon Stick Painting

Cinnamon stick painting adds scent to the fun of painting. Kids can use sticks as brushes or dabbers while enjoying the smell of cinnamon. It’s a great sensory craft that uses natural tools.

• Provide cinnamon sticks instead of paintbrushes

• Use fall colors like orange, brown, and red

• Let kids paint freely on paper or leaves

• Talk about how cinnamon smells and where it comes from

• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to paint for texture

Yarn-Wrapped Leaves

Yarn-wrapped leaves combine fine motor skills and colorful creativity. Kids wrap yarn around cut-out leaf shapes for a cozy, textured fall decoration. It’s a great activity to strengthen little hands.

• Cut large leaf shapes from cardboard

• Provide yarn in fall colors like red, gold, and orange

• Let kids wrap yarn around the leaves in any pattern

• Tie the end of the yarn to secure

• Hang the leaves as a garland or window display

Pumpkin Collage Faces

Let kids create silly or spooky pumpkin faces with cut-out shapes and glue. This fall-themed collage gives children freedom to explore facial expressions and Halloween fun. It’s easy, mess-free, and creative.

• Cut pumpkin shapes from orange paper

• Provide pre-cut shapes for eyes, noses, and mouths

• Let kids glue the pieces to form faces

• Add stickers or drawings for extra detail

• Display on walls or fridge for a festive look

Holiday-Themed Crafts

Holiday-themed crafts are a fun way to get preschoolers excited about Thanksgiving and Halloween while helping them learn through creativity. These crafts encourage storytelling, gratitude, and imagination in playful ways. With simple supplies and big ideas, kids can enjoy the spirit of each holiday through hands-on projects that also build fine motor skills and emotional expression.

• Handprint Turkeys
  Let kids trace and paint their hands to create colorful turkeys. Add googly eyes, beaks, and feathers for a festive decoration. This is a great craft for talking about thankfulness and the Thanksgiving holiday.

• Thankful Tree Project
  Create a paper tree and have kids add one leaf each day with something they’re thankful for. This teaches gratitude and lets children reflect on positive feelings in a visual way.

• Halloween Masks or Bat Puppets
  Using paper plates or craft sticks, preschoolers can create fun Halloween characters like bats, pumpkins, or ghosts. Add string, yarn, or stickers to bring the spooky characters to life.

• Pumpkin Face Collages
  Cut out pumpkin shapes and provide pieces for eyes, noses, and mouths. Kids can glue them together to make silly or spooky pumpkin faces while learning about shapes and emotions.

• Encouraging Discussion of Holiday Themes
  Use craft time to talk with children about what each holiday means. Keep the language simple, include fun stories or songs, and help them understand traditions in a joyful and age-appropriate way.

FAQ

What are some easy Fall Crafts for Preschoolers?

Simple crafts like leaf rubbings, handprint trees, tissue paper pumpkins, and pinecone animals are perfect for preschoolers. These projects use basic supplies and are fun, safe, and educational.

Are fall crafts safe for toddlers and preschoolers?

Yes, as long as you use child-safe materials like non-toxic glue, kid-friendly scissors, and washable paints. Always supervise craft time, especially when using small parts like buttons or seeds.

How can I make Fall Crafts for Preschoolers more educational?

Incorporate learning by talking about fall colors, counting leaves, or naming shapes used in crafts. You can also discuss seasonal changes, holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving, and nature themes.

What materials do I need for most fall crafts?

Common materials include paper plates, construction paper, glue sticks, crayons, tissue paper, yarn, leaves, pinecones, and child-safe paint. Many crafts can also be done using recycled or natural items.