I first painted on a tree with bare branches onto a huge piece of white card. I use card for this type of activity because my 2 year old is a generous painter and it stops the paint ripping the paper. I put autumnal paint colours into old takeaway containers with half an apple in each. I modelled and explained that we were going to use the apples to create the leaves falling off the trees and away we went. This autumn craft idea was wonderful for my 2 year old to create a visually effective piece but also enabled us to talk about the colours of the leaves, where we were stamping our apples and beginning to explore purposeful colour mixing. Lovely autumn craft idea for my 2 year old.
Our Best Autumn Craft Ideas
These are some of our favourite autumn art and craft ideas for toddlers and older children that you can try at home. Autumn is one of my favourite times of the year. The colour change of the leaves is spectacular and a great talking point with children. This colour change and the love of collecting autumn leaves has inspired these autumn craft activities. There are so many great autumn craft ideas out there but these were all so easy to setup and great fun for our toddlers and older children.
Crayon and Watercolor Autumn Leaves
So for this all you need is some white paper, crayons and some water colour paints. Water colours are great for younger children to experiment with. Draw an outline of the leaves on the paper with the crayons. Then your children can get to work with the water colour paints. My two have really taken to painting with watercolor paints and it makes such a lovely change to the poster paints we often use. M was so careful when painting and this was a great activity for their motor skills, without them realising it. M also really focused on colour mixing. My 2 year old was also very keen to get colour mixing but she wanted to mix on the actual paint. She enjoyed it nonetheless and was very proud of her finished creation. They both enjoyed this autumn craft idea so much that they wanted more paper to create another autumnal painting each.
Tissue Paper Autumn Leaves Suncatcher
I would normally use sticky backed plastic for this autumn craft idea but I have been conscious of moving away from unnecessary plastic waste so thought I would try using glue and baking paper to create the same effect. For this activity you will need PVA glue, baking paper and coloured tissue paper ripped into small pieces. I drew a rough outline of a leaf onto the baking paper but then cut a large circle around it. This was as I knew that there gluing would not be that accurate and so would stop too much glue going onto the surface underneath. I also put a sheet of newspaper down to protect the surface underneath from overzealous toddlers with glue! I actively encouraged my two to go a bit crazy with the glue. They covered the entire surface with glue to start off with before sticking the tissue paper on. Once the tissue paper covered the leaf we put another layer of glue on top. This makes the surface nice, flat and shiny and helps the sunlight shine through. Although this was slightly messy it was a successful autumn craft idea. The only downside for my two was having to wait for the glue to dry! Once the glue was dry I cut out the actual outline of the leaf.
Autumn Painting Activities
Can your children turn an apple into a pumpkin? They can with this fun autumn craft! These pumpkin apple stamps are fun for kids of all ages. Homeschool Preschool
Using contact paper stencils makes these fall leaf paintings super simple for kids to make. Homebound but Hopeful
Cut an apple in half and use it to create some apple prints. You may even inspire your kids to try painting with other autumn items. Crafty Moms Share
When the leaves change colors, help your kids explore autumn colors with some fall trees marbled paint resist art. The Preschool Toolbox
Salt painting is a fun process art activity. There’s no wrong way to do it. This pumpkin salt painting is perfect for fall! Natural Beach Living
Decorate your dinner table with some cookie cutter fall placemats handmade by your favorite kiddos. Projects with Kids
These cute happy/sad finger painted pumpkins are perfect for Halloween. Fun with Mama
Cut out or order some tissue paper leaves, and you’ve got the perfect base for some beautiful watercolor fall leaf art for preschoolers. Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds
Kids will be amazed at how they can paint pumpkins with paintballs in this quick STEAM activity. From Engineer to SAHM
This DIY colorful fall wreath is easy enough that your toddler can help make it. Mommy’s Bundle
Your kids can build fine motor skills as they create a beautiful autumn tree painting with cotton balls. Projects with Kids
I remember using vegetables as stamps when I was little. Preschoolers will love potato stamping pumpkins this fall! Natural Beach Living
This fun fall painting activity is perfect for energetic toddlers and preschoolers! It involves fine motor and gross motor movements, and it results in a unique art project your kids will love to display. Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds
Here’s an art project that provides a unique twist to ordinary leaf painting. Your kids will build fine motor muscles as they squeeze paint dots on their leaves. The Best Ideas for Kids
Next time you go on a walk, have your kids collect some fallen leaves. Then, they can use them to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind mandala leaf print. The Craft Train
This painting leaves art project is so simple and results in a beautiful piece of fall art. Simple Fun for Kids
Recycle an old newspaper to create a fun newspaper leaf garland to decorate your home this fall. Red Ted Art
I love how painting with q-tips creates a pointillistic effect. Your kids will love this autumn tree q-tip painting project. Woo Jr.
Take a nature walk with your little ones and gather some smooth rocks and small leaves. Use these to make easy leaf prints on rocks. It’s so easy to do! Projects with Kids
Have your kids tried marble painting with shaving cream? If not, these marbled leaves are a great reason to try it. Simple Fun for Kids
Kids can try their hand at color mixing with this autumn leaf painting art project. Arty Crafty Kids
Gather some pinecones – big and small – and let your kids use them as their “paintbrush” in this awesome pinecone rolling painting activity. Crafts on Sea
No pinecones available? Why not let your kids try painting with pumpkins instead. My Bored Toddler
I’ve shared a few different ways to paint autumn trees. This cork printed autumn tree is another fun activity to try. Rainy Day Mum
Must Have Resources:
When completing these autumn crafts for preschoolers, I find that the following resources are very helpful to have on hand.
Fill your book basket with a great collection of autumn books for kids. Most of these books can be found at your local library or used bookstore.
If you have a hard time finding them, you can order them through my Amazon affiliate links by clicking the images below.
Autumn is Here! – Celebrate the coming of autumn with your child as you cuddle up and enjoy a sweet look at how the world changes along with the season. With beautiful watercolor illustrations and charming descriptions, you and your child will be wishing it was autumn year round!
Fall Weather, Cooler Temperatures – Brr! It’-s starting to get chilly! Find out how weather changes during fall. See how people and animals get ready for cooler temperatures. Let’s grab our coats and mittens! What happens in fall?
Hedgehugs Autumn Hide-and-Squeak – Horace and Hattie are hedgehogs and the very best of friends. Together they make shadow puppets, follow slimy snail trails, and search for spider webs. One autumn day they are watching the leaves fall from the trees when they hear a squeak . . . Could it be a new friend to play with?
Round Out Your Autumn Theme with These Activities:
Story stones are a lot of fun for little ones. With a set of autumn story stones, preschoolers can use their imaginations and retell their favorite autumn stories.
Put some plastic pumpkins, leaves, and acorns in a bowl for your preschoolers. Use them to work on colors, counting, patterning, and more.
Get your kids in the kitchen this fall when you ask them to help you make a batch of autumn spice cookies.
