Cozy Crafts for Cool Days: Easy DIY Projects to Keep the Kids Entertained This Fall!

Cozy Crafts for Cool Days: Easy DIY Projects to Keep the Kids Entertained This Fall!

It’s starting… 🍂 As the days get cooler and the leaves start to fall, it’s the perfect time to cozy up indoors with some fun DIY projects that will keep your little ones entertained. Whether you’re looking for activities to fill a rainy afternoon or just want to embrace the autumn vibes, we’ve got a list of easy and creative crafts that your kids will love. So grab your supplies, and let’s get crafting!

1. Leaf Print Art 

Turn a walk in the park into an art project by collecting some colorful fall leaves! Leaf print art is a simple yet beautiful way to capture the essence of the season.

What You’ll Need:

  • Assorted fall leaves
  • Paint (in autumn colors like red, orange, yellow, and brown)
  • Paintbrushes or sponges
  • Paper or canvas
@playtolearnps How to Make Easy, Eye-catching Leaf Art 😍 🍁Gather fall leaves. We like to go on a leaf hunt around our playground. We observe the trees as they change colors and pick leaves off of the ground. 🍁Paint the leaves with tempera sticks. We used @kwikstix in autumn colors. Students can paint the top or bottom of the leaf. Both work and turn out beautifully! 🍁Press the leaf to paper. Turn the leaf over and give it a little massage to press the paint onto the paper. 🍁Peel the leaf away. When you peel the leaf away, it reveals a gorgeous, easy print. Preschool students are amazed by the results. 🍁Repeat over and over again! Find more Fall Art ideas here: https://playtolearnpreschool.us/process-art-for-autumn/ #LeafArt #AutumnCrafts #FallLeaves #DIYArt #PreschoolCrafts #NatureCrafts #ArtWithKids #LeafPrinting #CreativeKids #TemperaPaint #ArtProjects #NatureInspired #OutdoorArt #LeafCollecting #KidsCrafts #ArtisticFun #CraftyKids #SeasonalArt #NatureCreativity #LeafHunt #LeafyFun #ArtisticPlay #CreativeChildren #ColorfulLeaves #Printmaking #EasyArt #KidFriendly #FallInspiration #ArtfulPlay #CreativeProcess #ArtForKids ♬ Summer day - TimTaj

How to Do It:

  • Paint one side of the leaf with your chosen colors.
  • Press the painted side onto the paper or canvas.
  • Gently lift the leaf to reveal a gorgeous print!
  • Repeat with different leaves and colors to create a full autumn scene.

Pro Tip: Let your kids mix and match colors for a unique look. Frame their masterpieces for a touch of seasonal decor!

2. DIY Pinecone Bird Feeders

Bring a little nature to your backyard with DIY pinecone bird feeders. Not only is this craft fun, but it also teaches kids about caring for wildlife.

What You’ll Need:

  • Pinecones (gathered from your yard or a nearby park)
  • Peanut butter (or a nut-free alternative)
  • Birdseed
  • String or yarn
@move2playtoys Craft time + caring for wildlife = a win-win! 🐦✨ Let’s turn those pinecones into birdie buffets and teach the kiddos how to be little nature heroes. 🍂🧶 What You’ll Need: Pinecones (gathered from your yard or a nearby park) Peanut butter (or a nut-free alternative) Birdseed String or yarn #DIYBirdFeeder #CraftyAndQuirky #Move2Play #FeatheredFriends ♬ gilmore lala - <3
How to Do It:
  • Tie a piece of string or yarn around the top of the pinecone.
  • Spread peanut butter all over the pinecone, getting into the nooks and crannies.
  • Roll the pinecone in birdseed until it’s fully coated.
  • Hang it up outside and watch the birds enjoy their treat!

Pro Tip: Make several feeders and hang them in different spots to attract a variety of birds. Your kids will love watching their feathered friends visit throughout the season!

3. Autumn Suncatchers 

Capture the warm glow of fall sunlight with these beautiful autumn suncatchers. They’re super easy to make and look amazing hanging in a window.

What You’ll Need:

  • Transparent contact paper
  • Colorful tissue paper (in fall colors)
  • Scissors
  • String or ribbon for hanging
@iheartartsncrafts Ghost Suncatcher Craft 👻 for kids #halloween #kidscrafts #momlife #kidscrafts #craft #kidsactivities #craftymoms #momsontiktok #kidsplayideas #diy #momtok #fyp #crafty ♬ Fall October Halloween horror classic(177261) - rareNote

How to Do It:

  • Cut the contact paper into your desired shape (leaves, pumpkins, etc.).
  • Tear or cut the tissue paper into small pieces.
  • Stick the tissue paper onto the sticky side of the contact paper, creating a mosaic effect.
  • Seal with another layer of contact paper.
  • Punch a hole at the top and add string or ribbon to hang.

Pro Tip: Get creative with shapes and colors! These suncatchers also make great gifts for grandparents or teachers.

4. DIY No-Sew Fleece Blankets 

As the weather cools down, there’s nothing better than snuggling up with a warm blanket. Let your kids make their own cozy fleece blankets with this simple no-sew project.

What You’ll Need:

  • Fleece fabric in two coordinating colors or patterns
  • Scissors
  • Measuring tape
@mrswebersneighborhood #halloween #diyfleeceblanket #nosewblankets #fallinmichigan ♬ Just Can’t Get Enough - The Black Eyed Peas

How to Do It:

  • Lay the two pieces of fleece fabric on top of each other, aligning the edges.
  • Cut a square out of each corner (about 4x4 inches).
  • Cut fringe along all four sides (about 4 inches long and 1 inch wide).
  • Tie the top and bottom fringe pieces together in knots.

Pro Tip: This is a perfect project for siblings or friends to do together. They can personalize their blankets by choosing patterns they love—whether it’s their favorite animals, sports teams, or colors!

5. Painted Pumpkin Rocks 

If you’re looking for a craft that combines creativity with a touch of the outdoors, painted pumpkin rocks are the way to go. They’re easy to make and can be used to decorate your home or garden for the fall season.

What You’ll Need:

  • Smooth rocks (gathered from outside or bought at a craft store)
  • Orange, green, and black paint
  • Paintbrushes
  • Optional: Googly eyes, glitter, or markers for added fun
@noplayerlies Jack Skellington rock Painting! Halloween activity for all ages! #jackskellington #rockpainting #halloweendecor #rockart #halloweenpainting #halloweenactivities #halloweencraftsforkids #halloweenctaft #plaidcrafts @Plaid Crafts #acrylicpainting #rockpaintingtutorial #paintingtutorial #paintingtutorials #arttutorial #arttutorials #tiffanytutorials #paintingtips #hallowrendiy #diy #diyhalloweendecor #halloweencrafts #halloweencrafting #halloween #craft #rockartist #paintingrocks #jackskellingtonart #jackskellingtonpainting #nightmarebeforechristmas #cutehalloweencrafts #cutecrafts #halloweenideas ♬ This Is Halloween - Hairy & Scary Creatures

How to Do It:

  • Start by painting your rocks orange to resemble pumpkins.
  • Once dry, add green stems and black faces to create jack-o’-lanterns.
  • Get creative with different facial expressions—silly, spooky, or cute!

Pro Tip: Display these pumpkin rocks on your front porch, in the garden, or as a centerpiece on the dining table. Your kids will love seeing their artwork as part of your home’s fall decor!

And there you have it—five cozy crafts to keep your kids entertained on those cool fall days. These DIY projects are perfect for creating special memories together, and they double as great ways to bring a bit of autumn indoors. So gather your supplies, get creative, and enjoy the cozy season with your little ones!

Don’t forget to let the pumpkin bubbles set the mood - and share your finished projects with us! Tag us on social media! We’d love to see your fall creations. Happy crafting!

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