10 Cozy Autumn Crafts You Can Make With Kids This Season

 

Officially, Autumn has arrived and the comforting sensation of crisp air, leavers and golden sunsets is amazing.  I have the experience as a mom that it is not always easy to manage on the fun, creative and meaningful time that you can spend with your little ones in the season. It is the reason why I gave this all-in-one guide: 10 cozy autumn crafts you can make with kids this season. The concepts go perfectly with toddlers, preschoolers, and the older children as well-so the whole family can jump right in on the activities.

If you are interested in for fall crafts for kids, DIY autumn activities, or simple family craft ideas, you are sure to find something here that will awaken them to creativity in your child and create everlasting memories with your child.

Why Autumn Crafts Are Great for Kids

Crafting isn’t all just about making things that look cute … it’s also an amazing way to:

• Boost fine motor skills

• Encourage creativity and imagination

• Provide screen-free bonding time

• Teach kids about nature and the changing seasons

Plus, autumn-themed crafts naturally bring a warm, cozy vibe to your home, making it feel extra special during this magical season. 

1. Leaf Printing Fun

One of the simplest yet most beautiful DIY autumn activities is leaf printing.

What you need:

• All sorts and sizes of leaves

• Paints (washable preferably! )

• Paper or canvas

How to do it:

1. Collect leaves during a nature walk.

2. On one side of the leaf paint autumn colors (orange, red, yellow).

3. Press leaf onto paper and lift paper.

4. Do again with other leaves to create a collage of color.

Pro tip: To create a textural effect apply paint lightly using a sponge- it is stunning when used on cards or as art in a frame.

2. Pinecone Critters

Just turn your average-looking pinecones into cute little animals in this cute family craft project.

Supplies:

• Pinecones

• Googly eyes

• Felt or paper scraps

• Glue

Instructions:

1. Pick up pinecones during an outdoor walk.

2. Glue on googly eyes and felt scraps for wings, ears, or hats.

3. Let your kids invent their own critter designs!

Why it works: The craft will suit toddlers that like hands-on projects and older children that are fond of imagination.

3. Paper Plate Pumpkins

Pumpkins are one fall essential and children of all ages can have fun with making one.

You’ll need:

• Paper plates

• Orange colored paint or markers

• Green construction paper

• Glue and scissors

Steps:

1. Paint the plate orange.

2. Cut out a stem and leaf from green paper.

3. Stick the stem and the leaf on the plate top.

4. Optional: draw a fun face for a mini jack-o’-lantern.

Tip: Again, add some glitter or stickers for a lot of extra dazzlingness—kids like jazzin' up those pumpkins!

4. Autumn Sensory Bottles

Sensory bottles are the most ideal toddler activity and a relaxing craft of older children.

Materials:

• Glass VI Plastic Bottles

• Water / or Baby Oil

• Leaves, acorns, small twigs, glitter

Instructions:

1. Add water or combination of water and oil into bottle.

2. Drop in leaves, glitter, and other natural items.

3. Seal tightly and shake for a mesmerizing, fall-inspired sensory experience.

Mom hack: These bottles double as quiet-time tools—great for those moments you need a few minutes of peace!

5. Leaf Garland

Make a fall garland of your own with either real or paper leaves to embellish your home.

Supplies:

• Leafs( actual or coloured cut out paper )

• String / twine

• Glue or tape

Steps:

1. Attach leaves to the string, spacing them evenly.

2. Hang across a window, mantel, or doorway.

Extra touch: Have kids leave the leaves with the paper painted in various shades so as to resemble fall foliages.

6. Painted Acorns

Not only do acorns need to be collected, they may also be used as mini-projects in art!

Materials:

• Acorns

• Paints

• Small brushes

Instructions:

1. Paint acorns in fall colors.

2. Use them as place settings or in a centerpiece.

3. Older kids can even add faces to turn them into mini characters.

Tip: Have a bowl of acorns through the fall on your table--nothing fancy, but they make a natural and festive-looking centerpiece.

7. Cinnamon Stick Bundles

This craft will add the comfortableness of the fall smell to your home.

You need:

• Cinnamon sticks

• Twine or ribbon

• Optional: dried leaves or small pinecones

How to do it:

1. Cinnamon sticks should be combined in bundle 3-5.

2. Tie with twine or ribbon.

3. Add leaves or pinecones for extra flair.

Why it’s great: Children can even help put the bundles together and your home smells like fall right away. 

8. Thumbprint Tree Art

This is an easy, homemade craft but exactly what is needed to preserve a fall memory created by children.

Supplies:

• Paper

• Paints (brown, red, yellow, orange)

Steps:

1. Paint a tree trunk and branches in brown.

2. Dip your child’s fingers in paint to make leaves.

3. Let them press their thumbprints around the branches to “fall” leaves.

Bonus: This makes a great DIY gift for grandparents or family friends!

9. Sock Scarecrows

Turn old socks into adorable scarecrow dolls.

Materials:

• Clean socks

• Rice or cotton for stuffing

• Felt, buttons, yarn for decorations

Instructions:

1. Stuff the sock with rice or cotton.

2. Tie off sections for head and body.

3. Decorate with felt, yarn, and buttons.

Fun tip: Let your kids give their scarecrows a personality and name—it becomes an ongoing play activity!

10. Nature Collage

Complete the list of your crafts with a typical nature collage.

Supplies:

• Leaves, twigs, acorns, blooms

• Glue

• Paper or cardboard

Steps:

1. Gather natural resources from a nature walk.

2. Arrange them on paper in fun shapes or patterns.

3. Glue everything down and display your masterpiece.

Why it’s perfect: It is stress-free, crafty, and helps children learn to notice how lovely nature is.

Quick Tips for Crafting With Kids

• Keep it simple: Focus on fun, not perfection.

• Prep in advance: Be ready with all the materials – avoid meltdowns.

• Use washable supplies: Makes cleanup easier and stress-free.

• Let kids lead: Encourage creativity and personal expression.

• Display their work: Proudly hang their crafts—it boosts confidence!

Conclusion

Autumn crafting is more about the memories being made, creating creativity, and family time than the cute decorizations being created. By undertaking these 10 Autumn Crafts to do with kids this Fall season, you are making some memories that your children will never forget.

So get out them leaves, paintbrushes, and pinecones and away you go!  It is not a perfect craft, it is the happy bellowing, the shared experience and the fun of discovery that matters.

May this fall be the coziest ever of you and your lil ones. Mama, you can do this!