Simple Fun Fall Crafts for All Ages

By Jamie Kaun

In Ohio, we are still experiencing warm days, but the excitement for fall is definitely in the air as we dream of all things pumpkin, leaves, hayrides and corn mazes. It’s also a great time for the whole family to get creative with crafts.

As a former PreK teacher and mom of four, I have found that nearly all younger kids love making crafts, especially if they play an active role in gathering supplies for those crafts. One of my favorite things to do with my classes every fall was to go on a scavenger hunt and find items for our crafts, like leaves, acorns, pine cones, sticks and rocks.

After the fun of the scavenger hunt, kids can take their treasures and make some amazing fall-themed crafts. If you need some inspiration, a few simple projects are below. They require basic art supplies that you likely have at home. Click on the craft names for step-by-step instructions and pictures of each project. 

Bark Owls or Pine Cone Owls
All you need are acorns, tree bark, twigs, tree seeds and glue. Older kids can create these all on their own but younger kids may need a little more assistance.  

Popsicle Stick Scarecrows
With just a few popsicle sticks, construction paper, glue and paint, kids can get creative by making fall-favorite scarecrows.

Leaf Sun Catchers
If the kiddos in your life are like mine – they love making things. So many things that it gets challenging figuring out what to do with them or how to display them. Leaf sun catchers are a great way for them to display their creativity while adding a festive look to your windows. All you need is tissue paper, glue, construction paper, and laminating sheets or contact paper.  

Fall Snow Globes
A super simple and fun craft kids can enjoy over and over are fall snow globes. With just a few simple supplies (baby food or small jar, oil and paint), they can have the fun of collecting and crushing leaves and shaking their creations infinitely.

Looking for something for the older kids and/or adults to make? Etched glass projects offer endless possibilities – from drinking glasses to luminaries. One fun project is using a cutting machine (like a Shilouette or Cricut) to cut vinyl patterns such as bats, leaves, pumpkins, witches or whatever makes you think of fall. You will need those vinyl pieces along with glass jars, etching cream, a paint brush and faux votive tea lights. These make amazing and relatively inexpensive gifts too!

For fun hands-on art instruction, the Dayton YMCA offers art classes for kids at the Coffman and Fairborn locations. To check out what’s available or to register, visit this link.

Happy fall, y’all!