Fall Crafts For Toddlers
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Creating fun and engaging crafts with your toddler during the fall season is a wonderful way to celebrate the changing colors, cooler weather, and festive holidays. Fall is full of inspiration, from colorful leaves to pumpkins and everything in between.
For moms of toddlers, finding crafts that are easy to set up, not too messy, and safe for little hands is key. As a mom of four kids ages 7 and under with baby #5 on the way, I’ve tried a lot of different crafts with my toddlers over the years and have definitely found the best!
In addition to being easy and mess-free, all of my recommendations will steer clear of small pieces and parts that could be choking hazards for curious toddlers. Best of all, these fall craft ideas use simple supplies that you very likely already have at home or can find easily right outside your door.
Here’s a list of fall toddler crafts that are perfect for your little one and are sure to make for some creative and cozy autumn afternoons.
What Are Fall Crafts For Toddlers?
1. Leaf Painting
Leaf painting is a simple yet delightful craft that lets your toddler explore different colors and textures. Collect some large, smooth leaves from your backyard or a local park. Lay out some washable, non-toxic paints (here are my favorites for toddlers) in fall colors like red, orange, yellow, and brown. Let your toddler use the leaves as their canvas, painting directly on them. You can also place the painted leaves on paper to create beautiful prints. The best part? Cleanup is a breeze with a damp cloth, and there are no small pieces to worry about.
2. Pumpkin Stamps
Pumpkin stamps are a fun and safe way for toddlers to get involved in pumpkin-themed crafts without the need for carving tools. All you need are some small, foam pumpkins (you can find these at most craft stores), orange and green washable, non-toxic paint, and paper. Cut the pumpkins in half, and then let your toddler dip the flat side in paint and stamp it onto the paper. They’ll love seeing the pumpkin shapes appear, and you can easily wipe down any mess with a wet cloth.
3. Paper Plate Scarecrow
A paper plate scarecrow is a great craft that allows your toddler to practice their fine motor skills. You’ll need a paper plate, some construction paper in various colors, googly eyes (the larger, non-choking hazard kind), and non-toxic glue. Start by cutting out shapes for the scarecrow’s hat, eyes, nose, and mouth. Let your toddler glue these onto the paper plate to create a fun and friendly scarecrow face. For added flair, you can use yarn or strips of paper for the scarecrow’s hair.
4. Apple Stamping
Apple stamping is another easy and safe craft that toddlers will love. Cut an apple in half and remove the seeds. Provide your toddler with some washable, non-toxic paint in fall colors and let them dip the apple halves into the paint, then press them onto paper. The apple stamps create cute, autumn-themed patterns that can be used to decorate the house or make greeting cards. It’s a simple activity, but one that can keep toddlers entertained and creatively engaged.
5. Pinecone Bird Feeder
Help your toddler make a simple pinecone bird feeder to welcome the birds of fall. Find a large pinecone and tie a piece of string around the top. Then, help your toddler spread peanut butter or sunflower seed butter all over the pinecone. Once it’s fully coated, roll the pinecone in birdseed. This craft is not only fun but also a great way to teach your toddler about nature and caring for animals. Just be sure to supervise closely and opt for seed butter if your child has a peanut allergy.
6. Handprint Fall Tree
This craft is as personal as it is fun! On a large piece of paper, draw the outline of a tree trunk with branches. Then, have your toddler dip their hands in different fall-colored paints and press them onto the paper to create the leaves of the tree. The result is a beautiful, hand-made fall tree that can be hung up as a keepsake. Plus, there’s no need for scissors or small parts, making it perfectly safe for toddlers.
7. Pumpkin Sensory Bag
A pumpkin sensory bag is an excellent way for toddlers to explore textures without making a mess. Take a clear plastic bag and fill it with orange hair gel, some googly eyes, and small cutouts of black construction paper in the shape of a jack-o-lantern’s face. Seal the bag tightly and let your toddler squish and move the gel around to create different pumpkin faces. This craft is not only fun but also helps with sensory development.
8. Fall Leaf Wreath
Create a festive fall wreath using paper plates and construction paper. Cut out the center of a paper plate, leaving just the outer ring. Then, cut out leaf shapes from construction paper in various fall colors. Let your toddler glue the leaves around the paper plate ring to create a wreath. You can hang the finished wreath on a door or in a window. This craft is simple, safe, and a great way to introduce toddlers to the concept of seasons.
9. Acorn Painting
Acorn painting is a unique and fun craft that’s perfect for little hands. Collect some acorns and place them in a shallow box or tray. Drop some small blobs of non-toxic paint into the box, and then let your toddler roll the acorns around. The acorns will create fun and interesting patterns on the paper. This is a low-mess craft, and the rolling motion is great for developing fine motor skills.
10. Pumpkin Paper Lanterns
These adorable pumpkin lanterns are easy to make and perfect for fall. You’ll need orange construction paper, glue, and a bit of green paper for the stem. Fold the orange paper in half lengthwise, cut slits along the folded edge, and then open it up. Roll the paper into a cylinder shape and glue the ends together. Add the green paper on top as the stem. Place a battery-operated tea light inside to create a safe, glowing pumpkin lantern.
11. Corn Cob Painting
Corn cob painting is a tactile experience that toddlers will enjoy. Dip a corn cob in washable paint and let your toddler roll it across a piece of paper. The unique patterns left by the cob will look like abstract art. This craft is perfect for little hands and easy to clean up.
I recommend doing this one outside on a nice fall day if possible to ensure easy clean up!
Fall arts and crafts for toddlers
12. Leaf Suncatcher
Leaf suncatchers are a beautiful way to bring the colors of fall inside. Use clear contact paper and press leaves onto it. Cover with another piece of contact paper, and then cut it into shapes like circles or leaves. Hang them in the window, and watch the light shine through the colorful leaves. This craft is simple, mess-free, and safe for toddlers.
13. Pumpkin Spice Playdough
Make your own pumpkin spice playdough with just a few ingredients: flour, salt, water, cream of tartar, vegetable oil, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix the ingredients together on the stove until a dough forms. Once it cools, let your toddler play with the scented dough. It’s safe, non-toxic, and will keep your toddler entertained for hours.
14. Paper Bag Scarecrow Puppet
Turn a simple paper bag into a scarecrow puppet. Use markers, construction paper, and glue to create a face, hat, and straw-like hair. Let your toddler help with gluing on the pieces and drawing the face. Once done, they can use their new puppet for some imaginative play.
15. Apple Threading
Apple threading is a craft that doubles as a fine motor skill activity. Cut out apple shapes from cardboard and punch holes around the edges. Give your toddler some yarn to thread through the holes. It’s a simple activity that helps develop hand-eye coordination.
16. Acorn Collage
Collect acorns and let your toddler glue them onto a piece of cardboard or heavy paper to create a fall-themed collage. You can add leaves, twigs, and other natural materials to complete the look. This craft is safe and encourages creativity.
17. Footprint Ghosts
Make spooky but cute footprint ghosts using white paint and black paper. Paint the bottom of your toddler’s feet white and have them step onto the paper. Once the paint dries, add eyes and a mouth to create a ghost. It’s a fun and safe craft, and the results are adorable.
These also make great “gifts” for grandparents or other family members!
18. Pumpkin Stickers
Create a pumpkin patch scene using stickers. Give your toddler a sheet of pumpkin stickers and let them stick them onto a piece of paper to create a scene. You can add other elements like leaves or fences with markers or crayons. It’s a mess-free and fun craft for toddlers.
19. Autumn Handprint Art
Capture the season with handprint art. Paint your toddler’s hand in fall colors and press it onto paper. Add details like leaves, acorns, or pumpkins around the handprint. This craft is easy, safe, and makes for a wonderful keepsake.
20. Paper Plate Apple Core
This craft is both fun and educational. Use a paper plate to create an apple core by cutting out two sides and painting the remaining parts red or green. Add a brown construction paper stem and some seeds in the middle. It’s a simple craft that teaches about apples and the fall harvest.
Conclusion
Crafting with your toddler during the fall season is a wonderful way to bond and create lasting memories. These easy, safe, and creative crafts are perfect for little hands and will fill your home with the warmth and colors of autumn. Whether you’re making leaf prints, painting pumpkins, or creating adorable scarecrow puppets, these activities are sure to keep your toddler entertained and engaged all season long. So grab your supplies, gather your little one, and get ready for some fall crafting fun!
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