Fall Crafts for Toddlers & Preschoolers

As parents and caregivers, there’s nothing like the joy and pride of a child who’s created something all by themselves. Incorporating craft projects into your routine is a great way to help them achieve that sense of accomplishment. It also develops fine motor skills and hone creativity and problem-solving. Even more fun? Theming the crafts to align with the time of year! Here are some sure-to-please fall crafts for toddlers and preschoolers:

fall crafts for toddlers and preschoolers

Fall Leaf Crown

I KNOW my 3.5-year-old daughter would be all about one of these fall crowns! It’s a neat way to use leaves your child collects in the yard or a favorite park and turn them into something that can fuel their imagination in a big way. Instructions here! Photo and craft credit: How Wee Learn

Autumn Centerpiece Craft

This is a way to let your child use their hands to create something the whole family can enjoy all season long. This colorful art project uses both elements of nature and tissue paper to result in a pretty centerpiece to adorn your kitchen table (or something your child can proudly display in their room!). Instructions here! Photo and craft credit: How Wee Learn

Puffy Paint Pumpkins

Make your own puffy paint out of household items (you can even make it pumpkin spice scented!) and then let your kiddo get to painting! Instructions here! Photo and craft credit: Emma Owl

Colorful Patterned Owls

How adorable are these paper plate owls? I like that they’re a bit less of an expected theme for a fall craft as well: no leaves or Halloween here! They use products you likely already have at home, making this an easy one to pull out last minute. Instructions here!  Photo and craft credit: i heart crafty things

Handprint Spider Web

Your kiddo will get to personalize this spider with their handprints, and then use focus and fine motor skills to sew their web. It’s sure to be a hit! Instructions here! Photo and craft credit: Mom Endeavors

Easy Marbled Fall Leaves

If you’re up for a bit of a mess (the kind kids LOVE), this is a great fall craft option that results in beautiful leaves your child can proudly display to celebrate the season. Instructions here! Photo and craft credit: i heart arts n crafts

Beaded Witches Broomstick

Supplies: 

• beads
• pipe cleaners
• yellow construction paper
• scissors
• tape

Directions:

1. First, fold construction paper in half
2. Then, cut individual strips to create the brush part of the broom
3. Roll up the brush construction paper 
4. Place a small piece of tape about the thick part of the construction paper roll to keep it together
5. Take one pipe cleaner and wrap it around the thick part of the roll
6. Invite your child to thread beads along the pipe cleaner to decorate their witches broomstick!
7. Finally, tie a knot at the end of the pipe cleaner to keep the beads from sliding off 
8. Gift to a family member, use for decoration, or display in your childs room! 

Tips:

• Only use this craft with ages three and up
• Purchase halloween beads to keep it festive 
• This craft will help toddlers improve their fine motor skills 

Pumpkin Apple Stamps

Supplies: 

• apples
• orange craft paint
• green craft paint
• brown craft paint
• paint brushes
• white cardstock
• cutting board
• knife
• black sharpie 

Directions:

1. First, parent should cut the apple in half and dry the inside with a paper towel
2. Then, on a paper plate squirt orange paint, a little bit of green paint, & a little bit of brown paint
3. Dip the inside of the apple into the orange paint, making sure it is completely covered in paint, then stamp on your white paper
4. Using your paint brush, paint a stem and leaf on top of your pumpkin
5. Finally, let your pumpkins dry and then draw a funny face on each pumpkin
6. Display proudly on the fridge or in your playroom

Tips:

• Parents can precut the apple and let it dry for about 30 minutes
• Encouraged to complete this craft outside
• You can create a variety of patterns with your apple stamps

Fingerprint Fall Tree

Supplies: 

• white cardstock 
• orange craft paint
• red craft paint
• yellow craft paint
• green craft paint
• brown craft paint
• red sharpie
• paint brushes
• paper plate 

Directions:

1. First, parent or older child will paint the trunk and branches of the tree brown
2. Then, on a paper plate squirt orange paint, green paint, red paint, & yellow paint
3. Let your child use their little fingers to stamp colorful leaves all over the upper portion of the tree trunk!
4. Finally, write your favorite fall saying next to the tree
5. Display proudly on the fridge or gift to a family member

Tips:

• Encouraged to complete this craft outside
• Parent may need to help younger children with the stamping
• You may also use brown construction paper for the tree trunk and branches if you prefer 

Little Spider Hands 

Supplies: 

• black paint
• craft eyes
• orange construction paper
• white crayon 
• Paint brush 
• black sharpie

Directions:

1. First, squirt black paint onto a paper plate and paint your child’s hand 
2. Then, stamp your child’s hand onto the construction paper 
3. Repeat with the other hand
4. Let the paint dry, then glue craft eyes onto the handprints
5. Finally, Draw a spider web and smile with white crayon
6. Display proudly on the fridge or gift to a family member

Tips:

• Encouraged to complete this craft outside
• Parent will need to help the child with hand print and drawing of the spider web

I hope these autumn-themed crafts will inspire you to create with your kids this season! They make beautiful decorations and even better gifts.

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Craft Idea: Halloween Lantern