A crisp breeze is in the air, the leaves are turning, PSLs are on repeat and…your kids are still making a dang mess in your personal autumn paradise. Check out our favorite fall activities and crafts to keep little ones engaged—without all the clean up fuss. These no-mess fall activities are perfect to do with your kids while you’re home, or to recommend the next time you book a babysitter.
10 fall activities for kids—without the mess
Leaf People
This simple craft is perfect for kids of all ages, and will get the whole family outside for some fresh air. Take a walk around the backyard or the neighborhood and collect beautiful fall leaves. Then, apply sticky googly eyes and watch as your leaves transform into people! Finally, draw a face—or skip it if you’re not in the mood for magic marker hands.
Coffee Filter Lollipops
This classic Halloween craft is an absolute must—it’s easy and adorable. Grab some coffee filters or tissues and wrap them tightly around Blow Pops, Tootsie Pops, or any kind of round lollipop. Tie the tissue around the base with string, twine, ribbon or pipe cleaners, and add a ghostly face with a marker. You can hang them around the house as decor, or hand them out as treats on Halloween!
Fall Leaf Garland
All you need for this fun craft are some leaves from the yard, a hole puncher, yarn and tape!.Get the kids involved to create beautiful, handmade fall decor for your home. Stringing the leaves onto twine is a perfect fine-motor skill activity for littles, and older kids will flex their design muscles with creative patterns.
Pipe Cleaner Pumpkins
These pipe cleaner pumpkins are perfect for preschoolers. Threading the beads onto the pipe cleaners hones fine motor skills and leaves you with a super cute craft. As always, be sure to supervise as this craft involves small parts.
Beaded Harvest Corn
We adore this festive beaded corn craft. It only requires pipe cleaners, beads, and scissors. It creates a beautiful, realistic representation of the harvest season. Again, be sure to supervise when using small parts like pony beads.
Washi Tape Pumpkins
Decorate pumpkins with fun patterned tape of your choosing. Precut the tape for little ones and let them have fun applying it to the pumpkins. Does it get any easier?
Corn Shaker Music Activity
A great sensory activity for littles, this craft only requires corn and an empty bottle. A perfect fall-themed musical exploration to enjoy all season long.
Apple Sorting Activity
Toddlers and preschoolers will love using their beginning analytical skills to sort plastic apples into bins based on color. You can also use real apples if you have them on hand!
Leaf Letter Match
This alphabet matching game only requires three supplies—felt leaves, a marker, and clothespins. This sensory game introduces the alphabet in an exciting, fall-themed way.
Fall Books
We couldn’t forget out our absolute favorite fall activity—reading! Check out these fall book recommendations from an early education teacher. Then, cozy up with your little ones for some quality reading time. Savvy mom tip: many thrift stores have an amazing selection of children's books at great prices.
Need a little time for some fall fun of your own?
Three words: Book. The. Sitter. Back-to-school season can get hectic, whether you have littles or school-aged kids. Taking a little time for yourself or to check off your to-do list is much-needed for your mental health. Don't have family or friends nearby? No sweat. There are plenty of babysitting apps that can help.
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Have more questions?
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