Collecting leaves first
Most leaf activities start with a walk. Gather leaves from the ground rather than pulling them from trees, and choose a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.
- Check the rules where you are. Some parks and protected areas ask visitors not to remove natural items, so a photo may be the better souvenir there.
- Pick leaves that are dry or only slightly damp for crafts. Very wet leaves can turn mushy.
- Avoid leaves near busy roads, and wash hands after handling them. Some plants, such as poison ivy, can cause skin reactions, so teach children to look first and avoid plants they cannot identify.
- A paper bag or small bucket works better than a plastic bag, which can trap moisture.
Outdoor leaf play
- Leaf piles. Rake a pile and let children jump in. Check the pile for sticks or debris first.
- Leaf sorting. Sort by color, size or shape, or line leaves up from smallest to largest.
- Leaf hunt. Give children a short list of colors or shapes to find. A broader version is our outdoor fall scavenger hunt.
- Leaf boats. Let large, sturdy leaves float in a shallow puddle or tub.
- Leaf art on the ground. Arrange leaves into faces, animals or patterns, then take a photo and leave them behind.
Leaf science and observation
Leaves are a gentle way to introduce science to children.
- Compare leaves from different trees and look at the edges, veins and shapes.
- Talk about why many trees lose their leaves in fall. A simple explanation is that shorter days and cooler temperatures lead trees to stop making green chlorophyll, which lets other colors show.
- Use a magnifying glass to look at veins.
- Start a simple chart of which leaves come from which trees, using a field guide or a free identification app.
Leaf crafts
Crafts are the most common category in search results. Here are simple versions most people can do with household supplies.
- Leaf rubbings. Place a leaf under paper and rub the side of a crayon across it.
- Leaf collage. Glue leaves onto paper or card to make animals, people or scenes.
- Leaf wreath. Glue leaves onto a paper plate ring or card circle.
- Sun catchers. Sandwich leaves between clear contact paper and cut out a shape for the window.
- Leaf prints. Brush washable paint on a leaf and press it onto paper.
- Garland. Thread or tape dry leaves onto string.
Use washable, child-safe supplies, and supervise young children with scissors and small items.
Ideas for toddlers and preschoolers
Keep it simple and sensory.
- Crinkle and sniff leaves, and talk about how they feel.
- Pick up leaves with a small container or tongs for fine motor practice.
- Press leaves onto sticky contact paper stuck to a window.
- Sort leaves into two baskets by color.
Watch toddlers closely, as they may try to put leaves in their mouths.
Leaf activities for adults
- Take photographs of leaves in good light, such as early morning or late afternoon.
- Press leaves between book pages for framing or journaling.
- Start a leaf identification journal and add to it each season.
- Use a leaf walk as a gentle exercise outing, such as a trail from our fall season activities ideas.
Preserving leaves
- Pressing. Place leaves between sheets of paper inside a heavy book for a week or two.
- Wax paper. Some people iron leaves between sheets of wax paper on low heat. Use caution with the iron, and have an adult do this step.
- Glycerin or sprays. Craft stores sell products intended to help leaves keep their color and flexibility; follow the label.
FAQ
What are some fun crafts I can make with fall leaves? Rubbings, collages, wreaths, prints and sun catchers are popular and simple.
What are some activities for kids with autumn leaves? Leaf piles, scavenger hunts, sorting and crafts all work well.
Can I take leaves from a park? It depends on the rules. Some parks allow gathering fallen leaves, while others ask you not to remove anything. Check signs or the park website.