Fall is in the air: school has started, nights are cooler, and apple picking, pumpkins, and Halloween are just around the corner. If you want an easy, enjoyable way to celebrate the season at home with young children, try these fall crafts for preschoolers.
Each project is simple enough for little hands to explore with some adult guidance. These activities encourage creativity while building important skills.
Why Preschoolers Should Craft
Yes, crafting with preschoolers can be messy, but the benefits are worth it. These fall crafts help children learn and grow across several areas:
Fine Motor Skill Development
Painting, cutting with safety scissors, gluing and drawing all build fine motor control. These skills support everyday tasks like writing, dressing, feeding, and more.
Develop S.T.E.M. Skills
Crafting often introduces basic STEM concepts—exploring changes in color, shapes, patterns, and cause-and-effect. For example, using an apple for stamping opens the door to simple science experiments like watching oxidation and color change.
Stretch Creative Muscles
Crafts encourage imagination and problem-solving. Creative play supports learning and can be a calming, focused activity for many children.
Builds Confidence
Completing a project gives young makers something to be proud of—perfect for displaying on the fridge or their bedroom door.
Fall Crafts for Preschoolers to Try
Here are twelve approachable fall crafts that are perfect for preschool-age kids. Most use basic supplies you likely have at home.
#1 Paper Plate Wreath
A paper plate wreath with printable leaves is a low-prep, budget-friendly craft. Print or cut leaf shapes and let your child paint, color, and glue them onto a plate to create a festive wreath.
#2 Pumpkin Art with Pointillism
Pointillism is simply making pictures from dots—an ideal technique for improving fine motor skills. Use cotton swabs or paintbrush tips to dab dots and form a pumpkin scene.
#3 Coffee Filter Fall Leaves
Coffee filters make excellent leaves: they absorb dye and create soft, blended colors. This craft lets children explore color mixing and the look of fall foliage even in areas without vivid leaves.
#4 Autumn Tree Sensory Art
Create a tree trunk on paper and add sensory leaves with finger paint, textured materials, or sponges. This multi-sensory approach supports toddlers while remaining adaptable for older children.
#5 Apple Stamping Painting
Slice an apple and use it as a stamp to create leaf shapes or patterns. Apple stamping is a classic fall activity that combines art and seasonal materials for a hands-on experience.
#6 No-Sew Fabric Pumpkins
Upcycle old shirts, sweaters, or fabric scraps into no-sew pumpkins. Adults will need to assist, but the finished pumpkins make cheerful, reusable decorations.
#7 Acorn Craft for Kids
Construct acorns from construction paper, glue, and pipe cleaners. This simple project helps children practice cutting and gluing while creating a playful finished piece.
#8 DIY Clay Apples
Make non-toxic play clay and shape it into apples for pretend play. These clay apples can be dried and sealed for longer display in a play kitchen.
#9 Coffee Filter Pumpkins and Leaves
Turn painted coffee filters into a colorful garland of pumpkins and leaves. This lightweight decoration is perfect for hanging in a child’s room or the classroom.
#10 Fall Leaf Printing with Markers
Color the back of a leaf with markers, place it under paper, and press with a rolling pin to transfer the design. It’s an easy activity that siblings can enjoy together.
#11 Paper Plate Hedgehog
Use a paper plate and simple materials to create a hedgehog with “quills” made from paper, straw, or other textures. This craft includes multiple decorating options and printable elements for convenience.
#12 Paper Plate Fall Wreath
Another wreath idea uses cut paper leaves glued to a paper plate base. Kids love seeing their wreaths hung on a door or wall throughout the season.
Give these fall crafts for preschoolers a try this season. If you have a favorite fall activity you do with your child, share it—crafting is more fun when ideas are exchanged!
Pin this list to save these 12 simple fall crafts for kids for later.
More Fall Activities for Kids
- 20 Fall Crafts for Kids
- Free Printable Fall Playdough Mats
- Salt Crystal Leaves (Fall STEM Activity)
- 39 Spooky and Easy to Make Halloween Crafts for Kids