10 Fall Leaves Crafts For Kids Using Real Leaves

Last Updated on June 28, 2026 by Masha Eretnova

Fall is a perfect season for creativity as the colors are everywhere: orange, green, yellow, and red leaves, misty mornings, and purple sunsets are a great inspiration.

In age of screens and plastic toys, getting back to nature is an amazing way to spend quality time with kids, and these fall leaves crafts using real tree leaves are fantastic (cheap or zero cost) projects you can make with kids of any age, from toddlers to teens.

Fall Leaf Lanterns

Kids will enjoy turning the leaves they found outside into glowing fall lanterns the whole family can use to stay cozy on a chilly night. The best part is seeing the colors shine through the jar once the light is added. This is a simple fall craft that feels fun, hands-on, and special enough to display at home. Tip: use electric candles to make this craft safe for kids.

DIY Fall Leaf Bookmarks

Reading time feels more personal when kids use a bookmark they made with leaves they picked themselves. They can choose different colors and shapes, then arrange them in their own way. This easy fall craft is also a nice keepsake or handmade gift for teachers, friends, or family.

Fall Fairy Puppet Craft

This fall fairy puppet gives kids a fun character to play with after the craft is done. They can use leaves as wings, add yarn hair, and make each fairy look a little different. It’s a cute fall activity for pretend play, puppet shows, or making a whole fairy family.

DIY Autumn Pallet Sign

This autumn pallet sign is a nice craft for older kids, teens, or adults who enjoy making seasonal decor. The glitter swirl, fall leaves, and big autumn letters make it fun to decorate and personalize. It’s a pretty project to display on a shelf, mantel, or entryway for fall.

Fall Leaves Bookmark Craft For Kids

Here, kids get to turn their leaf hunt into bookmarks they can keep using after craft time. They can sort the leaves by color, size, or shape, then make their own design on each strip of cardstock. It’s a simple classroom or at-home fall craft that pairs nicely with reading time.

Fall Leaf Tree Craft

With real sticks and leaves, kids can build their own fall tree instead of just drawing one. They’ll enjoy picking the pieces from their nature walk and deciding where each leaf should go. It’s an easy craft that makes fall feel more hands-on and gives them a cute piece of nature art to display.

Fall Snow Globe

A fall snow globe makes the leaves feel fun to watch, not just collect. Kids can shake the jar and see the tiny foil leaves swirl around the branch like they’re falling from a tree. It’s a calm, mess-free fall activity that works well for sensory play or a cute seasonal decoration.

Simple Thanksgiving Place Setting Idea

For a Thanksgiving table, this place setting feels simple but still thoughtful. Guests get a personal name card tied with twine and a fall leaf, which makes each seat feel a little more special. It’s an easy idea for anyone who wants a warm, handmade touch without spending too much time on decor.

How to Press Flowers in Minutes

This Pressed flowers tutorial is perfect for older kids, teens, or adults who like making pretty nature crafts and the same steps apply to fall leaves! You can use pressed flowers and autumn leaves for cards, bookmarks, resin crafts, or handmade gifts.

Leaf Printing

Leaf printing lets kids see the tiny details of each leaf in a fun, hands-on way. They’ll enjoy painting the leaf, pressing it onto paper, and lifting it up to reveal the print underneath – any fall color goes (orange, green, yellow, red, or brown). This is a simple art activity for fall, but it also works with leaves from any season.