The leaves are changing, the air’s getting crisp, and it’s the perfect time to bring some Fall fun indoors with crafts. If your kids love picking up leaves on every walk (mine definitely do), why not turn those leafy finds into something creative?
These easy Fall leaf crafts are for kids big and small. So, toddlers, preschoolers and young school-age kids that like to get crafty and creative.
We’re talking easy crafts and art projects that use real leaves (or faux ones if you like) and simple supplies. Plus a few with some free printables to make things even easier! Ideal for when you’re short of time (or sanity!)
Whether you’re crafting at home or in the classroom, these Fall crafts using leaves are a fun way to enjoy some quiet time while celebrating the season.
Here you’ll find everything from painting with leaves to collage art and other Fall crafts your kids will love. So grab those leaves, your kids, it’s time to get started!
Real Fall Leaf Crafts For Kids
These leaf crafts use the real deal! From leaf crowns to pinecone turkeys with leafy feathers, these fun and hands-on activities will turn your little one’s nature finds into keepsakes, decorations and playful creations.
Fall Leaf Tree Craft
Build a mini tree using real leaves and branches to create a charming Fall scene. It’s a fun hands-on activity that’s great for toddlers and preschoolers working on their fine motor skills.
Visit Mommy Evolution for instructions
Leaf Monster Craft
Use real dry leaves to make silly monster faces. This is one of those Fall leaf crafts for toddlers that will allow their creativity to shine and is sure to bring some laughs…
Check out the Leaf Monster Craft here
Pinecone Turkey Leaf Craft
Pinecones, leaves, and a little imagination—this turkey craft is a natural winner. A fun Fall craft to celebrate the season (and maybe keep little hands busy while the turkey cooks).
Head over to A Little Pinch of Perfect for details
Leaf Crown
Turn your kids into autumn royalty with a crown made from collected leaves and a bit of string. Simple, fun, and the perfect activity after a nature walk.
Visit Red Ted Art for instructions
Fall Leaf DIY Window Clings
Use real Fall leaves and laminate them to create your own window clings—so simple and fun! They look lovely with sunlight shining through, and the best part? You can reuse them all season long.
Jump over to Fox Farm Home for more
Fall Leaves Bookmark Craft for Kids
Press colorful Fall leaves and make charming bookmarks—perfect for your little bookworm who loves stories as much as scavenger hunts. Or why not gift to granny or grandpa?
Visit Mommy Evolution for instructions
Leaf People Fall Craft
If you’re looking for a fun craft that gets kids exploring nature and their creativity, this one checks all the boxes! With a few leaves, twigs, and maybe an acorn or two, your little ones can create their very own leaf people—each with its own quirky personality.
Visit Fantastic Fun and Learning for more
Apple and Leaf Rocking Bottle Cap Craft
With a little paper and a bottle cap, kids can make a wobbly, adorable apple and leaf craft that rocks back and forth. It’s a playful Autumn leaf craft perfect for preschoolers.
Head over to Crafty Kids Play for details
Paper Leaf Puppets for Fall
Here’s another way to create characters with leaves. These leaf puppets will probably last the longest, since they’re made with faux leaves. Another simple open-ended craft, that encourages kids to express themselves through art and play.
These leaf puppets will be so much fun for storytelling and all sorts of silly fun!
Jump over to This Tiny Blue House for more.
Love all things Fall? Try these crafts:
- 50+ Fun Fall Arts & Crafts Ideas For Toddlers
- 25 Simple Fall Learning Activities
- 25 Easy Fall Arts, Crafts & Sensory Activities for Babies
- 27+ Adorable Fall Handprint Crafts
Fall Leaf Art Projects
Use leaves alongside paint and paper and other materials for a fun Fall art project that’s full of color, texture, and creative play. Perfect for kids who love to get artsy!
Discover the Art of Leaf Printing
Leaf printing is messy in the best way. Just grab some real leaves, paint, and paper and let the kids experiment and explore with color, texture and pattern and create their very own leaf art. Such a fun hands-on activity that will engage kids of all ages.
Jump over to Family Focus Blog for more
Leaf Mesh Painting
This one’s all about texture and the art of silhouette painting. Kids will enjoy using different materials to apply paint as a background and using real or faux leaves to create leaf shapes and silhouettes.
Jump over to Mommy Evolution for more
DIY Leaf Glitter
Yes, glittery leaves! Just dry out some real ones, crumble them up, and use them as natural “glitter” for your crafts. Just make sure the leaves are nice and dry (a quick microwave helps if needed).
Visit Inspiring Savings for instructions
Autumn Leaf Mandala Art
Inspired by artist Andy Goldsworthy, this nature-based mandala craft lets kids explore patterns using colorful leaves collecting from outside during the Fall season. What a calming, creative way to appreciate the beauty of Autumn!
Jump over to Red Ted Art for details
Toilet Paper Roll Leaf Stamping Art
Use a toilet paper roll to shape and stamp colorful Fall leaves to create a bright and leafy tree masterpiece. It’s a fun and simple way for kids to explore Autumn colors and practice control and precision while getting crafty.
Head over to Crafty Morning for details
Want more easy ideas like this? Check out our full list of fun and easy tp roll crafts for kids.
“Fall in a Bottle” Outdoor Activity
Take a nature walk, collect leaves, and seal up the season in a bottle! This simple, hands-on craft is perfect for curious little explorers. A great outdoor activity that helps kids slow down, observe nature, and enjoy the crisp Fall air.
Head over to The Crazy Outdoor Mama for details
DIY Autumn Leaves Luminary
This simple leaf-decorated jar turns into a cozy luminary that glows beautifully day or night. Let the Autumn sun shine through on a windowsill, or pop in some fairy lights after dark for that perfect Fall glow.
Visit The Gingerbread House for instructions
Keep little hands busy with these crafts and activities:
- 75 Sanity-Saving Mess Free Toddler Activities To Do At Home
- 65 Gross Motor Activities for Toddlers
- 39 Fun & Easy Arts Projects & Craft Activities
- 21 Easy Finger Painting Ideas
FREE Printable Fall Leaf Crafts
Just print, cut, and craft! These easy Fall leaf printables are great for indoor fun—simple to prep, fun to make, and perfect for little hands.
Origami Maple Leaves Craft
Fold your way into Fall with these origami maple leaves. The printable makes it easy to get started — and there’s no glue or paint in sight! Best for older kids, but little ones can have a go with a helping hand.
Head over to Ottawa Mommy Club for the full tutorial
FREE Printable Leaf Garland
If you’re looking for cute leaf crafts for preschoolers to complete together in a group setting, why not make a pretty garland.
Each child can complete their own leaf – by cutting out the leaf shape from the free printable and drawing on the leaf veins – then thread it onto the string.
What a lovely way to decorate the classroom.
Alternatively, complete this at home with family for some lovely leafy decor.
Visit Ottawa Mommy Club for more
Printable Autumn Leaf Wreath
Instead of a garland, kids can build a sweet Fall wreath, simply by cutting, coloring and sticking. Another Autumn leaf craft that’s perfect for younger kids and will make a sweet classroom or home display.
Jump over to Artsy Fartsy Mama for instructions
Tissue Paper Maple Leaf Craft
Use the free maple leaf printable, some ripped tissue paper and glue for a fun Fall craft that’s perfect to strengthen fine motor skills in your little crafters.
You could also try glitter, paint sticks, or puffy paint or keep it simple and mess-free and just color.
Visit Two Pink Peonies for more
Free Printable Turkey Leaf Craft
This adorable turkey craft comes with a free template, perfect for some simple creative fun at Thanksgiving. Make the feathers from artificial leaves, as pictured, or swap them for real ones for a sweet nature-inspired version.
Visit Simple Everyday Mom for more
Free Autumn Leaf Printable
This printable is just right for toddlers and preschoolers learning to color, cut, and glue. It’s a fun way to work on scissor skills and pencil control while making a cute Fall tree.
Visit In The Playroom for more
Festive & fun—don’t miss these free printables!
- Cute Free Fall Handprint Craft Templates for Babies & Toddlers
- 50 Free Printable Halloween Games
- Cute Valentine’s Day Handprint Craft (Free Templates)
- Cute Free Father’s Day Handprint Craft Templates
STEAM & Sensory Leaf Activities
Here are some fun leaf inspired activities that mix science, art, and sensory play—perfect for curious little hands and minds.
Autumn Leaf Absorption STEAM Activity
This simple activity is a fun way to mix art with a little science. Kids can watch science in action as water moves through paper, creating some pretty cool leaf art along the way.
It’s simple, hands-on, and a great way to spark their curiosity.
Jump over to A Little Pinch of Perfect for details
Falling Leaves Sensory Jar
Shake it up and watch the leaves swirl! This calming leaf-filled sensory jar is a fun way to explore colors, movement with a touch of Autumn magic.
Jump over to The Soccer Mom Blog for details
Orange Glitter Fall Slime Recipe
This sparkly, stretchy slime brings some Fall flavor to sensory play. Made with simple household ingredients ( glue, baking soda, orange coloring, and glitter) it’s easy to make and will provide plenty of squishy fun!
Jump over to Made In A Pinch for more
Mess Free Sensory Autumn Leaf Painting
This fun and engaging activity is totally mess free, perfect for little ones that can’t quite be trusted with a paint brush….
Behind the leafy cutout is a sealed bag filled with Fall-colored paint (red, orange, yellow, and brown) ready for little hands to squish and swirl into a colorful sensory masterpiece.
Mess-fee autumn leaf painting from kidscraftroom
Want more sensory play ideas? Save these for later:
- 50 Christmas Sensory Activities & Bins
- 25 easy FAKE SNOW sensory activities
- 21 Fun & Easy Dinosaur Sensory Activities
- 75 Easy Sensory Activities For 1 Year Old Toddlers
- 27 Easy Messy Play Ideas for 1 & 2 Years
So Many Leafy Ways to Celebrate Fall!
Whether you’re using real leaves from the backyard or printable templates at the kitchen table, these Fall crafts and art projects are the perfect way to soak in the season. From sensory fun to creative keepsakes, there’s something here for every little artist.
With a few leaves and a little creativity, you’ve got everything you need for a season full of Fall fun.
____________________________________
Need more seasonal fun? These crafts have you covered!
