Fall crafts are my favorite! Decor, Halloween costumes, food, you name it. I love creating during this time of year! My daughter turns four next month, and it has been so fun to get her involved in some of the simpler projects, with some specifically geared towards her. Here are a few fun fall crafts you can try with your kids:
1. Painting Pumpkins
When I was a child, we would get together with my grandparents each year and make glitter pumpkins. You dip the top of the small pumpkin in glue, roll it in the glitter, and voila! A beautiful sparkly pumpkin! And sparkly hands, table, floor, car, cat. Let’s just say I have not been brave enough to pass on this tradition, but painting pumpkins is a blast!
Age: any, so long as you trust your kids with washable paint
Supplies: washable paint, paint brushes, pumpkins (any size, we love ones that kids can lift on their own)
Instructions: Your kids can paint the pumpkins once, or you can get some extra mileage out of this activity. Get a storage bin, put some washable paint in a muffin tin or bowls, give your child pumpkins and paint brushes, and let them go for it! In a separate storage bin, prep soapy water and scrub brushes for them to wash their pumpkins when they’re done to start over again. Guaranteed to keep your toddler busy for at least 30 minutes (which feels like forever in toddler time!). With good weather through most of October, this is an activity you can enjoy for a few weeks. Last year, my daughter was still painting pumpkins and washing them outdoors in November! If you want to try it inside, just lay a couple of beach towels down under your bins to help with the mess.
2. Hot Air Balloon
If you live in Albuquerque, Balloon Fiesta is probably one of the top things that comes to mind when you think of fall activities! Here’s a fun craft idea to do with your kids before you go:
Age: 3+ (younger children will need assistance)
Supplies: clear contact paper, tissue paper, construction paper, ribbon/straws/yarn, glue, scissors
Instructions: Cut a circle (or any shape you want for your balloon) out of the contact paper. Rip or cut the tissue paper into small pieces and stick it right to the contact paper. When done, cut a basket shape from the construction paper and use your ribbon (or other materials) to glue the basket to the balloon. Done! Be sure to hold it up to a window to see the light shine through!
3. Bats
Bats are perfectly spooky for Halloween, but this craft is one you can do in the summer if you have a trip to Carlsbad Caverns planned!
Age: 6-10, younger with assistance
Supplies: toilet paper roll, black paper, googly eyes, black pipe cleaner, pencil, scissors, glue, hole punch
Instructions: Wrap the toilet paper roll in black paper, then glue or staple it on. Cut out two small triangles to glue on the back for ears, and then glue two googly eyes to the front. Trace hands on black paper, cut them out, then glue them to the back (under the ears) for wings. Last, make two small hole punches in the front at the bottom and thread the pipe cleaner through. This creates feet so you can hang your bat upside down! My daughter hangs hers by its feet on her headboard when she’s not playing with it.
4. Jack-o’-Lantern Quesadillas
Can food be a craft? I vote yes! One of our favorite October meals is jack-o’-lantern quesadillas. These are quick and easy, and you can add or subtract ingredients based on each person’s preferences.
Age: any age, but consider your child’s maturity if they’re cutting their own quesadilla
Supplies: tortillas, cheese, knife, other toppings (green chiles, chicken, salsa, refried beans, ground beef, corn)
Instructions: You can find a lot of variations of this meal online, but I personally like to start by preheating my oven to 375. Lay tortillas flat on a baking sheet and layer with whatever toppings you prefer, then add shredded cheese. Each person cuts out a jack-o’-lantern face on a second tortilla and places it on top. You know your kiddos best, and age matters here—be sure to assist them with knives as needed! Cook the quesadillas in the oven for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is a bit toasted. Enjoy!
5. Painted Spider Web
Does anyone else feel like you get rid of the spider webs in your backyard, and the next day they’re all back? Here’s an idea for a spider web you won’t be sad to see!
Age: any, so long as you trust your kids with washable paint
Supplies: cardboard (Amazon, cereal box, anything will work!), painter’s tape, washable paint, paint brushes
Instructions: Make a spider web shape on the cardboard using painter’s tape. (Pro tip: push the tape firmly to the cardboard so paint doesn’t get underneath.) Then let your child paint the whole thing! When it dries, pull the tape off for a perfect spider web. If you want something a little more low-key, get a piece of yarn and either white paper and black paint OR black paper and white paint. Drag the yarn through the paint and across the paper for a more abstract spider web. Bonus points if you add a spider later!
Happy crafting!
And check out some delicious fall recipes here for more seasonal fun.
