The Best Fall Crafts for Kids
Along with fall being the perfect time to do all the coziest baking (hi, pumpkin roll) and drink all the tastiest coffees (apple crisp cold foam, you’re the best!), it’s also one of my favorite times to go from letting my kids be feral yard rats to actually attempting to do some learning crafts inside. Turns out, if it involves Halloween, mess, or nature, my kids are pretty much all in. As a mom, these simple craft projects make the season even more memorable. From sensory play like pumpkin spice playdough and fluffy “pumpkin” slime to hands-on STEM projects and creative art with leaves, apples, and pinecones, these fun fall crafts are a wonderful way to spend a cozy, rainy day inside together. These easy and fun fall activities for kids encourage creativity, spark imagination, and keep hands and brains busy on cool autumn days. Whether you’re looking for toddler friendly crafts, fall classroom projects, or family weekend fun, this list has the best ideas to try at home. Pick your favorites or try them all!
Fall String Art
This yarn wrapping activity is a fall favorite for me. Using balloons and glue, kids create sturdy apple and pumpkin shapes by wrapping yarn until they’re fully covered. Once dried, these string art creations look beautiful on a mantle or as festive table decorations (someone asked me where I bought my little mantle pumpkins!!). It’s a great way to practice fine motor skills and end up with a seasonal craft that doubles as decor.
Get the full tutorial here
Pumpkin Spice Playdough
Homemade playdough becomes extra festive in the fall when you add cozy pumpkin spice. This activity lets kids enjoy hours of sensory fun while building creativity, all while their play area smells just like autumn baking. Parents will love it too because it’s easy to whip up with pantry ingredients. Store it in an airtight container, and you’ll have a go to fall activity all season.
Try this recipe here
Autumn Sun Catchers
Fall sun catchers brighten up any window and look gorgeous as the sun shines through. Kids use contact paper, tissue paper, and construction paper to create their own colorful designs in the shape of pumpkins, leaves, or apples. This craft is especially fun for preschoolers and school aged kids who enjoy mixing colors and seeing the effect of light shining through. They also make adorable seasonal decorations for your home or classroom.
See how to make them here
Leaf Collection Tree
Take advantage of all the beautiful fall leaves by turning them into art. With this project, kids collect leaves from outside and add them to a paper tree, creating their own colorful autumn masterpiece. It’s a great way to blend outdoor exploration with creativity. Plus, it makes for a unique keepsake of the season and a perfect opportunity to talk about the changing colors of leaves.
Learn how here
Erupting Slime STEM Activity
This project combines the messiness of slime with the excitement of a fizzy eruption. Kids love mixing ingredients and watching the bubbly, foamy reaction happen right in front of them (it’s really cool!). You can make it seasonal by adding orange or brown coloring to the slime for a fall vibe, or have the slime erupt out of a witches cauldron. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some science learning while keeping it hands on and fun.
Make erupting slime here
Apple Bead Craft
Perfect for apple season, this simple craft uses pony beads and pipe cleaners to create cute little apples. Kids thread the beads onto pipe cleaners, helping them practice fine motor skills and color recognition. The finished apples are bright and cheerful, making them great for classroom decorations or fall-themed displays at home. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate back-to-school season and the start of autumn.
Get the apple craft instructions here
Tissue Paper Fall Craft
Tissue paper crafts are always a hit with younger kids, and this one is perfectly themed for fall. Kids tear or cut up colorful tissue paper, then glue it down to make bright seasonal art. It’s simple enough for toddlers but also fun for older kids to get more detailed with their designs. This activity is a great way to use up leftover craft supplies while making something festive.
Check out the craft here
Fall Sensory Bins
Fall sensory bins are a fantastic way for toddlers to explore textures, colors, and imaginative play. You can fill bins with items like corn kernels, leaves, acorns, and little pumpkins, then let kids scoop, pour, and dig. Sensory play helps with development and keeps kids engaged for long stretches of time. These bins are easy to customize for your child’s age and interests, and they make cleanup simple too.
See the sensory bin ideas here
Silly Putty
Silly putty is stretchy, bouncy, and so much fun for kids to play with. Making it at home is easy, and kids will love helping measure and mix the ingredients. You can give it a seasonal twist by adding orange coloring or glitter to turn it into “pumpkin putty.” It’s a fun alternative to slime that provides a different texture for kids to explore.
Get the recipe here
Coffee Filter Apples
This craft is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, using simple supplies you likely already have at home. Kids color coffee filters with markers, then spray them with water to watch the colors blend beautifully. Once dry, the filters are cut and shaped into apples. It’s a low-mess, high impact project that kids love watching transform before their eyes.
See the tutorial here
Pinecone Bird Feeders
I love this craft because it doubles as a way to care for wildlife. Using pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed, kids can create simple bird feeders to hang outside. Once placed, enjoy watching the birds flock to the handmade feeders. It’s a wonderful fall activity that connects crafting with nature and encourages outdoor exploration.
Learn how to make them here
Spooky Sensory Bins
Get ready for Halloween with spooky themed sensory bins. These bins combine seasonal textures with a little science fun, perfect for keeping kids entertained on chilly October days. You can add items like fake spiders, eyeballs, or glow-in-the-dark elements for extra fun. They’re a fantastic way to mix science, sensory exploration, and holiday excitement all in one.
Get the spooky bin ideas here
Fluffy Slime (Pumpkin Slime!)
Fluffy slime is always a hit, and with a little seasonal twist it becomes “pumpkin slime.” Just add orange coloring and maybe a drop of pumpkin-scented oil to make it festive. Kids love squishing and stretching the fluffy texture, and it’s easy to customize for fall. This is one of those crafts that never gets old, no matter the season.
Make fluffy slime here
Basic Slime Recipe
Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. This easy slime recipe is perfect as a starter project for kids and can be customized for fall with black food coloring, gold glitter, or even glow-in-the-dark powder. It’s a great way to introduce kids to crafting and science at the same time. Plus, it’s always fun to stretch, squish, and create with slime.
See the recipe here
From classic autumn activities like coffee filter apples and pinecone bird feeders to exciting STEM projects like erupting slime, there are endless ways to celebrate the season through crafting. These fun and easy fall crafts are perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids, making them great for family nights, classroom projects, or quiet weekend afternoons. The best part is that most of these crafts use simple supplies you already have at home, so you can jump right in without much prep (my favorite!). Whether you’re making pumpkin spice playdough, spooky sensory bins for Halloween, or bright autumn sun catchers, each of these crafts will spark creativity and keep kids busy all season. Happy Fall!
