11 Fall Crafts to Do With Kids on a Rainy Day

Rainy days in fall can feel long when kids are stuck indoors, but they’re also the perfect chance to try some fun seasonal projects. From simple paper creations to hands-on activities with leaves, pinecones, and pumpkins, there are plenty of easy ideas to keep little ones busy. These crafts bring the colors and textures of autumn inside while giving kids something creative to enjoy.

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Leaf Rubbings with Crayons

This classic activity is simple, yet it feels magical to kids. By placing a leaf under a sheet of paper and rubbing a crayon over it, the hidden veins and shapes come to life. Children love seeing different patterns appear depending on the type of leaf they collect. It’s also a fun way to sneak in a little nature learning.

To keep things interesting, encourage kids to use multiple colors on one page. They can even turn their rubbings into greeting cards or seasonal wall art. Mixing small and large leaves creates a patchwork effect that looks like a real autumn forest. It’s easy to keep them busy for a rainy afternoon with nothing more than paper and crayons.

Pumpkin Painting

Pumpkin painting is less messy than carving and safe for little hands. Kids can decorate mini pumpkins with acrylic paint, markers, or stickers. Some may want to give their pumpkins silly faces, while others might prefer bright patterns. No two pumpkins will look the same, which makes the results even more fun.

Add glitter, googly eyes, or even bits of fabric for extra detail. Older kids may enjoy painting scenes or characters, while younger ones can just splash on color. Painted pumpkins also last longer than carved ones, so they make great decorations around the house. Best of all, the cleanup is much easier compared to carving.

Handprint Trees

Handprint trees are both personal and seasonal, making them a favorite keepsake craft. By painting a child’s hand in autumn colors and stamping it on paper, the handprint becomes the tree’s leaves. The trunk can be painted or drawn, and each handprint creates a layered effect. It’s a fun activity that doubles as a memory to look back on later.

To make the project more colorful, kids can use a mix of reds, yellows, and oranges for each print. Parents often save these as fall decorations or gifts for grandparents. The project can also be adapted into a family tree by having everyone add their own handprints. It’s simple, but the final result is always meaningful.

Mason Jar Lanterns

Mason jar lanterns glow beautifully on a gray day. Kids can glue tissue paper in autumn shades onto the outside of a jar, then place a battery candle inside. The soft light shines through the colors, creating a cozy effect. It’s safe for kids since no open flame is involved.

This project is versatile because the jars can be used as night-lights or table decorations. Kids enjoy choosing their own tissue paper patterns, whether solid colors or mixed designs. Add ribbons or twine around the rim for an extra seasonal touch. They make great little gifts for neighbors or teachers too.

Acorn Jewelry or Keychains

Acorns are easy to find outside in fall, and kids love turning them into small treasures. By painting them in bright shades or covering them with glitter, each acorn becomes unique. Once decorated, they can be strung onto necklaces or attached to key rings. It’s a craft that brings nature indoors in a fun way.

Older children can experiment with patterns, while younger ones may just enjoy dipping the acorns in paint. You can even use metallic paint to make them look like tiny ornaments. These creations are simple enough for a rainy day, but they feel special because kids can wear or share them afterward. It’s a small project that sparks big smiles.

Pinecone Bird Feeders

Pinecone bird feeders are a favorite because they mix crafting with helping wildlife. Kids spread peanut butter onto pinecones, then roll them in birdseed. Once hung outside, the feeders attract different types of birds. It’s fun for children to watch who comes to visit.

This activity teaches kids to care for nature while keeping them busy indoors. They can decorate the pinecones with ribbons before hanging them, giving each one a festive look. Parents may want to hang them near a window so the whole family can enjoy the view. It’s an easy craft that creates a connection between kids and the outdoors.

Fall Wreaths

Making wreaths from paper plates and leaves gives kids a chance to decorate for the season. By cutting out the center of a paper plate, you’re left with a perfect base. Children can glue on paper leaves, real leaves, acorns, or even ribbon bows. The results can be hung on a door or wall for instant fall cheer.

Encourage kids to mix textures by combining natural items with paper or fabric scraps. This variety makes each wreath look different and adds depth to the design. Younger kids may focus on color, while older ones may enjoy arranging items in patterns. It’s a versatile project that works for any age group.

Pumpkin Slime

Pumpkin slime is messy but entertaining. By mixing glue, food coloring, and a safe activator, kids can make stretchy slime in orange shades. Adding pumpkin seeds, glitter, or cinnamon gives it a seasonal twist. Kids love the gooey texture and endless ways to stretch and mold it.

The project doubles as sensory play, which keeps little ones engaged. Store the slime in jars so it can be reused later in the week. Some families even decorate the jars like jack-o’-lanterns for added fun. While it takes a bit of setup, the payoff is hours of hands-on play.

Apple Stamp Art

Apple stamp art turns snack time into a craft. By cutting an apple in half, dipping it in paint, and pressing it on paper, kids create fun shapes and patterns. The star shape inside the apple is always a surprise to see. This activity blends creativity with curiosity about everyday items.

Kids can mix different colors of paint for a layered effect. Adding stems and leaves with a brush turns the stamps into full apple pictures. The finished artwork can be used for homemade cards, wrapping paper, or simple wall displays. It’s an easy way to brighten up a rainy afternoon.

Corn Husk Dolls

Corn husk dolls have been around for centuries, and kids still enjoy making them today. With dried husks tied together at the ends, they quickly take on the shape of little figures. Children can decorate them with markers, fabric scraps, or twine. Each doll has its own personality, depending on how it’s styled.

This project is perfect for teaching a bit of history while keeping hands busy. Families can make a group of dolls to set up as a display. Kids may even create tiny accessories for their dolls, like hats or capes. It’s a simple, traditional craft that feels special because of its rustic charm.

Leaf Crowns

Leaf crowns are easy to make and fun to wear. By taping or gluing colorful leaves onto a strip of paper, kids create their own seasonal headpiece. Every crown looks different depending on the shapes and colors of the leaves. It’s a quick way to bring autumn indoors.

Children often enjoy parading around the house once their crown is complete. You can add extra details like glitter, ribbon, or painted designs to make them stand out more. It’s a craft that doubles as a costume accessory for playtime. Leaf crowns are simple, yet they feel magical to kids.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.