autumn craft ideas eyfs

Autumn Craft Ideas for EYFS

By David JacksonMay 1, 2026

As the leaves begin to turn and the air takes on a crisp chill, autumn arrives with its unique charm. For Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) educators and parents, this season presents a wealth of opportunities to engage children in creative and educational autumn craft ideas. Let's delve into some inspiring activities that align with EYFS learning goals and foster a love for arts and crafts.

Autumn crafts not only help children develop fine motor skills and creativity but also provide a platform to explore nature, colors, and shapes. Moreover, these activities encourage teamwork and social interaction, aligning perfectly with the EYFS framework's prime and specific areas of learning.

Nature-Inspired Crafts

Autumn is a treasure trove of natural materials that can be used to create beautiful and eco-friendly crafts. Encourage children to collect leaves, twigs, and pinecones during nature walks, and use these to create stunning art pieces.

a hand holding up a paper hedge with autumn leaves on it's head and eyes

a bowl of cereal next to a paper cut out of a tree with leaves on it

Safety is paramount when working with natural materials. Ensure children wash their hands thoroughly after handling items like leaves and twigs, and supervise young children when they're using tools like scissors or glue.

Leaf Art

Leaves are a staple of autumn crafts. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, providing ample opportunities for exploration and learning. Children can create leaf rubbings using crayons and paper, or paint and collage their leaves to create vibrant pictures.

some paper plates that have been made to look like foxes

three leaf shaped stickers sitting on top of a brown surface next to some leaves

two children are painting an autumn tree on paper

For a more structured activity, provide children with leaf templates and ask them to match the leaves to the correct template. This helps develop their understanding of shapes and sorting skills.

Pinecone Crafts

Pinecones are versatile materials that can be used to create a variety of crafts. Children can paint them and turn them into hedgehogs, birds, or even Christmas ornaments. They can also use pinecones to create textured prints, exploring the concept of patterns and textures.

For a sensory activity, fill pinecones with pompoms or small beads and seal the bottom with a hot glue gun (ensure this is done by an adult). Children can then shake the pinecones to hear the sounds inside, fostering an understanding of cause and effect.

a tree made out of handprints on a white paper with orange, yellow and green leaves

some oranges that have been made to look like jack o lantern pumpkins

a hedgehog made out of twigs next to some wood slices

an advertisement for kids'autumn conker art, with pictures of food in the background

several folded paper hedges sitting on top of a table

Autumn-Themed Crafts

Autumn is associated with a rich palette of colors, from the fiery reds and oranges of falling leaves to the deep blues and purples of a clear autumn sky. These colors can inspire a range of craft activities that help children develop their color recognition and mixing skills.

Moreover, autumn-themed crafts often revolve around seasonal symbols like pumpkins, acorns, and apples. Incorporating these into craft activities can help children learn about the changing seasons and the world around them.

Pumpkin Crafts

Pumpkins are synonymous with autumn. Children can paint or decorate small pumpkins, or create pumpkin pictures using paper plates, paint, and other craft materials. For a fun and educational activity, provide children with pumpkin seeds and ask them to count, sort, and graph the seeds based on size or color.

several wreaths made out of leaves hang on a gray wall with red and yellow ribbons

Leaf printing that toddlers can’t stop doing try today

pumpkins and other crafting supplies sitting on a table next to some orange string

three handprints with leaves painted on them, one is orange and the other is yellow

two children are making fall leaves out of construction paper on a table with scissors and tape

a child's hand is painting a tree on paper with autumn leaves around it

children are playing with pumpkins in an orange bowl

Fingerprint Fall Tree Craft - Toddler at Play

someone is painting silhouettes on black paper with yellow and green paint, while another person holds a sponge

handprints are hanging on the wall with words written in different colors and shapes

Simple Fall Craft Ideas to Celebrate the Season

a person holding up a piece of art with leaves on it in front of a field

two pictures of leaves with faces on them and one is made out of white paper

For a more tactile activity, provide children with playdough in autumn colors and ask them to create their own pumpkins. This helps develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Apple Crafts

Apples are another autumn staple. Children can create apple prints using paint and apples, or create apple pictures using paper plates, paint, and other craft materials. For a tasty activity, provide children with apples and a variety of dips like peanut butter, yogurt, or cream cheese, and ask them to explore different textures and tastes.

For a science-based activity, provide children with apples and a knife (ensure this is done under close supervision), and ask them to investigate the inside of an apple. They can observe the seeds, the core, and the flesh, and discuss their findings.

Autumn craft ideas offer a wealth of opportunities for EYFS children to learn, create, and explore. By incorporating these activities into their daily routines, educators and parents can foster a love for arts and crafts, while also supporting children's holistic development. So, let's embrace the season and get crafting!