When the calendar turns to 22nd September, Autumn officially steps in—and with it comes a magical transformation. The gentle chill in the breeze, cozy evenings, and most of all, the dazzling display of Fall colors remind us why this season feels so special. Trees shed their green summer coats and burst into shades of gold, red, brown, orange, and russet, painting landscapes like living artworks.

For kids, Fall is a sensory delight. Crunching leaves under tiny boots, collecting crisp leaf shapes, watching the wind swirl dry leaves in the air—it’s nature’s invitation to slow down, observe, and be creative. And what better way to enjoy the season than with Fall leaf crafts, full of texture, color, imagination, and hands-on fun?

This detailed guide brings you 20 fantastic Fall leaf crafts for kids, perfect for preschoolers, kindergarteners, primary school kids, and even older children who love nature-inspired art projects. These crafts use easy materials like paper, yarn, paint, real leaves, recycled items, and more. Whether you’re planning a classroom display, a cozy weekend project, or a Fall-themed learning activity, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here!

Why Fall Leaf Crafts Are Perfect for Kids

Fall leaf crafts do more than create pretty art—they offer educational and developmental benefits too:

• They teach children about seasons

Kids understand why leaves change color, fall off trees, and make room for fresh growth in spring.

• They help build fine motor skills

Cutting leaf shapes, weaving yarn, gluing small pieces, and tracing outlines strengthen hand muscles.

• They encourage observation skills

Kids notice leaf veins, sizes, textures, and patterns—an early introduction to botany.

• They allow creativity with natural materials

Leaves offer endless shapes, forms, and colors, giving children plenty of room to experiment.

• They support emotional expression

Fall colors create warm, cozy emotions—perfect for mindful crafting sessions.

Now, let’s explore the full list!

20 Fantastic Fall Leaf Crafts for Kids

1. Fall-Themed Corner Bookmarks

Reading takes on extra charm with Fall-themed corner bookmarks. Kids fold simple paper corners into leaf shapes, decorate them with red and yellow markers, and save their spot in any book with a seasonal twist.

2. Fall Paper Bunting Craft

A Fall-inspired banner instantly transforms a room. Kids cut paper leaves in various shapes—maple, oak, and birch—then string them onto yarn. Hang it above a bed, across a wall, or near a window for a cheerful Autumn vibe.

3. Leaf Weaving Craft

Perfect for kids under five, this activity strengthens fine motor skills. Cut a large paper leaf and make slits across it. Children weave yarn or thin paper strips through the openings to create patterns in warm Fall colors.

4. Origami Fall Leaf Craft

Origami offers a quiet, peaceful experience. Kids fold colorful paper into leaf shapes and mix shades like red, gold, orange, and brown to create a beautiful paper leaf pile

5. Crayon Rubbing Leaf Art

Place real leaves under a sheet of paper and rub crayons over the surface. The veins and outlines appear like magic, helping children appreciate natural details.

6. Painted Nature Leaves

Collect fresh or dry leaves and let kids paint patterns, faces, or Fall color gradients on them. Metallic paint adds a shiny touch that resembles real Autumn sunlight.

7. Leaf Shaped Suncatchers

Using tissue paper in warm hues, kids design leaf-shaped suncatchers that glow when placed on windows. Perfect for brightening indoor spaces as days get shorter.

8. Fall Leaf Slime (Sensory Craft)

Mix clear slime with leaf confetti, glitter, and orange or gold coloring to create a sensory Fall-themed slime. Kids LOVE this activity!

9. Salt Dough Leaf Imprints

Roll out salt dough, press real leaves onto the surface, and bake them. Once hardened, kids paint the imprints with Fall colors, making decorations that last for years.

10. Autumn Leaf Wreath

Cut a wreath ring from cardboard and glue paper or real leaves around it in layers. Hang it on a door or wall to mark the start of the season.

11. Fall Leaf Puppets

Stick googly eyes and paper mouths onto real leaves and attach them to craft sticks. These silly characters are great for storytelling and puppet shows.

12. Leaf Printing With Paint

Kids dip real leaves in paint and press them onto paper to create textured prints. Each leaf makes a unique pattern based on its veins.

13. Tissue Paper Fall Tree Craft

Crumple pieces of tissue paper in red, yellow, and orange, then glue them onto a paper tree silhouette. This 3D craft brings Fall foliage to life.

14. Fall Leaf Garland With Real Leaves

Dry real leaves between books, punch holes into them, and string them into a garland. A natural and beautiful decoration for any space.

15. Paper Mosaic Leaf Craft

Kids tear or cut tiny pieces of colored paper and glue them onto a large leaf outline. The finished mosaic looks colorful and artistic.

16. Fall Leaf Sensory Tray

Fill a tray with dry leaves, acorns, pinecones, small twigs, and scoops. Toddlers enjoy exploring textures, sounds, and shapes in this seasonal sensory setup.

17. Leaf Silhouette Resist Art

Place a leaf shape on paper, then paint over it using watercolors. When removed, a clean white leaf silhouette appears in the center—a beautiful Fall display.

18. Fall Leaf Crown

Kids create a paper or real-leaf crown and wear it as a seasonal accessory for Autumn playtime, photos, or outdoor walks.

19. Button Leaf Craft

Using a leaf outline, kids glue colorful buttons in Fall shades to fill the shape. It becomes a charming craft full of texture and fun.

20. Fall Leaf Mobile

Hang paper leaves, painted leaves, or clay leaf shapes from a stick to create a hanging mobile. It twirls beautifully when the breeze hits it.

Extra Fall Learning Activities to Pair With Crafts

• Nature Walk Leaf Hunt

Kids collect leaves from the ground and sort them by size, shape, or color.

• Books About Fall Foliage

Storybooks on seasons help children understand nature’s changes.

• Simple leaf science

Teach why chlorophyll breaks down and how leaves get their colors.

• Fall-themed journaling

Kids write or draw about their favorite Autumn sights.

Final Thoughts

Fall is a season filled with warmth, wonder, and nature’s most beautiful palette. These 20 fantastic Fall leaf crafts give children the chance to celebrate Autumn with creativity and imagination. Whether they’re making leaf puppets, weaving yarn through paper leaves, painting Fall scenes, or decorating the home with natural garlands, each craft becomes a memory of the golden season.