Autumn Leaf Activities for Kids: Crafts, Books, and Learning Fun

lisa thornton
Sep 17
4 min read

Autumn is one of the easiest times of year to bring nature into your homeschool. The world outside is bursting with color, the air is crisp, and every walk becomes a treasure hunt for vibrant leaves. For homeschool moms, autumn leaves are more than just seasonal beauty—they’re free teaching tools that spark curiosity, creativity, and wonder.

Whether you’re looking for leaf crafts for preschoolers, autumn leaf science activities for kids, or homeschool fall activities the whole family can enjoy, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.

Why Do Leaves Change Color in Fall? (Explaining Autumn Science to Kids)

Children notice everything: the crunchy sound underfoot, the swirling reds and yellows, and the sudden bare branches in late fall. Here’s a simple way to explain the science of autumn leaves:

In summer, leaves are green because of chlorophyll, which helps trees make food from sunlight.
In fall, shorter days and cooler weather tell trees to rest. The green fades, revealing hidden yellows and oranges.
Red and purple shades come from anthocyanins—the same pigment found in blueberries!
Evergreen trees keep their needles year-round because a waxy coating protects them from the cold.

Fun leaf facts:

A single oak tree can drop up to 200,000 leaves every autumn.
Fallen leaves create mulch that feeds the soil and shelters small creatures.
The largest leaf in the world belongs to the raffia palm and can reach over 80 feet long!

11 Beautiful Books About Autumn Leaves

Reading together is the perfect way to slow down and savor the season. These books will help your children appreciate autumn leaves in new ways:

Leaves by David Ezra Stein – A gentle story about a bear experiencing his first autumn.
We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger – A playful, interactive story for younger kids.
Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert – Imaginative collages created entirely with leaves.
Autumn Leaves by Ken Robbins – Gorgeous photos and leaf facts.
Why Do Leaves Change Color? by Betsy Maestro – A clear, child-friendly science explanation.
Look What I Did With a Leaf! by Morteza Sohi – Fun ideas for creating art with leaves.
Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert – A celebration of the life cycle of a tree.
Leaf Jumpers by Carole Gerber – Poetic text paired with bold illustrations.
Awesome Autumn by Bruce Goldstone – Nonfiction that explores the season in detail.
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak – A lyrical book about seasonal change.
Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schnur – A unique collection of poems that follows the alphabet through autumn’s sights and sounds.

These books are wonderful for cozy read-alouds, morning baskets, or as a springboard for crafts and nature walks.

Hands-On Autumn Leaf Activities for Kids

Fall leaves are perfect for learning across every subject: math, art, science, and even sensory play. Here are fun ideas for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary kids:

Leaf Rubbings: Place leaves under white paper, then rub with crayons or colored pencils to reveal their patterns.
Wax-Preserved Leaves: Dip colorful leaves in melted beeswax (or use wax paper and an iron) to keep their beauty. Hang them in a window for natural decor.
Leaf Sorting and Math Games: Preschoolers can sort by color, size, or shape. Older kids can count, graph, or measure them with a ruler.
Nature Journaling: Encourage kids to sketch leaves in a notebook, noting color and texture. Add poetry or copywork for language arts.
Leaf Sensory Bin: Fill a bin with dried corn, scoops, and artificial fall leaves (or pressed real ones). Toddlers will love pouring, raking, and exploring textures.
Leaf Collages and Animals: Glue leaves to paper to make people, animals, or abstract art. A fun way to combine creativity with fine motor skills.
DIY Leaf Wreaths: Cut a cardboard circle and glue leaves around it. Add ribbon for a seasonal decoration.
Pressed Leaf Bookmarks: Flatten leaves between heavy books, then laminate or tape to cardstock for simple homemade bookmarks.
Leaf Memory Game: Collect two of each type of leaf and play a matching game—great for observation skills.
Leaf Scavenger Hunt: Print a checklist of colors and shapes for kids to find on your next walk.
Outdoor Leaf Pile Play: Don’t underestimate the joy of jumping into a giant pile of leaves—it’s sensory play, exercise, and laughter all in one!

Why Autumn Leaf Activities Are Perfect for Homeschool Families

The best part about using leaves in your homeschool is how naturally they weave into every subject:

Science: Study photosynthesis, plant life cycles, and decomposition.
Math: Use leaves for counting, sorting, measuring, and graphing.
Art: Experiment with textures, collages, and wreath-making.
Sensory Play: Toddlers and preschoolers can explore bins, piles, and textures.
Literacy: Read books, write acrostic poems (inspired by Steven Schnur!), or create nature journals.

These activities don’t just check boxes for schoolwork—they create memories, slow your days, and help your children see God’s beauty in creation.

Simplify Your Planning with the Autumn Leaves Activity Pack

Want even more ready-to-go fall activities? I’ve created an Autumn Leaves Activity Pack filled with:

🍂 Leaf Identification poster and flashcards

Early literacy activities
Preschool and kindergarten math activities
Crafts and puzzles
Hands-on projects to make your homeschool days easier

It’s designed to save you time while keeping your kids engaged and learning through the beauty of autumn.

Bring the wonder of fall into your home this year with activities that nurture creativity, curiosity, and connection.